THE IRON SAND.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 824, 9 May 1868, Page 3

THE IRON SAND.

To the Editor of tlw Taranaki Herald. > Sir, — My attention has just been called to an' extract in a London paper from one of yours, relating to the Iron Sand in which the principal reason for not going on with the proposed company for working it, is stated to be that Mr.' Jordan has doubts as to the charcoal being made at the^estimate. Of course I cannot say what hi' 9 estimate was, but after some twenty years' experience in making and working charcoal in England, and a trial of the colonial woods, I can safely say that even with the increased cost of labour it can be made as cheap as at home, and considering the other advantages and the very • valuable nature of the iron, the profit must bo very large even to make only pigs ; and to pub np a furnace and works, would not reqairo a quarter of tho proposed capital. No doubt, as there remarked, that Mr. Jordon has private reasons for puttingoff tho starting of the concern, but surely in a matter of this importance and with a certainty of profit, a sufficient capital could bo raised in tho Colony, the Government making a proper concession of the land, which they conld well afford to do, considering the manufacturing population that would ba brought in. I should be happy to contract to supply the charcoal at a stated price and keep the work going, also fiud experienced men for the works . who would all take shares inthoconoorn. — Yours &c, A. S. Geet. Duvauohells Bay, Canterbury, April 14, 18C8.