BOYCE'S BISCUIT FACTORY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2529, 25 September 1888, Page 3

BOYCE'S BISCUIT FACTORY.

In these depressed times when business men are curtailing rather than extending their operations, and so many people are leaving the district, it is refreshing and encouraging to find a tradesman spirited enough to start a manufacture in the place which uses a local product, and keeps in the neighbourhood a considerable amount of money that would otherwise go to Auckland or the South Island. Mr Charles Boyce, baker, of Camhridge, some time ago purchased the biscuit making plant of Mr Trewheellar, and, without delay, continued the manufacture of the well-known "Waikato" biscuits. Finding, however, that by the introduction of steam power he would be able to work with greater economy and turn out the manufactured article more rapidly, he invested in a six horse-power horizontal engine, by Tangye, and the placing in position and gearing having been attended to by Mr R. Morse, as compact, a little plant for the purpose as could be desired is the result. There are four machines in all—the "mixer," whero the materials are placed in a box, through which runs a shaft, carrying three i) shaped knives which thoroughly incorporate the various ingredients until tho dough is ready for the "break," a machine which fulfils tho duties of the pastry board and rolling pin of domestic life. From the break a thick sheet is turned out, and fed to the stamping machine, where it first goes through rollers which can be adjusted to make it any thickness required, then to a travelling band of canvas which takes it under the stamps, or cutters, finally being lifted from the canvas by means of a tin slice into wire trays, tho dough goes into the oven where a very few minutes suffice to bake it. At tho time of our reporter's visit a large quantity ot water eiackers were being turned out, to an order, and the machinery worked with the utmost sti.oothness. Mr Boyce is already doing a big trade in his biscuits, which compare very favourably in nvKTy respect with the importod article.