TARANAKI IRON SAND.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 15, Issue 749, 3 January 1870, Page 3

TARANAKI IRON SAND.

[From tUe Home News.] Taranaki Steel has become almost a "legend merely" in England, but its memory is a pleasant, and might be made, a profitable, one. Some two years ago a gentleman, now deceased, spent a considerable sum of money in endeavoring to put the steel into marketable condition, and succeded. The supply of the material was limited, but the articles made therefrom were of so superior a character that the mechanics and others who purchased them, are continually making inquiries for the purpose of renewing or adding to their stock. Unfortunately there aie no more to be obtained, and a source of considerable profit to the Colony is thereby closed. The steel is described as being of the best possible kind, but prejudice in Sheffield, and apathy in New Zealand, have succeeded in making "Taranaki steel" almost unknown. The permanent establishment of the steel and iron industry of New Zealand is a matter worth trying for, and it is to be hoped that an attempt to accomplish it may soon assume a definite form. In the Mining Journal of 21st August there is a lengthy description of the steel, works at Taranaki which concludes as follows : —" Such being the progress which has been already made by the colonists with their own unaided efforts, there can be little doubf that as soon as ample capital be brought to bear in establishing the iron manufacture in New Zealand, the Taranaki steel will take an enviable position in the markets of the wot Id, and at the same time add much to the wealth of the Colony. The high, quality of the metal produced is beyond question; and now that a means has been found of manufacturing it by an economic process, no doubt need be entained of its becom ing an established industry."