Wanganui Starch Factory.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 72, 26 February 1885, Page 4

Wanganui Starch Factory.

A writer m the Taranafci Herald refers m the following terms to Mr Gerse's Wanganui Starch , Factory: — •Anything which tends to stop the outgoing of money for imports,: which continually drains the colony, is worthy of notice, though taking its home m another town. Such an establishment is the Starch Factory of Mr I. I. Gerse, at Putiki, near Wanganui. Entirely a matter of private enterprise, he bids fair to turn out sufficient of a thorougly well made article to supersede the imported manufacture. This industry is also worthy of support, as it establishes a market for the wheat, which is not good enough for flour.

It appears though that grown corn is useless. No doubt m time starch will be made from other articles ; at present that is the only cereal used. Already nearly a ton is m its last s ages, and at the same time the manufacture of maizena from locally grown Indian corn, has been commenced. The low value of our wheat and maize at present will enable Mr Gerse to place his manufactures m the market at a price which will command the local trade. Though only starting his factory, Mr Gerse has already got thq necessary tanks, pumps, and drying room erected, his own family and a Maori woman or two doin«the necessary work ; and he hopes by turning out a good article, not only to supply the trade, but also to earn the bonus of offered for the first hundred tons manufactured. The present premises are equal to an output of two tons per week.