THE IRON SAND

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144857, 8 December 1915, Page 2

THE IRON SAND

Notwithstanding the inany disappointments experienced and the largo suras of rtioney lost over tho iron sand, there are still those who believe that it is possible to. turn' it to profitable account. When, if over, a complete history of tho efforts to develop an iron industry hero is written it will make almost romantic reading. Over half a century ago tools were manufactured in England of steel made from Taranaki iron sand. Their quality was super-cxcellont. There is a hand-saw in New Plymouth to-day made then which is of such flno quality that it may bo bent into a circle almost and on being released will resume its proper form. Razors, surgical instruments, etc., wore made of the very highest quality. Tho trouble has boon, not to turn tho sand into iron and steel, hut to do so commercially and profitably. Metallurgical scientists and engineers long ago proved that tho sand could be smelted, but up to the present no one has succeeded in making it a commercial success. Hope, however, springs eternal in tho human breast, and no soonet* has ouo failure been forgotten than someone else has tried again in tho hopo of achieving success. For tho past year or more Mr. W. P. Haskett has been patiently working away at Moturoa developing a process and erecting a small works, which, as described elsewhere, has now reached the practical stage, though at present of course only on a small scale. Not that the experiments so far have boon Qidy of a laboratory nature; they are moro than that, for many tons ol iron has been smelted and tested at Auckland and Christchurch foundries, and found to he of excellent quality. Mr. Hoskott and those identified with him are indeed satisfied that tho plant only requires adding to in order to turn out iron in any quantity. It is proved to their satisfaction that their process will turn the sand into first-class marketable iron, and they are able to present very tangible evidence of the strength of their claim. Whether tho stenrgth of their claim. Whether the process can bo carried out profitably is, of course, another matter, but of this they are also confident, and they propose shortly to take the public into their confidence and invite it to find capital to establish the industry on commercial lines. Pending their statement it would bo premature to discuss tho financial aspect of the process. For tho present wo need only point to tho immense potentialities of a successful iron and steel industry in tho Dominion. Tho iron industry is a most important one, being at tho base of numerous others. Tho market within tho Dominion is limited, but the world is open to producers of cheap stool of high quality, and if that can bo produced in Taranaki there aro no bounds to the possibilities. We have hero the prime essentials —the raw material in the shape of iron, with coal and limestone readily obtainable. Alongside the experimental works at Moturoa is deep water, where vessels of very largo size can bo berthed. Tho supply of sand is practically illimitable. All

that is required is the skill, the labour, and the capital. Mr. Heskett and his associates have apparently provided the skill, and provided they can substantiate their case for commercial success, the other essentials will bo forthcoming very quickly, and the dreams of sixty or seventy years will be in a fair way of being realised.

It is a little unfortunate for Prince Oscar of Germany that his book describing the splendid work of tho German army in Champagne last February and March should happen to have been published just after the Gormans have suffered a very severe reverse in that district. Tho chief point of interest in tho extract that was cabled on Tuesday was the Prince’s allegation that ihe success of the Germans, which apparently consisted in retaining some, strong trenches, was duo to tho iron discipline of tho army. The Prince maintains that neither enthusiasm nor patriotism are of tho slightest avail against tho results achieved by German methods of discipline. In tho interview with General Joifre, published on Tuesday, that general had something to say in favour of tho French system, and for our own port wo have no complaints to make against British methods. It is worthy of note that Tho Times, which has roundly condemned every step taken by British diplomatists, political leaders, and military commanders, and has praised everything German t 6 tho skies, has never oven hinted fhat our army would bo improved if the officers adopted tho methods of Gorman officers. Tho average man would bo inclined to differ from Princo Oscar and mainla/n thi;t the wttr had already proved the futility of the German iron discipline. Even now wo road of Gorman troops advancing to attack our position at Loos shoulder to shoulder at a slow march, or in Champagne of their masses advancing at a jog trot. The Country that daro not chaugo its methods of advance to moot the new condit.ons of warfare ontoilod by tho largo supply of mnehino-guns shows that it cannot trust its men, while a discipline that ne{essitatos absolutely unnecessary slaughter is at once condemned. All tho troops engaged havo shown a bravery which makes those of us who sit at homo utterly amazed, but we cannot help putting a higher value on the courage of the men at Mous or on tho Gallipoli Peninsula than on tho sheep-liku docility of Gorman troops who know that tho revolvers of their own officers arc ready to check any wavering.

Tho next meeting of the Taranaki Council will ho held on January 10. At a meeting of tho directors of tho Taranaki Producers’ Freezing Company to-day it was resolved that no man eligible for enlistment shall bo put on the permanent staff, and that employment, will bo found for men who enlist on their return.

A polling day was held at tho Frankley Hoad School by tho pupils last week, when they unanimously decided to forego all prizes this year and devote tho money instead to tho Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. They intend to hold a grand concert on tho evening of the Kith to help with tho fund. A meeting of tho East End Bathing Bcservo Committee was hold on Tuesday evening, Sir. U. Bennooli presiding. Final arrangements wore made in connection with tho smoke concert to ha hold on Thursday evening in celebration of tho opening of the additions to tho pavilion. Various sub-committees presented progress reports showing that everything was proceeding satisfactorily in regard to Now Year's Day picnic. It is intended that the supper-room in future will bo under tho complete control of tbs ladies’ committee.

Mr. James Ivemvorthy, of Patca, has sent a contribution to tho funds of tho Paritutu Improvement Committee. In a covering letter to Mr. W. B. Davies, Mr. Ivonworthy writes“ What delightful memories tho Paritutu letter in The Budget of December 4 recalls, as to work done and journeyings made with a memorable old friend, Mr. Archibald Hood. Ho pioneered mo to and up Paritutu by a route known to but few. But what a glorious treat once tho top was reached, in • expansive range of sea and landscape, and, afterwards, exploration of the old Maori pits and recital by Mr, Hood of historic incidents connected with that Maori refuge. Even at that long time ago (about 1875 the intended endeavour to find an easier, or at any rate safer, way up the steep rocky mount was broached. Later years found us both again doing tho climb under tho easier conditions after initial improvements had been made. Later again still easier was the climb.”

Trouper D. K. Webster, ol the Wellington Mounted limes, writing on October 6 Irom tlie Convalescent camp, Guam Tumcfui, Malta, says:—‘‘bmeo 1 sent you tno last post-card from Egypt wo nave passed tUrougli some very rough times and also our baptism of fire. The Queen Alexandra’s (Taranaki) took part in the big advance and attack on bari Bair (97f) on August 6, 7,8, and a. A great number or our boys went down, either i killed or wounded, amongst tho killed bemg our popular major—Major Elmsho. Captain James was among tiie severely wounded. Nearly ail tno old Mam Body hoys are either killed, wounded, or away sick. 1 left the peninsula after four months, which was an experience one will not forget. , 1 am now awaiting word to return to my regiment as 1 am feeling pretty well Al again. Tno people of Malta aro very good to me m every way possible. But still tneie is no place like good old New Zealand—to us, any way. There aro a tew other Taranaki boys hero and they all wish you the compliments of the season. Tho Budget is looked toramongst tho boys whenever the mail arrives at Auzac.”

Fine natural summer underwear for men is scarce, but the Melbourne, Ltd., have some at the following prices:—Fine singlets. English make, with half sleeves, 2s lid, 3s 6d, and 3s lid; natural underpants 3s 6d, 3s lid, and 4s lid; fine natural cashmere singlets 4s lid and 5s lid, pants 6s 6d and Gs 6d.*-

A returned soldier in Sydney states that butter is soiling at 10s per pound at Gallipoli.

All recruits and returned soldiers are specially invited to be present at the East tvnd smoko concert on Thursday night. The Auckland-Vancouver despatch of November U, which, arrived in Vancouver on November IS (.due date), readied London on December 6 (lour days late.) The Now Plymouth Employers’ Association, at a meeting of me executive on Wednesday morning, unanimously decided to observe the lollowmg holidays:—Christmas: December bo \oauirday;, Monday, 2i tli, and Tuesday, 2titU. Now tear: Saturday, January i, and .Holiday, January J, At the monthly meeting of the Taranaki (bounty Council on tuesday Councillor M'AUura paid a tribute to tuo worn or thu engineer (Mr. It. \V. Eisner). All the work winch camo under Councillor iU’Almm’s notice was done in an excellent manner, especially that at the TTmaru.

Sergeant Fussoll, who has keen spending a few days’ furlough in siratlord, returned to camp ny tho mail tram on Monday. Sergeant Fussed has been given a commission in tho Dental Corps.—Stratford Post.

The members of the Taranaki County Council, together with tuo press representatives, were entertained at luncheon at me Waratah Dining Rooms on Tuesday by me cUmriuau (Mr. J. Brown) in honour of h.s election to tho position for tho tenth year in succession.

The Tafauaki County Council on Tuesday decided to give a month’* notice to all smgio men eligible lor active service m the.r employ. This was the outcome of a sim.iar resolution passed by tlie ilaglau County Council, and to which they asked the council's support. The council at present havo four single men in their employ, one of whom is ineligible for service. Tho inmates of the Old People’s Horae at Westown were on Tuesday n.ght treated to a programme of solos, recitations, company songs, etc., by about twenty of the elder scholars attending the Salvation Army SundaySchool. Mrs. Adjutant Homo had charge of tho young people and presided at tho organ, and at tho close Mrs. Bailey (matron), on behalf of the inmates, thanked the young people for the splendid evening’s programme. At the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Tuffery tho party wore treated to supper at their residence.

Tho Eltham correspondent of tho Hawera Star telephoned on Tuesday that a motor lorry, owned by Mr. L. Bunn, while descending the east side of the Maugamingi ridge with a load of timber, caught fife by some means, and was soon totally destroyed, only tho ironwork remaining. The driver, Rossiter, had a narrow escape from being caught by tho flames. Tho lots of tho lorry at the present time is exceedingly unfortunate for Mr. Bunn, coming as it does right in the busiest part of tho wool-carrying season. Tho vehicle originally cost £BOO, and tho owner, having a great deal of wool carrying to do between Omoana and Eltham. had just spent £6O in refitting it. Tho insurance on tho lorry was £•150.

A constantly recurring nuisanco which was discussed at the mooting of the Pukekura Park Board on Tuesday evening, and which has to bo combatted by tho hoard and its employees, is tho practice adopted by somo people of picking flowers growing in the park. Tho curator in his report drew attention to tho fact that a large number of tho roses wore being stolen at the present time. It has to bo remembered that tho members of the board aro endeavouring to improve and beautify Pukekura Park solely for the benefit of tho public, and it is no encouragement to them to have tho fruits of their labour destroyed in fins wanton manner. Another very annoying practice on tho part of some brainless person or persons is that of transferring tho labels from one rose to a different variety, thus confusing people who, taking an interest in rose culture, wish to know tho name of a certain, variety in order to purchase it.