A NEW BRICK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 224, 21 March 1914, Page 6

A NEW BRICK.

MADE-FROM' TARANAKI SAXD. Messrs Cilmour and Clarke, of Xew Plymouth, have just received from the Limestone Brick Co., of Dunedin, samples of bricks and a small stone block made from sand taken from the To Henui beach. They are almost blue in color, and have the evenness that is a characteristic of the sand-bricks turned out by the company, and for which there is an increasing demand throughout the Dominion. The color is caused by the large proportion of iron in th* sand. If a white brick is required lighter sand would have to be used. The final absorption point of sandstone bricks after 24 to 30 hours' immersion is 9.5 per cent, of the dry weight of the brick. The best clay bricks absorb in two or three hours 12 to 15 per cent. Oamaru stone absorbs 15 to 20 per cent, in half-an-hour. The bricks can be made and profitably sold at 35s to 40s per 1000, as against COs to 70s for the ordinary elay brick. At this low price, houses can be built as cheaply in brick as in timber. The company is willing to consider, the establishment of works in New Plymouth, provided there is sulKcient inducement offering. With that end in view it is probable the manager will • make a trip to Xew Plymouth' at mi I early date. The bricks and block are on view at Messrs Gilmour and Clarke's, and will well repay inspection.