Iron Production at Onekaka
fi*ant reconditioned P«r Press Association. NELSON, Wav 8. I Good progress Is being made with the reconditioning of the Ofiekaka iron works, and it is expected that the production of pig-iron will commence in about two months’ time, said the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr D. G. Sullivan, to-day. “With the extension of the war and the consequent additional problems in securing and maintaining supplies of essential metals,’’ said the Minister, “prompt action was called for to ensure that our work in the manufacture of munitions would proceed according to schedule and that our industrial effort would be interfered with •as little as possible. The Government and the War Cabinet, some time ago, gave full consideration to the possible repercussions that might affect industry through the shortage of supplies of iron and steel. Every possible step was taken to build up stocks, and all possible measures were taken to alleviate the situation. “Having explored every source of aupply and every potential source of supply, we naturally gave thought to the Onekaka works and the reconditioning of the blast furnaces there. “A complete survey was made, and a decision was reached that the situation merited reconditioning the plant. The entire plant is therefore being repaired and is rapidly being brought into working order by the Public Works Department Good progress is being made, and I anticipate that the furnace will be ready for a *blow in’ for the production of pig-iron in about two monthsVtime. “So long as necessity justifies the operation of the plant we will go on producing iron at Onekaka. To do this we will require the services of some 80 men. “In addition, we have taken another very important step in the duplication of the small steel rerolling plant at Green Island, Dunedin. The present plant at Green Island is capable of rolling a number of. sections of round and square bars, and by duplicating the lolling mills, a very welcome addition will be made to the existing production capacity, and I hope that, with this activity and with full co-operation from all concerned, we will be able to hold our position stable.”
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Bibliographic details
Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 109, 9 May 1941, Page 8
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361Iron Production at Onekaka Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 109, 9 May 1941, Page 8
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