TARANAKI IRON ORE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1692, 17 January 1862, Page 5

TARANAKI IRON ORE.

Some intelligence of the progress of the Taranaki Iron Sand Company, represented by Messrs. Martin & Soblechero of London, so long looked for, is at length afforded in a letter from that firm to the Colonial government. It was surmised — rightly it seems — that the news of the native war must have interrupted the operations of the company. On no other supposition could the delay be accounted for. The quality of the iron ore had been tested and proved under inspection, and steel of a rare description and high market value obtained- The exclusive privilege of smelting this ore, with which our sea beach abounds was applied for by and, granted to Captain Morshead by the Provincial government. That gentleman (who, throughout, appears to have neglected to keep the government informed of the result of his mission to England) subsequently disposed of his interest to j the firm named. ,

Too little is as yet known of the course the native difficulty will take to enable the government, we apprehend, to forward by the present mail such an assurance to the company as would justify them in dispatching their workmen and plant to the colony. Much as it is to be regretted that the inexhaustible source of wealth under our feet should remain for some time longer dormant and unprofitable, active operations on the part of the company in the province, so long as all other industrial pursuits are in suspense, could have but oue result.

Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, 10th December, 1861. Sir, — I have the honor to enclose for your Honor's information the accompanying copy of a letter from the Manager of the Taranaki Steel Iron Company, Limited, in London, dated the 26th September last giving the reasous for the delay in commencing the operations of that Company. I have, &c, (Signed) Henry Seweix, For the Colonial Secretary. His Honor the Superintendent, New Plymouth.