LOCAL INDUSTRY.

Waikato Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6160, 7 July 1903, Page 2

LOCAL INDUSTRY.

THE HAMILTON BRICK KILNS.

Several attempts have beon made in the past to make bricks from the clay so abundant in the neighbourhood of Hamilton, but io far the enterprise has been limited to the hand-made article. As a consequence, the ventures were in no sense criteria of the possibilities of the industry, and the limitations thereby imposed upon the output necessarily precluded the matter receiving more than scant intermittent attention. Now, however, thanks to the energy of Mr Isaao Coates, to whom Hamil. ton owes the existence of more than one of its present most lucrative industries, brickmaking haa beeu established on a firm footing, thus allowing the value of the material ■xt hand to be gauged at its true standard. Preparations for the establishment of the >vorks had been in train for some considerable time, but an actual start was made last Monday. Till the present, however, the operations have been of a somewhat experimental character, but we are informed that satisfactory results have already been obtained, and there is not the slightest doubt that the inauguration of these works will prove of lasting benefit to the district generally. No expense has been spared to place the works on the most advantageous basis, and it only remains for residents to show their due appreciation of the enterprise of the proprietor. Tho works are situated in Collingwoodstreot, at the back of the School Hill, from which a supply of suitable clay can be obtained sufficient to last for many years to come. On entering the gate, the visitor comes to a building in which at a later date will be the office. At the rear of this is the shed where the clay is treated. When the clay is taken from the hill, it is mixed with the top mould, and left to the action of sun and air for a few days, being watered at frequent intervals. Then it is run in barrows on to a platform in the building, wherein is what is known as a pug-mill. This machine.driven byanßh.p. engine, is best described as being on the principle of a huge coffee mill, into which the " feeder," first tempering the clay, feeds the material. Knives revolving in the interior break up the clay into a mass of uniform consistency, it th«n being pressed down to the propeller, by which it is forced through the moulds on to tables composed of rollers.one on each side. Wheu sufficient length has been forced on to the frames, the mould is cut into six bricks, by meaDS of a number of fine wires working on a lever, and fixed at the requisite distance apart. The bricks, for such they are now, are then removed on tho bearing-off barrows to the drying sheds, and there stacked until they are sufficiently dry to bear burning. Of these there are at present three, capable of containing about 70,000 bricks. The kilns have not yet been erected, but a start will be made early this week in the construction of two, which will be sufficient to keep the pug-mill constantly employed. Here the sun-dried bricks undergo a slow baking to give them the hard compact nature necessary to withstand exposure to weather. As emphasising the urgent need of a good reliable brick, and in proof of the sanguine anticipations held by builders as to the quality of the Hamilton clay when properly treated, it may be mentioned that orders have been already booked for over 100,000, and Mr Coates has been forced to decline orders for immediate delivery of several thousand more. It is estimated that, when in full swing, the output will be 10,0U0 per diem, from 12 to 14 hands being inconstant employment. The works are under the management of Mr H. A. Coates.

Should the clay prove suitable, it is intended to shortly manufacture drain pipes and glazed socket pipes, also pressed bricks. Inadequate though this description be, enough has been written to show that the industry is bound in the near future to exercise a most beneficent influence on tha welfare of the district, and we are sure that all our readers endorse our opinion that Mr Coates has once again proved himself deserving of their best v ishes for the success of his undertaking.