The Brick Industry.

Progress, Volume XIV, Issue 12, 1 August 1919, Page 573

The Brick Industry.

Exploration of Wairarapa.

A Mauriceville Discovery.

Some weeks ago Mr. A. Neighbours, of the wellknown Westport brickmaking and pottery firm of Neighbours Bros., visited Masterton, and made a survey of the surrounding country, in the hope Ol discovering a deposit of clay which would warrant the establishment of brickworks in the district. Mr. Neighbours was somewhat disappointed. The! only part of the district in which he found suitable clay was Matahiwi, and £his. he. considered would J be too expensive to work. He then visited Maurice- j ville East, where he discovered a magnificent deposit in close proximity to the railway station, on the property of Mr. K. Brooks. A sample of ;\ quarter of a ton was taken to Westport, where it was submitted to the severest tests. Mr. Neighbours is of opinion that the Mauriceville clay, of which there is an unlimited supply, is second to none in New Zealand for brick-making purposes. He brought a specimen brick to Master! on which had shown absolutely no shrinkage from the raw material. It was of an excellent dark red colour, solid throughout, and perfectly smooth in surface Mr. Neighbours states that the clay is remarkable for its fire-resisting qualities. He has never before handled material of such high class. He intends taking immediate steps in the direction of forming a company to develop the industry.