OXFORD CEMENT.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2159, 26 January 1881, Page 3

OXFORD CEMENT.

A meeting of those interested in the development of the Oxford cement deposits was held yesterday at the Industrial Association’s rooms. Mr E. Allan occupied the chair. The Chairman read a letter from Mr Jameson, suggesting that unless the owners of land where the raw material exists were prepared to carry on experiments on a much larger scale than those already made, he was of opinion that a company should be formed that would be perfectly unfettered as to what properties they should draw their clay and obalk from, and be prepared to erect a kiln in the most convenient locality, where these and the necessary fuel can be brought togetherThe materials could then be received from various owners of land and the experiments conducted on scientific principles. A letter of apology was received from Hon. E. Biohardson for non-attendance.

Mr Pratt, who regretted that he was the only member of the committee present who bad visited the property, stated that the materials, both clay and chalk, were there in abundance. It was for the company, when formed, to decide upon the locale of the place from which they would draw their supplies, as this would depend very greatly upon where the fuel could be got. The chairman then read the report of the | committee appointed at the last meeting, as follows Some of the members of the committee took occasion to visit che property of Measrn Ingram | and White at Oxford, and after several meetings to consider the subject of the supplies of the raw material that are available, the com- j mittee unanimously concluded to strongly recommend the formation of a company for the manufacture of cement. From data to band, it is known that all the materials for the manufacture of Portland cement exist in considerable variety. We have visited Oxford, and inspected the chalk, which is of excellent quality and in great quantity. Clays are fonnd all round the bills, and those of the Malvern district are known to be specially suitable. The committee does not recommend that the company, if farmed, should confine themselves to any special locality from whence to draw the supplies, bat snggest a well considered series of experiments, and it, is believed that a good marketable cement could - readily bo manufactured in a very short time. W. Pratt. J. P. Jameson. S. P. Andrews. Some discussion followed as to the fuel to be used.

The Chairman pointed out that the acceptance of Messrs Ingram and White’s offer meant the purchase of a large extent of bush for the production of cement. Mr Pratt said that they had been unable to find that charcoal was used elsewhere in the production of the cement. Mr White said that so far as the making of further experiments were concerned he might at once state that they were not prepared to go further. They had proved that they possessed materials for the manufacture of cement equal to the best Portland cement imported. Mr Jameson said that farther experiments were necessary by the owners of the land on which the materials were found, but they bad already spent some hundreds of pounds, and if they could have gone on they would not have oome to the public to get up a company. On the request of Mr Pavitt, The Chairman read the report of Mr Lambert and Mr Walkden on the cement. He might say that, so far as be could gather, he understood that the committee did not recommend the purchase of Messrs Ingram and White’s property, or any one. The analysis and remarks of Professor Biokerton and Mr Gray proved that they had the material for making cement; it only wanted doing. Mr Ingram said he thought the committee hardly understood that they bad made the number of experiments they had done with the materials. They had conducted over a hundred experiments, and had proved that the materials existed in quantity for making excellent cement.

Mr Draper laid the analyses of Professor Bickerton and Mr Skey were exceedingly favorable.

Mr Pavitt would bo glad to see anything done to develop an industry of this kind, but it would bo premature to take any steps which would bind future meetings. The proposition was that they should purchase Messrs Ingram and White’s interest, which he thought would be very premature, and incurring an obligation to the extent, ho believed, of some £7OOO, which would at onoo cripple the industry. Mr Charters said that Messrs Ingram and White only wanted a royalty paid _on the materials, the proposed company paying only for the plant taken over. Mr Draper said what Messrs Ingram and White wanted was to give a lease for twentyone years, at a royalty of 2a per ton on manufactured cement, which would at once show their bona fidet. If the company, when formed, desired to purchase right ont, it might be done for £7500. Mr White said they were so convinced as to the large extent and bona fidet of the chalk and other deposits, that they would far rather take a royalty as proposed than sell right ont.

The Chairman said he thought the inform a tion before them was of such a crude nature that the meeting should, ho thought, bo adjourned for further information. There no doubt that it was a splendid industry, hut they must put it before the public in a proper form. Mr P<mk. said that he would move—“ That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable •■’■at a company bn formed for the manufacture of cement, and that a meeting be convened at au early dale by the secretary of the Industrial Association, when the prospectus could be drafted.” Mr Pavitt seconded the motion. After some further discussion.

Mt Charters moved as an amendment—--44 That the meeting stand adjourned to this day fortnight, in order that Mr Jameson might be present, and further to consider the question of the manufacture of cement.” Mr Waller seconded the amendment. Mr Pratt said he would withdraw the resolution in favor of Ihe amendment.

Mr Pavitt said ho should have preferred to see the resolution carried, as it might probably be that there would be a small attendance, and the matter would lapse. Mr Charters said the project would not lapse even if no company were formed. The substantive motion was then put and carried, and the meeting adjourned.