THE TRADE COMMISSION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 251, 13 March 1913, Page 7

THE TRADE COMMISSION.

]\' AND AROCNI) NEW I'IA'AIOUTH. A DAY OF SICI I'f-SEEING. The Trade Commissioners spoilt quite il busy tiuu' yesLerday viewing various spots of interest in and around New l'lymoui li. They were very keenly interested at nil that they saw from an industrial point of view, and our scenic beauties were also vastly appreciated. The weather in the morning was very unpromising, rain falling continuously. Indeed, at !).'SO a.m.. the lime set down for departure, it looked as though there would he no sight-seeing during the day. About 10.30 a.m. it looked a little brighter and the Commissioners decided to carry out the programme set down for the day. The party, consisted of Sir Rider Haggard. Messrs, Lorimer and T. Garliek. members of the Imperial Trade Commission, and Air. 1). Carswell (Sir Rider Haggard's secretary), and Mr. .T. L. I'.rucc. oi the Agricultural Department. accompanied by Air. .Justice Denniston. Messrs. F S. Johns (chairman). and \V. •). Pcnn (representing tin New Plymouth Chamber of Commerce), C. Carter {chairman). If. .!. Okey. AI.P., J. Little and .1. li. Hoy (Taranaki New Zealand Oil Wells Company, Ltd.), E. Griffiths (Managing Director of the Taranaki Oil Lands A. and D. Company). J. H. Connett (chairman) and Newton King (Harbor Hoard). A. Morton (chairman of the Taranaki Producers* Freezing Company). THE FREEZING WORKS. A visit was lirst paid to the Freezing Works. Here the party were met by Air. D. K. Alorison (manager), and Air. .T. Johnson (chief grader), ami shown over the works. This was the first-dairy produce freezing works that the members of the Commission had visited in : Sew Zealand, and naturallv they were keenlv interested. Sir Rider Haggard, who lias two model farms in Ditchingham, Norfolk, was particularly interested .in the work of grading the butter and ?lieese, which was thoroughly explained by Air. Johnson. Sir Rider Haggard also put numerous ipiestions on this and other matters connected with the industry, and carefully noted the information gained, A brief visit to the engine room was also paid, the manager (Air. Morison) coming in for some apprec-) iative remarks as to the excellent condition in which the works are maintained. THE OIL WELLS. . The oil wells were the next to be inspected. No. :! bore was fust visited, f This was .shown in operation, blowing) out. oil and gas. Any doubts as to the' jenuineness of the Taranaki oil field should have been dispelled from the minds nf the Commissioners, for venturing too ?lose there was a sudden outrush. Air. Lorimer got his coat bespattered, whilst sir Rider Haggard jumped back just ia Lime, remarking, "oil is very interesting, hut at a distance." Air. William Lorimer, who is the head of a large.' steel manufacturing business in Cl'-gow, employing thousands of i:k ; a:i-' ,i '• also chairman of directors of one of the railway companies, was in his element here. He showed u very keen desire for information which was freely given by Mr. Carter, and also Messrs. Keith (manager) and Aliller (refinery manager). No. 5 was next visited, and the llow of oil inspected, as also was the burning of the natural gas in the fur'nxce. The stocks of oil at No. i, the preparations for the new refinery. and the pumping out of this prolific bore were ill fully inspected, despite the wet, aiid :he Commissioners (particularly Air. Lorimer) gained some first-hand inform- 1 itioil which must prove useful. . THE BREAKWATER. A brief visit to the Breakwater, where the possibilities of the port were pointrid out as well as the ironsand deposits concluded the. morning's inspection. Although the weather rendered it extremely unpleasant to leave the shelter of the L-ar. -Mr. T. C'arlick ventured down the wharf and_ inspected tire ' breakwater; The Commissioners are certainly thorough in their work. IX 'THE fiELL JU.OCK DISTRICT, After ■ luncheon the weather turned very pleasant, and the afternoon trip nut Bell. Block way Was thoroughly''en-' joyed a magnificent view of the grand old sentinel, Alt. Eginont. being obtained. Mr. Rlundell joined the party for the afternoon .trip, whilst Air. Justice Denniston was unable to make the trip. No. 1,. bcii'e at Bell Block was first visited. This is down a depth of over 1500 feet, Pumping operations were in ] progress here'..' As'showing, the indications of oil the gas which has been struck was lit-and blazed merrily some 10 or 12 feet high, resisting for some - time the outrush, of the water to 'extinguish it. As showing the enormous pressure of the it was pointed out that it. has to force its way through a pressure of U2,(l00 lbs from the bottom , of the bore. The dairying industry was next the ; objective of the party, a pleasant drive taking them to Air. Newton King's farm at \\ illowbank. where bis magnificent ■ herd of pedigree Iloisteins was inspected and their records noted. Sir Rider , laggard was very enthusiastic in his , admiration of these magnificent animals, and lingered long in his inspection. He took photographs of the champion bull ( "King Favue Segis 11.," and of three of the cows-■-"Princess Galatea," "Lady . Rosine'' and "Lady Parthena.'', He was also interested in pasturing, feeding, etc. The array ol prize cards from shows all over New Zealand were also commented Oil. The Hell Mock Dairy Company's Factory was then visited. Here the party were met l>v Alcssrs. J. S. Couiictt (chairman). Andrews and Rundie (directors), and Roller' (manager). The whole pro- ? cess of manufacture from the arrival of the mijk (o the departure of the butter 1 was closely followed. The new casein 1 plant, which is being installed, proved interesting to Sir Rider Haggard, who took voluminous notes of the process as explained by Mr. Yirkerniaii. manager of the New Zealand Casein Company. An invitation to afternoon tea at the manager's residence made a pleasant interlude. A drive out to Mr. -L Connett's well-known farm to inspect tho automat ie milking by machine lollowcd. Tie' 1 vill il .Milking Machine and conveyer in u-e were carcfiillv inspected and various (|iiestiqns. were again answered. 1 THRul'iill THE PARK. Til#- day's! outjug .concluded with-.. &• pleasant walk through some scenery that it would be impossible to beat anywhere in the world. Driving to the Liardet street gates of Pukekura Park the..parly ""walked through the Reerea- ' tiou Crouiuls... Sir Kider llaguard '.fit rtiarked when a glimp-e of the lake with its beautiful fern-margin- jpame uitoview p ."The prettiest piece of park I've seen; in I Australasia." .Several snapshots Ave re taken of the beauty spots. , A samrter tlirough ■ A'Jr. Newton Kingls charming grounds at; liro.oklands with the well kept gardens and beautiful native bush. )l( which are some line puriris, and thence through the adjoining beautiful Araranui, the property -of All'. C. ,W. . tiovctt, brought the party to jhc Avenue Road, where the ears were in waiting and the White Hart Hotel was- reached in time for dinner. , ' '■ ' _ -—ST