The New Zealand Iron and Steel Compay.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4481, 16 May 1883, Page 2

The New Zealand Iron and Steel Compay.

It would be superfluous to enlarge upon the productiveness of the Auckland Province, as almost every day fresh | instances are given of .its natural wealth. The successful treatment of the iron sand so abundant on the west coast of the island has opened up a new industry in our midst, and a company has been floated to work the deposits in the Auckland Province. Abundant proof is given that its reproductiveness is not a matter of mere conjecture. We see that the waste necessarily occurring in treating the metal as it is being dealt with at hcpne, can be avoided in these works. We, see indisputable figures shewing a saving of 84s per ton, and even allowing for the extra expense of labor here, as compared with the home rate, we find that the price of the iron as imported is considerably above that for which we can supply the same article ourselves. The supply of the material from which the iron is turned out is unlimited, and there is no reason whatever that we should not only fill our own wants, but become exporters. The introduction of this most important industry has been attended with every success, and its prolific nature appears to be thoroughly appreciated. The pro ducing of fencing wire, standards, &c, are only infinitesimal when compared with the resources of the works. The finest steel can be turned but from the deposits, and should the support be accorded to the industry which its merits warrant, the supply of Milway- iron requisite for the colony will be found at our own doors. Coal is found in abundant quantities in close contiguity

to the works, and every facility exists to maiie this one of the most flourishing industries in the North Island. The wealth of a colony exists in its productions, and the encouragement of them should be the first thought of every wellwisher of the country. The propagation of this industry should be a first consideration of not only those whose in» terests lie embedded in it, but all who desire to see the Auckland Provincial district assume the position which she is, not only by nature, but through the energy and go-ahead ideas of her people entitled to assume. We would direct the attention of our readers to the prospectus of the New Zealand Iron and Steal Company, which appears in another column, and which shows explicitly the profit to be derived from the local production It quotes the importation by the other colonies from the home market, which supply might be had from Auckland, and points out the siving effected "in freight, insurance, &c , which is enough to encourage iron users to buy the local product, even if they have not patriotic feelings. .