" The value of the Kawakawa and Wangarei coal for the purpose of manufacturing gas was tested practically by Mr. J. N. Wark, the manager of the Auckland Gas Works, and the results given in his reports, which are appended hereto, show that while the Kawakawa coil yields the largest quantity of gas, viz., 11, 660 cubic feet per ton,,theyield of the Wanga- rei coal being only 8,500 cubic feet per ton, the quality of the gas is better in the latter case. It will be observed, however, that the Kawakawa coal produces a large per-centage af marketable coke, while the coke of the Waagarei coal is very inferior."



" The mineral characters of all the specimens of tha coal from the main seam are identical. It is of a brownish black colour, with a marked resinous lustre, and shortness of grain, that at once distinguishes it. Its cleavage in large masses is cuboidal, but can hardly be detected in small fragments, as its structure is almost granular. It burns very freely with a rioh flame and most intense heat. It cakes slightly, but when coked does not swell or puff up. The quantity of ash is very small, but that of sulphur large, a portion of it existing in an oxidized form. "This is a very marked peculiarity of this coal, con- sidering that it is remarkably free from iron pyrites, and the clay matter that might cause the formation of aluminous minerals on exposure to the air. As a steam and forge coal it appears, from the reports of experiments that have been performed, to have a very high value, and the only objection to its use for the former purpose will be its extreme friability, as very little handling will convert it into dross.
