PIG IRON

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21958, 9 May 1941, Page 4

PIG IRON

Production At Onekaka START IN EIGHT WEEKS’ TIME (P.A.) NELSON, May 8. “Good progress is being made with the reconditioning of the Onekaka Iron mills, and it is expected that the production of pig iron will commence in about two months’ time,” said the Hon. D. G. Sullivan to-day. “With the extension of the war and the consequent additional problems in securing metals, prompt action was called for to ensure that our work in the manufacture of munitions would proceed according to schedule and our industrial effort be Interfered with as little as possible. Having explored every source of supply and every potential source of supply, we naturally gave thought to the Onekaka works. A complete survey was made and a decision reached that the situation merited the reconditioning of the plant. The entire plant is being repaired and is rapidly being brought into working order by the Public Works Department. I anticipate that the furnace will be ready for the production of pig iron in about two months’ time. Ta do this we will require the services of about 80 men. "In addition we have taken another very important step in the duplication of the small steel rolling plant at Green Island, Dunedin. The present plant at Green Island is capable of rolling a number of sections for round and square bars, and by duplicating the rolling mills a very welcome addition will be made to its existing production capacity.”