"The Press" In 1864

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30594, 10 November 1964, Page 16

"The Press" In 1864

November 10 THE CITY STEAM SAW MlLLS—Yesterday afternoon we paid a visit to these mills, and were surprised at the present dimensions of the establishment, and at the very beautiful and effective machinery at work there. The works are probably carried on a larger scale than any other of a similar nature in New Zealand, and find employment generally for about forty men, who are to be seen busy turning out a great variety of admirably executed work. The main premises, which occupy one acre of ground, on which the mills are erected, are bounded by the Ferry road, Barbadoes street, and St Asaph street,

being separated by the latter from a large timber yard of two acres. Great improvements and additions have been lately made in the establishment by the proprietor, Mr Jenkins, by the construction of a new machine-room, and the importation of some very perfect machinery. The new room is built of brick; its dimensions being 112 feet in length by 41 in breadth. On the ground floor of this the new engine room is now to be seen at work. It is a double crank high pressure engine of 20 horse power, with the latest improvement, and is manufactured by Mr Charles Young of Great George Street, London. It is fitted with tubular

boilers, and can be worked in conjunction with the old engine in the adjoining room which is 15 horse power, fitted with a Cornish boiler, and constructed by the same maker. The piston rods of both engines are of steel, the connecting rod, crank, and other working parts requiring strength are of the best wrought iron. Both are also fitted with a pump for supplying the boiler, and with every appliance required for their efficient working. Coal is used to generate the steam, but a vast saving is made by the combustion of sawdust, chips and shavings, which must either be expended in this way or extra expense incurred for carting them away.