BUILDING MATERIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1922, Page 7

BUILDING MATERIAL.

CONCRETE BLOCKS AND MOULDINGS. In these days of building the public is keenly interested in a?ny method that will give material that is not only reliable and lasting, but can be placed on the market at a price that will pay. Such a material is the hollow concrete blocks now being manufactured by Messrs. Smith and Cassie, at. their factory on Nobs’ Line, just opposite the tram shelter at Strandon, Fitz-i-oy, New Plymouth. The plant is a very complete one, the machine used being the British-made Wingate concrete moulding machine. In making the blocks the material used is finely crushed and screened river stone mixed with concrete. The material is prepared for the moulds in almost a dry condition, and not sluiced with water as is the case with most classes of concrete work. This gives a particularly firm binding effect and makes the blocks practically everlasting. The outstanding feature of the machine is the speedy manner in which the blocks of concrete can be turned out, which, after a few days drying in the open air, are hardened and ready for use. The moulds used are varied In shape ana size, and the number of uses the concrete blocks can be put to are manifold. House piles ranging from 4in. x 4in. to 9in. x‘ 9in. can be moulded as desired. Outer walls for house building with reinforced corners made without any join are especially necessary, and the machine turns these corners out in perfect condition. Then there are the moulds for the making of the inner walls, or partitions of houses. These are turned out in lengths 12 inches long and are easily erected, and after being plastered, do away with the need for lining boards, scrim and paper. Other moulds turn out pillars in sections, varied in size as needed and topped with various neat designs. Then there are moulds which turn out gate posts, kerbing for garden paths with neatly turned corners, chimneys for wash-houses, or other similar uses, etc. Altogether, Messrs. Smith and Cassie have a plant which should supply a vast amount of material of a most useful character. The firm intend placing their products on the market at most reasonable prices, and those who contemplate building of any class will find it to their interests to call at the factory and investigate for themselves. The public are invited ito make a visit and see the plant at work. (Published by arrangement.)