Kawhia’s Timber Industry.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 237, 1 December 1905, Page 2

Kawhia’s Timber Industry.

FORMAL OPENING OF SYMONS AND CO.'a MILL. It is pleasing to chronicle the auocessful launching of new industries in the district, more especially so when that industry is being gone into on an extensive as te the intep tion of Messrs Symons and Co,/at their sawmill at Oparau?'— . haye .been gening their plant, etc., luto nraer tor some months past, many obstacles and difficulties being met adecesafully'suiffibunte^ar-, is running amouthly, large quautmes . jLiLrsuclasa-iimbfir being- turned..out, daily*. The formal opening took place Oh Saturday last, when about 50 persons attended, a large contingent proceecfing frbuf Kawhia in Mr Newton’s te.uucb, which had specially cbartered. - The; visitors proceeded to Jibe along She horsed tramline (wgich i 8 completed to the water a distance'of miles)This work alone is a i)ig undertaking, as their are several heavy cutting*, whilst the river had to be twice bridged. The scenery along the tram is delightful whilst the timber passed proved conclusively that the bush is a valuable one, the trees being larger straight an I of great -fßefore’dnspboting the mill, an adjournment was made for lunch, t be refreshments being Vory acceptable. Tbe mill itself is a huge building, 701 c wide and 150 ft. long, solidly built and roofed with shingle. The engine is 85 h p., and the boiler 40 b.p., being well atte nd J d driven by ..Mr Vernon/” The breuking-down saw is powerful and 'in the charge of Mr M'Donald does good work. Mr E, Pearce te banohman, the bench being of the travelling description, and works beautifully, the timber being truly out. There are also the usual goose saws, sharpening bench, lathe,r’blacksmfffi’s’ shop, eton the whole enmpri iog an up-to-date plant, which was greatly admired and- the subject of favourable comment by the visitors. At about 2 o’clock, Mr Jonathan (business manager) on behalf of the proprietors, welcomed the visitors, and then" called upon Mr W. A. Mason, J.P., to formally declare tbe mill open.

Mr Mason made a few remarks suitable to the occasion, emphasising the benefit such industries were to the district, congratulating the firm upon the work done and commending them for their enterprise. The machinery was then set into motion, and Mrs A. Symons performed the - ceremony of cutting the first bokrd. Judging by the manner everything worked tbe estimated quantity which the mill can cut per week <40,000ft.) is on the low side. Mr Wilson J and Mr Prentice took photos of tbe building and groups, afte¥-Which liquid refreshment? were parukea of. Mr-W Symons, J.P., thanked the jvfaitora for tfaeir. attendance and good wishes, and a pleasing ceremony was brought to a couelusion by Mr H. H. Pettit wishing the venture success and Icafttag for three cheers for the propria toifc, which were heartily given.