ACCIDENT TO THE SHOTOVER MACHINERY.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 201, 31 August 1870, Page 2

ACCIDENT TO THE SHOTOVER MACHINERY.

This morning the connecting rod of the engine having become broken,* the engine had of course to be stopped for the necessary repairs, and the steam was accordingly blown off. The engineer then discovered that the boiler was damnged to a very dangerous extent, being frightfully corroded and honeycombed, the result being more similar to the effects of nitric ncid than to the action of any water. Up to about a week ago the engineer had boon in the habit of using the mine water in the boiler, but since then had constructed a tank, to obtain a supply from the creek, au d this water has since been constantly used.Before turning on the creek water, the boiler was carefully examined, and found quite perfect, so that the damage must have since been caused by the creek water, which is to all appearance guile clear, and apparently free from corrosive matter. But if the creek water has damaged Ihe boiler, the mine water has very materially damnged the pumps and plungers, and in many instances the bolts are quite eaten through. Singular to say, the mine water has had an effect on the

brass work as well as on the ir on for the cocks of the stop-valves, and other parts of the machinery ■ ar6 very much corroded. In fact, the whole of the damages more resemble the effects of nitric acid than anything which it was hitherto supposed possible for any water to effect. Xhe damage to (lie boiler alone will take some lime to repair.— Thames Evening j[f fl ;/ August 30. '