THE NEW ZEALAND TITANIC STEEL AND IRON COMPANY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1162, 7 March 1874, Page 22

THE NEW ZEALAND TITANIC STEEL AND IRON COMPANY.

We extract the following account of a recent visit to the works of this Company from the Taranaki News of the 14th inst. :—": — " We yesterday had a look at the furnace of the above works, building on the right bank of the Henui, near the beach. The concrete foundation has had sufficient time to harden and dry, and the first course of bricks was being laid. Mr E. M. Smith showed us a section of the furnace, of which we need only say that it -will be an imposing looking structure — some 50 feet in height, and gradually diminishing as it rises, from a diameter of about 30 feet at the base. He also informed iis that, to prevent any moisture rising in the structure, three arched ways had been carried from under it to a lower level ; and the fire-stone for forming the internal shoulder will be made in England, cut to the proper angle. Mr Beaton, the contractor, called our attention to the bricks — made on the ground by Mr Wilshire — as settling the question against the future importation of bricks. Looking at them, they appear to be better than a good many that have been imported ; and we could not help saying when looking at them, that they proved what we had heard said — " that bricks could be made anywhere, if the person who attempted it only knew how to do it. " Large and substantial brick sheds have been erected, and altogether the works show a substantial result for the money expended. We learnt from Mr Beaton that he has engaged Mr Jones, who is now at work, to erect the furnace. Mr Jones had many years' experience of ths work in Staffordshire and other iron working localities in Britain. The company have engaged Mr Whatton, an experienced smelter, to take charge of the furnace when it is completed. There is evidently a great desire on the part of the directors, and every one working under them, to achieve success. Apart from the wish that the subscribers to the company may see a profitable return for their venture — an interest the settlers have in common in this work, that will double the value of their property, if successful— makes us glad to see the money expended with care, while keeping in view the final object of the work."