Porangahau Volcanic Clay Deposits

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 269, 14 November 1945, Page 4

Porangahau Volcanic Clay Deposits

WAIPUKUEA U, Nov. 11. Deposits of bentonite, volcanic clay, of commercial value because of its extreme fineness, ■which were discovered at Porangahau is 1037, have been exploited with growing success during tho past eight years. The clay played an important part in supplying certain of the Dominion’s wartime needs. Supplies arc now being made available for civilian manufacturing purposes. Bentonite is used in parasite sprays, concrete foundations, tar and cosmetics. It is a component part of many chemicals and is employed for Clarifying wines and sweets. Uses to which the substance can be put are apparently not yet complete. The Porangahau deposits, located about 40 miles from Waipukurau, are on the property of Mr. H. F. Stoddart. They are being worked by a private company. At the i>resent time a staff of five is engaged, but the undertaking is expected to increase considerably now that large-scale development through the use of machinery, is no longer prevented by wartime conditions.

The discovery was made by chance when Government officers were making a general survey of the soil in the area. Almost overnight, Mr. Stoddart turned from farming his land, which had persisted in showing its unsuitability for grazing purposes, to the new venture. Only 40 acres of the property have been surveyed, and so far there are large deposits. Nothing of less than 92 per cent purity has been supplied. This standard has been attained simply by sorting the crude product from foreign matter by hand.

Referring to the company’s wartime contracts, Mr. Stoddart said they had been arranged through the Ministry of Defence, and were mostly supplies for foundry moulding and paint 3. The company had also been under contract to an oil concern, bentonite having been in solution for boring at Palmerston North, Foxton and in the South Island.