LOCAL INDUSTRY. THE CHAPEL-STREET FOUNDRY.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Issue 3510, 15 October 1868, Page 3

LOCAL INDUSTRY. THE CHAPEL-STREET FOUNDRY.

Having given a description of the Phoenix Foundry as well aa the Albert-street Foundry, it is only right that we should complete the series by giving an account of our visit to the Chapel-street Iron Foundry (Mr. Hawkesirood's), from which, small as it is, a large quantity of mining and other machinery has been turned out, more especially since the discovery of the Thames goldfied. Altogether about twelve men are employed in the different departments of this foundry. The following mining machinery has either been completed at this foundry or is in course of construction : An 8-stamper battery for Scanlan's machine, an 8-stamper battery for Mr. Dv Moulin 's Claim (both finished), and an 8-stam-per battery for the Shellback, and which is now almost finished. There is also a great quantity of machinery for Mr. C. Sanders's claim, Tapu, and several two-stamper batteries. These latter are being constructed on what^ is believed to be an improved principle. There is a machine in course of. construction for Mr. O, Bing, of Coromandel. The hopper, and the stamper-box are a solid casting, weighing about 16cwl. The casting would be creditable to any foundry from its solidity and cleanness, and, having regard to the care and attention which are used by local workmen, it is certainly surprising thac capitalists' continue to send orders out of the country. These 4-stt*mper boxes are so constructed that they can be used for s<stampers if required, and we understand that Mr. Hawkeawood is prepared to construct the 5 -stamper batteries for the same sum as those of four only. He is also prepared to construct the 5-stamper battery for the same price as is charged for the 4-stamper battery in Sydney. The stampers at the Chapel-street Foundry are constructed with a diameter of 9£ inches, and we are informed that more metal is put into the 4-s tamper batteries made in Auckland than is used in those of five imported from Sydney. We also saw in course of construction a large pulley for Coromandel, several stampers and shafts for Mr. Sanderson's and Mr. Sing's machines, the first portion of a 4-statnper battery ordered for the Karaka ; a 4-stamper battery for Mr. Pas- 1 coe's claim, and which is ultimately to be fitted with eight stampers ; a great quantity of railway wheels for the Kawakawa coalfield, castings for baker's ovens, patent windlass gear in great variety, and ."a large quantity of ship chaining, which is sold at a very low figure. The turn-; ing machinery of the foundry is set in motion^ by a 6-horBe power horizontal, engine, and besides this there is a planing machine, patent! lathes, a punching and shearing machine, a; cupola sufficiently large for 3 or 4 ton' castings,! and several other appliances used in the busi-, ness. The workmanship displayed in the construction of machinery turned out of this foundry is second to none in the colony, and the only drawback with which this as well as other local foundries has to contend, is the practice followed by local capitalists of sending abroad for that very machinery which could be as well manufactured on the spot. ' '