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Art. LVI.—The Coals and Coal Fields in the Province of Auckland.
[Read before the Auckland Institute, 11th October, 1875.]
In bringing this subject before the Institute, it is not so much with the idea of entering into the chemistry of the subject as to show the absurdity of importing every year, as we do, enormous quantities of coal at a very large cost to the Colony, when we already have in the Colony a superior article to that imported.
With this object in view I will, in the first place, mention that, during the year 1873, there was imported into New Zealand no less than 108,203 ¼ tons of coal; valued at £187,833; and, in 1874, 128,719 tons, valued at £211,081. Now, it will be at once seen, what a vast benefit it would prove if this large sum of money could be retained in the colony.
I will now show, that we have in the province of Auckland a very superior class of coals. For the sake of comparison, I will in the first place, give the analysis of the two coals principally used in Auckland—namely, the Bay of Island and the Newcastle coals:—
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| Bay of Islands. | Newcastle. | |
|---|---|---|
| Volatile and organic matter | 29.94 | 24.80 |
| Fixed carbon | 61.20 | 68.60 |
| Ash | 1.60 | 3.60 |
| Sulphur | 3.26 | 2.60 |
| Water | 4.00 | .40 |
| 100.00 | 100.00 |
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The valuable or heat-giving substances in a coal are the volatile or tarry matter and the fixed carbon. Now, on adding together the volatile matter and fixed carbon in the above, the Bay of Islands will give 91.14, and the Newcastle 93.4 per cent. of heat-giving substances, shewing that the latter has slightly the advantage. But the difference is so small that it would hardly be noticed in ordinary use.
The coal to which I have referred as being superior to that imported, is found on Mr. Frater's land at Whareori, near Whangarei, and of which the following is the analysis:—
(No. 1).—Whareori Coal.
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| Volatile and organic matter | 25.50 |
| Fixed carbon | 69.48 |
| Ash | .52 |
| Sulphur | 1.70 |
| Water | 2.80 |
| 100.00 |
On adding together the volatile matter and fixed carbon in this sample, the result will be 94.98, or as nearly as possible 95 per cent. of heat-giving substances, thereby shewing an advantage over both the above. But, the superiority of this coal does not stop there, for it gives less ash, and what is most important to users of steam power, it gives less sulphur.
I may also mention that this is a coking or caking coal—a very important matter, when used for blacksmith work, etc.
The next coal to which I will refer, is that known as the “Whangarei coal,” and which has, to some extent, been already tried. The following is the analysis:—
(No. 2).—Whangarei Coal.
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| Volatile and organic matter | 31.40 |
| Fixed carbon | 51.60 |
| Ash | 6.00 |
| Sulphur | 2.00 |
| Water | 9.00 |
| 100.00 |
The heat-giving substances in this sample, it will be seen, are considerably below those of the above coals. But, the distinctive character of this coal lies in the proportion of water, which will be seen to exceed that in the
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above samples, though not nearly to such an extent as the following one:—
(No. 3).—Miranda Coal.
(Found on Mr. Footes' land, at the Miranda).
Analysis—
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| Volatile and organic matter | 88.60 |
| Fixed carbon | 44.00 |
| Ash | 2.80 |
| Sulphur | .40 |
| Water | 19.20 |
| 100.00 |
From the large proportion of water in this sample it would not prove a very good steaming coal, but still, it could be used for a great many purposes, and, as it can be got out very cheaply it could be sold at a somewhat smaller price than the others. I believe that a small quantity of this coal has already found its way into the market.
The last coal, to which I will call your attention, is found on Mr. Walton's farm (near Whangarei), and of which, the following is the analysis:—
(No. 4).—Walton's Coal.
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| Volatile and organic matter | 46.40 |
| Fixed carbon | 38.40 |
| Ash | 6.00 |
| Sulphur (not estimated) | — |
| Water | 9.00 |
| 100.00 |
This I have no doubt would prove a very fair coal for steaming purposes, though not quite suited for household use, as from the large percentage of volatile or tarry matter, it would be what is termed a smoky coal.
In conclusion I would remark that a better coal than that from Whareori could not be desired. It can be used for every purpose for which a coal is used, excepting the manufacture of gas, and I hope, before long, to see the Whareori coal as well known as that from the Bay of Islands.