KING COUNTRY INDUSTRY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 548, 8 March 1913, Page 6

KING COUNTRY INDUSTRY.

LIME AND METAL WORKS. A PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS. The establishment of an industry in any new district is bound to exercise an important effect upon the progress and stability of such district, and the influence exerted by the lime and metal works established at Te Kuiti by Messrs Wilson and Co. has been felt ever since the beginning of settlement in the locality. Involving as it does th.B employment of considerable number of wage earners, and the turning into profitable use of one of the natural resources of the district, the benefits which accrue from the growth of the industry must contribute substantially to the progress of the town. Orginally started on a somewhat modest scale for the production of burnt lime, the business was acquired some ten years ago by Messrs Wilson and Co. Since that time it has steadily grown until to-day it is a highly equipped commercial undertaking, supplying stone and lime of various descriptions to a very wide circle of customers. About nine months ago the plant, which was of an extensive nature, was destroyed by fire. Immediate steps were taken to re-build, and new and up-to-date machinery has now been installed on a more extensive scale than ever.

The output of the works still consists largely of burnt lime for agricultural use, and large supplies are con tinually being sent to all districts in the North Island. A considerable quantity is absorbed by the Waikato, but North Auckland, the mining districts, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki all draw considerable supplies from the works, at which three large kilns are kept going to produce the necessary supply. Another product for the use of farmers which is being used in largely increased quantities is turned out at the works in the shape of ground limestone. The raw limestone is put through special grinding machines which reduce the stone to the fineness of flour. Special merit is claimed for this product as a dressing for land, and the increasing popularity of the articla emphasises the fact. Large supplies of broken metal are turned out from the works daily, tne Wai kato local bodies utilising the material for the formation of roads. Two rotary crushers are installed capable of turning out from 150 to 200 yards a day, and further improvements to the plant are contemplated. Power for the machinery is obtained from a 100 horse-power producer gas engine, and this will probably be added to in the near future. The system of carrying the stone from the quarry to the works is thoroughly up-to-date, the trucks to and fro being carried by an endless chain, which works on drums situated at both ends, and the maximum of result at the minimum of labour is the result.

A very serious interruption to th 9 works occurred through the fire, but the kilns were kept going throughout, and the proprietary and management are to be congratulated on the manner in which the works have been re-built. In Mr J. F. Walsh the company has a highly capable and energetic mnager, and the manner in which the work is carried out reflects credit on all concerned.