KAIAPOI GLASS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7484, 25 February 1885, Page 4 (Supplement)

KAIAPOI GLASS.

On Feb. 14 our representative was invited by the promoters of the Kaiapoi glass industry to witness some experiments at their works in Charles street. There was a large attendance of the public. Through the kindness of the management the visitors were given an opportunity of seeing the different stages of the progress that has been made in this most important manufacture, and the glass-blowers also operated in various ways upon the material prepared for the occasion. Some ■••eally excellent specimens, considering the infancy of the undertaking, were made, such as claret glasses, tumblers, jugs, water bottles, &c. These gave great promise of the results obtainable when more convenient utensils, tools and apparatus are to hand. Perhaps it would be interesting to readers to learn under what circumstances the present movement originated. About eight or nine years ago Mr E. Smethurst, of Kaiapoi, the proprietor of the local sand pits, made some tests of the sand which induced him to think it worth while to obtain a reliable opinion as to its glassmaking properties, and with this object m view a parcel was forwarded to Mr J. B. Stansell, of Christchurch. Upon analysis the sand was foxmi to be composed of 98 per cent of silicic anhydride. The firstnamed gentleman had continually kept the matter in view, endea touring to induce capitalists to take it up, ■vuttjno' it before the public at Exhibition 8> where it invariably obtained favourable notice, and claiming the attention of o^ e various Industrial Associations of the Colony Mr Howland, the president of cfaureh Association, asked pcrmis3it,» '

take some of the sand to Auckland, where it was tested and samples of glass were returned which immediately became an incentive to residents m the locality to interest themselves in making further trials. The public were evidently sceptical as to the bona fides of the enterprise, from the fact that at a meeting convened to consider the matter, only twelve persons attended. The assurances given, however, by Mr Smethurst, and the valuable information placed before the meeting, proved so satisfactory that those present guaranteed a sum of money for incidental expenses, and a working Committee (consisting of his Worship the Mayor, and Messrs Sims and Smethurst) was appointed to have the sand practically manipulated. Furnaces were erected under the supervision of an expert, and the assistance of professional glassmakers was procured. The united efforts of this combination have been crowned with success. Messrs Sims and Smethurst (the latter more particularly) are to be specially congratulated, for it is owing to these gentlemen's efforts that the promoters now contemplate the satisfactory results arrived at. It is needless to remark that very considerable difficulties were experienced in making the necessary preparations, such as finding bricks to withstand the immense heat required, and the proper mixtures to use. These and many other obstacles have been overcome. The main object throughout these experiments has been as far as possible to use nothing but native products, and thus make the industry a purely Colonial one. During the last month repeated trials have been made, with varied success, resulting in the production of articles which have on each occasion improved in quality, those last produced convincing the promoters that the glass obtainable is of a superior quality, and yet capable of being still further improved upon. It is unnecessary to state that to further the industry it is the intention of those interested to extend their operations by erecting larger premises, furnaces, &c, and developing a trade which will prove a considerable benefit to the Colony at largo. It may be interesting to note that in the year 1883 the following imports of glassware were received: —Bottles, 6029 packages, value .£13,361; plate glass, 525 packages, value .£5586, with a duty of .£846 8s 2d; window glass, 14,110 §acknges, value ■£15,408, duty J 81558 12s lOd; glassware, 3646 packages, value .£20,439, duty .£3042 8s 4d; the sum total representing' about .£60,000 of glassware imported annually. With these figures in view, it is selfevident that there is quite sufficient demand to keep the Kaiapoi Glass Factory fully in work when the arrangements are completed.