THE LION FOUNDRY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7222, 18 July 1884, Page 7

THE LION FOUNDRY.

Ono of the most important of our local Industrial works is undoubtedly Messrs Mills and Cable’s establishment known as tbe Lion Foundry. These largo and important works were established some 27 years ago, and have been increased and added to until the present day ; they are able to turn out castings and engineering work of almost any description. The establishment is divided into several departments, there being a moulding shop, with a large drying chamber, and machines for mixing tho material for tho moulds, either sand or loam. In this department excellent work dan be turned out ; at present they are engaged, amongst other things, on some castings intended for tho new building of the National Mutual Life Assurance Association, to be erected on Customhouse-quay', at the corner of Hunter-street, on the site of the old Noah’s Ark. As will doubtless be remembered, the bells for the clock and chimes in the Post Office tower were also made in this department. In the boiler shop there is iu course of construction a marine boiler intended for the s.s. Kiwi, Tbe boiler is Oft 6iu in diameter and Oft long, and has two furnaces. In the pattern shop, in which the patterns of the various kinds of work aro made in wood, the pattern of a propeller of improved design, peculiar to this firm, also for the steamer Kiwi, is being prepared. Adjoining part of the pre raises are the pattern store rooms, and from their extent and diversity we should be inclined to tbe opinion that the stock u not excelled by any firm in New Zealand, Messrs Mills and Cable have during tbe last eighteen months constructed no fewer than twenty-five complete propellers for different parts of New Zealand from Dunedin to Auckland, and they are steadily gaining a reputation for general excellence throughout the colonies. Amongst local boats that have been fitted with propellers, with the best results in every case, may be mentioned the steamers Oretl, St. Kilda, Wallabi, Kawatiri, Waihi, and, last but not least, tbe Stormbird. The extra speed attained by its application to the, latter vessel has been very marked indeed. The engineering shop is fitted with a large variety cf lathes, planing, drilling, and screwing machines, of course all driven by steam like the rest of tho machinery employed. Various kind* of work were being carried out here in a very orderly and methodical manner, one of the principal jobs being the conversion of a 40-horse-power steamer engine, formerly in use on the s.s. Hauraki, into a horizontal engine. In the adjoining yard there are three blast turnaces, together capable of taking charge of 10 or 12 tons of metal or more. The machinery used in the various departments, and the fan for blowing the furnaces, are worked by a 25-horse-power horizontal engine, manufactured at the foundry about eight years ago. The steam for this engine, as well as for tho steam-hammers, is supplied from a 30-borae-power semi-tubular boiler. The firm gives regular employment to about 6*o bands, besides engaging numerous temporary workmen when any special work, such as the overhaul of a large steamer, &c., &c., is to be done. They have for a considerable time past buen engaged in the manufacture of steel rail truss girders for the Wellington and Mauawatu Railway Company, from designs by its engineer, Mr Higginaou. We believe they are the first of this class ef bridge girder introduced into the colony, and, from their symmetrical yet massive construction, give a fair idea of the substantial nature of the works carried out by the railway company. The girders have been subjected to very exhaustive testa by Mr Higgiuson for the purpose of ascertaining their deflection under different loads, and gave every satisfaction.