TREATING WASTE PRODUCTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3295, 14 August 1911, Page 2

TREATING WASTE PRODUCTS.

THE “ONYX” PROCESS EXPLAINED

•A matter of considerable importance to sheepfarmers generally was discussed at a meeting of wool producers held in the Turf Club Rooms, on Saturday afternoon, the object of which was vo meet Captain Aloss, who is travelling in the interests of the “Onyx” process for non-chemically treating wool, noils, and wastes. Among those present were some of the most prominent station holders in the-district, and all manifested more than a, passing interest in tne process. Captain Aloss explained that the meeting was cflllbd with a view to showing them what amount of money could be saved by treating what had hitherto been regarded as waste products. They were all anxious to make as much money as they could from their stations, and he wanted to show them what could he done by this mechanical process. Captain Moss then showed samples of wool of various grades which had been cleansed by the process, together with the base material and the residue. All manner of samples Avere included, and among them ivere scrapings from yards and wool affected Avitli “biddy biddy”, and all appeared to have been well cleansed. Proceeding, Captain Moss stated that it was proposed to set up a plant in this district to treat locks, bellies, pieces and dags, and this would have a capacity of 250 tons per annum. They proposed to pay about £1 per ton for dags or Avould treat them on commission. Farmers, if they so desired, could have their avool valued before it went through the plant, and they would see for themselves Avhat a saving could be effected. After the plant had been Avorking for about a year it Avas proposed to put it on a co-operative basis, just as the dairy business. After the first year they expected a big increase in the amount of avool they would be asked to handle. All that would be required of the farmer Avould be to save the dags and to spread them out so as to avoid steaming and sweating, and as soon as they were dry the carts from the ivorks Avould collect them. In answer to a question, put by Mr J. C. Field, Captain Aloss stated the percentage of grease taken from the avool by the process Avas very small. Replying to further questions, he stated that it Avas expected to treat locks at Hd per lb at the commencement, and when the business ivas put on the co-operative basis he thought tliat it Avould be possible to treat it at Id per lb.

The staple was not broken by the process, and Avhat ivas .more, the staple could be preserved Avhere at present it was cut in the case of dags. Speaking to a reporter at the close of the meeting. Captain Moss stated that a plant had been working at Masterton for some time and had been found profitable. He had, since establishing that plant, been to England, and seA r eral improvements had been added to the plant, which he proposed to set up here, Avhich was the ninth he had arranged to establish in the Dominion. . .