TARANAKI IRON SAND.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4848, 5 October 1876, Page 3

TARANAKI IRON SAND.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —In this morning’s paper appears an account of -iron sand experiments at Taranaki, and it occurred to me that the following extract might be of service; it is taken from a book called “ Annual Record of Science and Industry,' 1375,” and is, headed, “ Magnetic Sand in Labrador.” “It is stated that within a few years past large quantities of magnetic iron ore, in sand, have been discovered bn the north coast of Labrador, and that Mr. Laraothe, of Montreal, has more recently been engaged in bringing this to public notice. A company was formed,' and the forges were built at Moisle, which are now in operation, since when other localities have been determined along the north shore, especially at Mantaahquan, Kegashka, St. John river, and St. Marguerite. Several attempts have been made to purify this sand, in a rapid and economical manner, and to make steel from the ore by a direct process, and these problems have now been solved by Professor Larne and Mr. Kizer, of Montreal. An establishment has been erected at Block Point, between St. John River and Whigan, for the preparation of the sand and its exportation to Swansea. It contains, in the rough state, 30 per cent, of the magnetic iron, and when prepared 99 per cent. It is expected that thirty tons per day will be furnished at this place. Works for the manufacture of steel from this sand have been established at Quebec, and at Mantashquan ; others are being put up. The ore is said to excel that of New Zealand in richness, and it is probable that before long it will occupy a permanent place iu the iron industry,” This account of successful smelting should be very encouraging to all interested in New Zealand, and in iron sand in particular.—l am, &c., A Member op the Philosophical Society.