LOCAL MANUFACTORIES.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2125, 26 February 1870, Page 2

LOCAL MANUFACTORIES.

The latest addition to our local industry, and the one which bids fair to become one of the most profitable by-and-bye, is situated on the Anderson’s Bay road, nearly opposite the residence of Mr W. A. Cnttcn. Some months ago, Mr G. Biessol, who has had some experience in the manufacture of glue, conceived the idea that the establishment of a factory would be attended with success. His project was taken up by Mr Harris Fricdlisch, of Stuart street, and as a firm they commenced opperations last month in the locality we have already mentioned. At present everything is in a primitive state; in fact the factory is not yet in proper working order. For the benefit of those who are unacquainted with the process of glue-making we will detail the operation as conducted at Anderson’s Bay. The material, which consists of bnLoeks’ and sheeps’ feet, sheepskins, and “fleshings,” from the tanneries, is first placed in casks sunk in the ground. It is then washed in cold water, and afterwards dipped in casks containing lime. After undergoing several other washings in water, which on the average occupy a week, it is taken out and dried, and then placed in a boiler, where it is boiled to a jelly. The boiler at present in use is capable of holding about 4(K> gallons, and is provided with a false bottom which catches all deleterious stuff. From the boiler the liquid glue is emptied into a clearing cask where it remains until it has settled, and is then run off into size moulds, about four feet long and ten inches broad, in which it is allowed to cool. It need hardly be remarked that the substance in the mould is glue. As required the contents of the mould are emptied on to a cutting board, where it is cut into the sizes required for the market. The cutting process, though apparently simple, requires skill and care, and is interesting to the spectator. As the glue is cut into flakes it is placed in that form on netted frames whiclx are removed from the boiling room, in which all that is above described takes place, to a drying shed, where on acquiring the requisite hardness, it is packed and sent to market.

Messrs Beissell and Friedlisch, with their present appliances, estimate that they will be able to turn out a ton of glue weekly. They are at present engaged manufachiring glue of a fine description. As far as we could judge, that already manufactured will bear a favorable comparison with any yet imported ; and we were informed that the linn has turned out some which was superior to the best Russian glue. Imported glue of the finer description sells in Dunedin at 80s perewt., and Messrs Beissel and Friedlish can turn it out at 70s. In the course of time they intend extending their works to enable them to manufacture nearly two tons a week, and are about to construct a tramway and other works to facilitate the carrying on of the business. At present the manufacture gives employment to five hands, but when in full working order six men and two boys will be required. So far they have been able to obtain a ready supply of material, but they anticipate that they will have to import from other parts of the Province before long. Mr Beissel, it may be mentioned, exhibited glue of his own manufacture in the Dunedin Exhibition, 1860, for which he received a medal; ami he has received three other medals from other exhibitions for Ids manufactures. Wo believe that the article is about to be tested in the local market, where wc hope the enterprise of its makers will meet with a substantial reward.