Hawera Foundry.

Opunake Times, Volume XXX, Issue 1648, 24 June 1910, Page 2

Hawera Foundry.

Extensive alterations and additions have been effected to the Hawera Foundry, of which Mr J. Hopkirk is proprietor. The foundry has been thoroughly renovated and is now fitted up with the very best maohinery. The business will more than favorably compare with any other of its size in the Dominion. While the iron trade is said to.be somewhat slack in most parts of the Dominion, it is remarkably brisk in South Taranaki. This ia attributed to the fact that preparations are in progress for the forthcoming milking season, which entails the manufacture of dairy maohinery requirements. There are no fewer than four large lathes in the big fitting room, the dimensions of which are 42 x 46 feet. There is also a large planing machine capable of planing work 7ft x 2ft 6in, a shaping machine, power sawing machine, screwing raaohine, emery grinders, and two drilling machines. This is a moat interesting department, and it employs 12 hands. No foundry would be complete without its moulding shop, and this very essential work is carried on in a fairly commodious building at the rear of the fitting shop. It is 24 x 82 feet. This department is well equipped with all the necessary requisites, including a big drying atove, brass furnace, and cupola for melting iron. This part of the business ' has i staff of six. Another important branch is the pattern shop, which is handy to the moulding department. It is fitted with bench saw and wood-turning lathe. The dimensions of this are 27ft x 22ft. The finishing shop is an entirely new addition, and is about the same size as the pattern shop. Here are to be seen different jobs receiving the final touches prior, to being given delivery. Mr Hopkirk also conducts a blacksmithing business, and has a roomy shop, 66ft x 25ft, containing three forges (one portable), an up-to-date power hammer, and a punching and shearing machine. Handy to the fitting shop is a store where there is a full assortment of engineering, supplies suitable for the requirements of the trade. There is a comfortable office where two lady clerke are employed. The staff of the establishment numbers altogether 28. This gives some idea of the extent of the business. The power used for driving the maohinery >is derived from two electric motors of 8 and 6 horsepower respectively. Few, perhaps, realise what a valuable asset is Mr Hopkirk's business to. the Hawera district. It is the only foundry between Wanganui and New Plymouth.