MAKING SHELLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 July 1915, Page 8

MAKING SHELLS.

A DOMINION EXPERIMENT. By Telegraoh.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. As it has been demonstrated that shells, at least of a certain type, can be made in the Dominion, and considerable interest has been taken in this question, a pressman to-day elicited the following facts. Recently a Blenheim firm received an 18-pounder shell, and after one or two attempts succeeded in manufacturing what appeared to be a satisfactory missile. This was sent to Wellington, and in the presence of tile defence authorities was exploded in the shell testing box at one of the forts. It was found to he thoroughly efficient, and quite as satisfactory as the model from which it wa3 made. It is stated that no arrangements have been made bv the Defence Department for a supply. Various questions, such as the cost of the local article, the speed at which it can he made, and the probable eapacitv of the output have to be considered before any definite contract can he entered into. The opinion of engineers and ironfounders seems to be borne out, namely, that the casings of shells can at least be manufactured in this country, the main difficulty being the supply of experienced workmen.