THE ONEHUNGA IRONWORKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9369, 20 May 1889, Page 5

THE ONE HUNG A IRONWORKS.

Tup. Australasian Ironmonger for May (published in Melbourne) contains information of tho development of many industries. Among other items of interest we note the following description of the Onehunga Ironworks :—

" An inspection of these works will well repay the visitor for the time spent, and surprise is manifested by everyone who pays a visit to Mr. Hughes, the present manager. The works are now nearly completed, and in a few weeks will be ready to turn out all kinds of bar iron from % round to 8 x •{ ; also sheet iron of the most general sizes. Added to this, a plant for galvanising iron, now in transit from England, with men who are experienced in rolling sheets, I will soon be attached. The plant and arrangements are very good, and give the impression that all the iron New Zealand requires could there be manufactured. The machinery consists of one 80-h.p., two 50h.p., and one twelve horse-power engines, two rolling mills with a host of rolls for all sizes of bars, a complete set of sheet rolls, two steam-hammers, two shearing machines, one cut-off circular saw, and four furnaces which were acting very satisfactorily. The I motive power is produced from four boilI ers, all attached, so that when necessity requires every machine can be put in motion lat the same time. Attached to the mill is a foundry and fitting shop, where the company have made all the castings necessary for fixing machinery, floor plates, etc., and are now casting more heavy rolls with sundry goods. Eire bricks are also being made of very superior quality on the premises. These bricks are very favourably received by the trade, and meet with ready sale, completely stopping importation. In the yard we find large piles of scrap iron with about 800 tons of billett, ready for executing any orders, while the rack contains about 300 tons of finished bars. The smoothness with which the machinery runs is very noticeable. It is gratifying to find the iron placed on the market is of excellent quality and well-manufactured, in many instances preferred to imported bars. Parcels have been shipped South with most satisfactory results, repeat orders coming freely to hand. Attention is now being j given by the company to blast furnaces, 1 with the prospect of ultimately shutting j out imported pigs. Iron ore of various I qualities, with iron sand, is obtainable in almost limitless supply. It is perhaps safe 'to predict that within a short time these works will be able to turn out every bar and ordinary sheet with the great bulk of corrugated iron that the country requires. About 50 men are at present employed. The capacity of the works when completed will be about 300 tons weekly. Bucket and tub making, axles, and various other lines are anticipated, so that in the near future 'Sleepy Hollow,' as Onehunga has been designated, has a fair prospect of becoming a busy manufacturing centre."

On the occasion of the initial practice of the Mount Eden Musical Society, in Waite's Hall, there was a good attendance, and about forty enrolled their names as members. The work done by them was of a most satisfactory character, promising well for the future of the Society.

A very pleasant and interesting entertainment was held at the Sailors' Rest on Saturday evening last, the programme being provided entirely by Mr. S. Frith and his family. There was a fairly good attendance, and the following items were listened to with great attention :— Chorus, "Shall this Life," Frith family ; solo, " Steer Straight for Me," Miss Frith ; reading "The Meeting at Timberville," Mr. S. G. Frith ; solo, "By the Dark Euphrates Stream," Miss F. E. Frith ; chorus, "Let the Hills resound;" song, "That's Not the Way at Sea," Mr. S. G. Frith ; reading, "The Lifeboat," Miss F. E. Frith;chorus, "Ha, Ha, Ha;" trio, "Fair Flora Decks," Miss F. E. Frith and Messrs. S. and S. G. Frith ; song, " Don't Go Out To-night," Miss Frith; quintet, "I've Wandered ;" song, " Poor Child of the Drunkard," Miss Frith; solo, "Father, Don't You Hear the Angels," Miss F. E. Frith; reading, "The Hall Door Key," Mr. S. G. Frith ; duet, "Oh, Touch Those Chords," Misses Frith; chorus, " From Yonder Vale and Hill." M*. and Miss Frith acted as accompanists. The meeting closed with the benediction. Next week the St. Andrew's Presbyterian choir will provide the programme,