IRONSAND SMELTING. Accident with Taranaki Furnace. New Plymouth, July 9.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 211, 16 July 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

IRONSAND SMELTING. Accident with Taranaki Furnace. New Plymouth, July 9.

Ax noon to-day, as smelting at the ironworks was progressing most satisfactorily, one of the iron hoop binders of the furnace suddenly parted, and was immediately followed by six other binders collapsing. It Avas noticed that the furnace on one side was bulging, and the total collapse was threatened. Mr Hipkins seemg 1 the danger, decided to " blow down." This untoward accident has created great disappointment as the metal afc the last two tappings was the best yefc turned out of tho furnace. Mr Hipkins attributes the accident to the tact that the furnace has been unused for over twelve years, and had absorbed a great deal of moisture, which, on the fire being continued for several days, caused the bricks to bulge. Tho rain this morning, which is very heavy, contributed to bring about the accident. Mr Hipkins does not think the furnace will ever be fib to use again, but cannot state positively until the inside is inspected. There are several cracks visible in the outside walls. Although the accident has caused some depression to bo felt in the prospecfa of the ironsand industry, yet the splendid results attained by Mr Hipkins will ensure a company being formed to carry on. Mr Hipkins is so confident that he states he will take LSOO worth of shares himself in the new company. He proposes that two small furnaces be built on modern principles afc a cost of about L5OO each. The present machinery for blowing in will be available for new furnaces. The amount of metal run out during the four days is over 30 tons, which is considered very good, as the furnace is quite green. A meeting of the Association will be hold to-morrow, when a report from Mr Hipkins will be received, and the meeting will decide what to do next. The feeling is strongly in favour of forming a strong company to carry on systematically.