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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Rangiriri

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Rangiriri.

In the early days of the Waikato Rangiriri was a well known stopping place for the coaches. It is the scene of a historic siege during the native troubles of the sixties, and two cenotaphs are erected in the cemetery to the memory of soldiers and sailors killed on that memorable occasion. Rangiriri is a favourite place for sportsmen during the shooting season, and the creek connecting Lake Waikare with the Waikato river at this point is navigable for steam launches. Lake Whangape, a fine sheet of water, is not far away from the settlement, but is on the other side of the river. There are several stores and a hotel, and the township is about a mile from the Rangiriri station, which is a flag station, fifty-six miles from Auckland, and only 30 feet above the sea level.

Pumice Works, near Rangiriri, Auckland. These works were originally established by the late Mr. J. C. Firth for the purpose of manufacturing pumice insulation, and are now owned by the Firth Pumice Co., Ltd. Pumice is used for insulating frozen meat steamers, frozen meat works, dairy factories, bacon factories, and cool storage chambers of all kinds. The use of Firth's Calcined Sterilized Pumice Insulation eliminates all risk from spontaneous combustion, while charcoal, which was used as an insulator prior to the introduction of pumice, is well known to be liable to fire spontaneously; many fires in frozen meat steamers and cool storage rooms, having been traced directly to it. Pumice insulation, being an inorganic sterilized substance, no germs, microbes, mildew, fungoid growth, or vegetable organism can breed or exist in it. In this respect it is again the exact opposite of charcoal. Pumice is now recognised as the most efficient insulator, for the exclusion or retention of heat, cold or sound, when prepared in the manner perfected by this company. The several processes of manufacture and use of the finished article are covered by various patents, held exclusively by the company.