LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5132, 14 October 1884, Page 3

LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

«* i It is over a year since Mr W. H. Langdown's establishment, and the machinery erected therein for the purpose of woodbending, formed the subject of an article in our columns. Since then Mr Langdown has added to his premises by the erection of a blacksmith's and wheelwright's shop, and has, in some instances, substituted improved machinery for that in use a twelvemonth ago. The importance of the industry carried on by him was yesterday recognised in an official manner by the Committee of the Industrial Association, the members of which paid a visit of inspection to his works in the afternoon. They were most courteously received by Mr Langdown, who conducted them throughout his establishment, and explained the various processes. The most interesting of these are those connected with the bending of wood into the semicircles and other forms required by coachbuilders. The power of the machinery provided for this purpose was illustrated by the bending into a semicircle of three hickory lathes, each 2|in thick and the same in width, which, having been previously rendered pliant by steam, were all bent at the same time by one machine. Another notable feature was an English spokeshaper, in which four revolving knives cut a rough piece of wood into a --7ell-foruied spoke in a remarkably short time, a boy to put in the wood and take out the spokos being the only attendant required. A neat little machine for cutting wooden bungs and vent-pegs for casks alrfo eamo in for a good deal of admiration. After Uic visitors had inspected every part of the works, Mr Langdown invited them to join him in a glass of wine, and produced a supply of champagne and other exhilarating beverages, together with light refreshments contained in extemporised bread baskets made for the occasion by the aid of the wood-bending machinery. Mr J. L. Scott, President of the Association, proposed, " Success to Mr Langdown's Undertaking," a toast which was drunk with due honour. . The health of the proprietor, proposed by Mr A. G. Howlaucl, was then dvunk. Both toasts were briefly acknowledged by Mr Langdown, and the party separated.