73

Nelson Brewery, 8th Jan., 1862.

SIR,—We are happy to be able to report so satisfactorily of the West Coast coals. We have used them both for brewing and steam purposes, and find them of a very superior quality. We get up steam in less time and with one-third less coal than the Newcastle. It is also very durable, and the ashes similar to the English.

We hope ere long we may be able to procure the quantity we require.

We remain, yours, &c.,

G. HOOPER & Co.

To the Provincial Secretary, Nelson.

“Metallurgical Laboratory,

Government School of Mines,

May 14, 1861.

“SIR—I have now the pleasure of enclosing the analysis of the coal ex Cresswell, from the West Coast of the Middle Island of New Zealand.

“In composition, this coal is nearly identical with coal occurring in some of the coal measures of this country. The coal from New Zealand is a coking coal, that is, when powdered and heated in a close vessel, it affords a coherent coke, the original bulk of the coal being considerably increased during the operation. The gas which was disengaged appeared to possess a highly illuminating power as far as could be ascertained from the small quantity of coal experimented on, the residual coke amounting to 64·32 per cent.; the quantity of coke, however, obtained on so small a scale must not be taken as an exact indication of the yield by the ordinary processes. The ash of this coal is more usually white, which shows that the sulphur does not exist in the form of iron pyrites.

Composition of Coal in 100 parts.

Carbon ... ... ... ... ... 79·00
Hydrogen ... ... ... ... ... 9·35
Nitrogen ... ... ... ... ... 0·89
Oxygen ... ... ... ... ... 7·71
Sulphur ... ... ... ... ... 2·50
Ash ... ... ... ... ... 3·50
Water (Hygroscopic) ... ... ... 1·05

100·00
(Signed) JOHN PERCY.
“J. L. CURTIS, Esq.,
9, Aldermanbury Place, London.”

Extract from “New Zealand Gazette,”
May 15, 1866.

Vulcan Lane, Auckland,
May 6th, 1862.

SIR,—I beg to inform you that I have given the Nelson coals you sent me a fair trial on my forges, and I consider them a good sample of smithy coals, and if they could be got at a reasonable price, I have no doubt they would be in demand.

I have, &c.,

DAVID DAVIDSON,
Coach Builder, Horse Shoer, and
General Smith.

To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary.

May 1st, 1862.

We have taken every opportunity of trying the coal sent us and find it to be of a very superior quality, and a good coal for getting steam. It gives a great heat where there is a proper draft, burns quick, and gives a clear and full fire with very little smoke. It leaves clean firebars, is free from clinkers and does not require much stirring. It is a good smith's coal; giving a first-rate weld, and our smiths prefer it to New South Wales coals. The sample sent was small coals.

VICKERY & MASBURY,
Albert Foundry, Auckland.

February 15th, 1862.

SIR,—I beg to state for the information of the Colonial Secretary, that the sample of Nelson coal sent by him for trial is the best New Zealand coal which has come to my notice; the fault with them is that they are too light, but they do not leave any clinkers. I consider them to be better than any of the New South Wales coal with the exception of the Wall End coal.

I am, &c.,

EDWARD WALL.

To the Hon. The Colonial Secretary.

Printed under the authority of the Provincial Government, Nelson, by R. LUCAS and SON, Bridge-street, Nelson, Printers for the time being to the said Government.