Starting of the Moanatairi New Wheel.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4478, 12 May 1883, Page 2

Starting of the Moanatairi New Wheel.

It was expected *by the manager that he would hare been able to start on Wednesday last, bat several iittle things were found to be wanting, and everything was not in readiness until last-night. A start was made this forenoon, but the main belt slackening, a stoppage had to be made. This was rectified, and at about half-past twelve a fair start was effected. Only 10 head were at first put on, the others being dropped gradually. The speed attained was 54 blows a minute, which is considered very satisfactory, but it is Mr Wolff's intention to have a slightly larger nozzle put in, and when this is done it is confidently expected that a speed of 60 blows per minute will easily be obtained. Ten berdans were also worked, which will be about the number required when crushing is in full swing, though there will probably be power enough to use more if they are required. An injector has been placed in position, and the waste water from the wheel is forced up into a tank, and supplies the tables. The trial is more satisfactory than that of ihe Herald mill wheel was, as there only 42 blows were at first obtained. The Moana tairi stampers are also each 2cwt. heavier, and will therefore do as much work at a less speed. The wheel has been made by the company's engineer, Mr Henderson, and the woodwork was erected by Mr W. Jennings. The wheel on the same model as the one at the Herald, but several im« provements have been introduced. It is 7 feet in diameter, acid constructed of iron with the exception of the rim, which is of wood. The buckets are"^ in number, and are 10 inches apart. Where the water strikes them they are 5£ inches wide, but open out inwards, to give room for the water to escape, The nozzle used to-day was two inches across the mouth, but the new one will be l»l6th of an inch larger. The quantity of water used is two sluice heads. The box in which the wheel works has been made larger than in the Herald, to prevent the waste water clogging the wheel, and an escape has also been , provided for the air which is carried around. A pulley, is affixed to the main shaft, and a belt from this workß direct on to the intermediate shaft. Another belt from the main shaft drives the berdans. The manager will now be able to crush much cheaper than when only steam power was available, and doubtless will be able to work profitably many blocks of ground which htve hitherto been considered worthless.