Successful Smelting of Iron Sand in Taranaki.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4413, 24 February 1883, Page 2 (Supplement)

Successful Smelting of Iron Sand in Taranaki.

On Saturday morning, Jan. 20, the longexpected " blowing in " at tha Iron Company's works at Te Henui, took place. There was not a large attendance. Besides the directors and officers of the Company there were present a few ladies, and to Mrs Ritso belongs the honor of turning on the blast. The furnace had. been healed some days previously, but the " blowiog-in " was the actual start of the operations, and on this' important occasion the Chairman of the Company (Mr Kitso) made a few appropriate remarks, wishing the undertaking every success. The visitors then dis persed. The furnace and machinery worked up to the expectation of the manager all that day, and on Saturday afternoon it was decided to tap the furnace. This was done, and to the satisfaction of all concerned, the metal ran freely to the quantity of over three tous. At this sla^e one of the tuyeres unfortunately gave way, and the blast had consequently to be turned off until the burnt tuyere was replaced. It was known previously that the tuyeres were faulty, but it was thought that they would stand good until new ones could be cast direct from the furnace. Mr Vivian was at ouce communicated with, and by extra exertions he had the necessary tuyeres cast at his foundry, and one being placed in position on Wednesday, the blast was again turned early on Thursday morning In the afternoon the furnace was tapped a second time, and again the metal flowed freely. Tapping will hs resumed at intervals until the furnace is clear of metal, when a few alterations will be made before putting the furnase in full swing. The experiments have given every satisfaction to the manager and the Directors of the Company, and there is now but little doubt as to their successful termination. When work is thorougly started, we will give fuller particulars. —News.