OTAUA SAW MILL.

Waikato Times, Volume IV, Issue 242, 27 November 1873, Page 2

OTAUA SAW MILL.

This mill is now lumciently complete to enable the proprietors, Messrs Gibbons and Co. to start. As it is our province to notice the passing events of the day, we do so on this occasion with much pleasure, as we have to chroni *le the addition of another means, to those already existing, by which our labouring population find employment. There can be no doubt as to the advisability of throwing out inducements to good mechanics and labourers to settle in our province, and it is to capitalists and practical men like the spirited owners of this mill that we have to give thanks for thus causing another source of labour to spring up in our district, which is now beginning to assume a business-like position, and bids fair to compete with others whose advantages have been greater. To those who do not know the whereabouts of the place a few remarks may not be amiss. The Otaua Creek is a small tributary of the Woikato, and runs into that river about four or five miles from the heads. There is an inexhaustible supply of timber in the neighbourhood, including kahitea, matai, rimu, rata, pukutea, and it is a pleasing fact to notice that the timber already cut is of the very finest quality. The mill stands on the banks of the creek, about a mile from the river, and as the steamers of the Waikato Steam Navigation Company can come to the mouth of the creek without any danger, no fear- are to be anticipated from delays in delivery arising from such a source. The mill is worked by an engine of 14 horse power, and the different departments have each a competent head, the whole being under the immediate personal superintendence of M>* James Gibbons. The mill is capable of cutting the largest trees, and is fitted with every convenience for U — .ail.i, I'.s. t;...V».. A fivimwnir »»«. nloo Veer. „n . U» o*o J , liulf a mile in length, on winch the trucks containing the loas can be brought from the bush to the mill. The formal opening of the mill took place on Wednesday, the 19th inst. with most satisfactory results ; the timber was turned out in a first-rate workmanlike manner, and reflects great credit on the proprietors and emploji 6s. After a few logs had been put through, all hands adjourned, and drained a bumper to the succezs of the Otaua Saw Mill, a sentiment which we cordially endorae. — Correspondent.