Starting of the Moanatairi New Wheel.

Thames Star, Volume XIV, Issue 4484, 19 May 1883, Page 2 (Supplement)

Starting of the Moanatairi New Wheel.

It was expected by the manager that he would have .been able to start on .Wednesday (9th), but several little 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 sleekening, 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 easilj 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 satis* factory than that of the 1 Herald mill wheel was, as there only 42 blows were at first obtained., , The Moanatairi 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 improvements have been introduced- It is 7 feet in diameter, and constructed of iron with the exception of the rim, which is of wood. The buckets are 26 in number, and are 10 inches apart. Where the water strikes 'hem 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 iv 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 works direct on to the intermediate thaft. 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 dou tle*B will be able to work profitably many blocks of ground which have hitherto been considered worthless.