Ironsand Workings.

Otago Witness, Issue 1630, 17 February 1883, Page 12

Ironsand Workings.

Auckland, February Bth. Chambers' smelting works at Onehunga, for treating the immense ironsand deposit of Manukau Harbour, commenced work to-day, and several ingots of marketable iron of excellent quality were produced. There can be no'doubt of the genuineness of the success of the experiment. The works were erected under the supervision of 3 Philadelphian named W. H. Jones, who, while in America, was manager of ironsand smelting-works. The process used is known as the Wilson oxydising furnace, and has been in use for three years in America. Jones states that furnaces were used in America as in Taranaki, and it is estimated that the American ironmasters lost 10,000,000d0l in experimenting with blast furnaces. He also states that while the American sand contains only 30 per cent, of iron, the New Zealand sand contains 60 per cent. Coal is cheaper here, and labour about the same. At present only one furnace is at work at Onehunga, but the proprietor is so satisfied that he will erect several others. The success of smelting is of immense importance to the North Island, as there are deposits of ironsand along the West Coast from Manukau to Taranaki. There were further successful smelting operations at the ironworks at Onehunga to-day. Among those present were the Hon. -M. Holmes, Mr Seed; secretary of Customs, and many representatives of the Auckland commercial community.