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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 61

Cement

Cement.

Notwithstanding the continued production of cement—natural, such as the Mahurangi hydraulic lime, and artificial, in imitation of Portland cement—the importation into the colony is immense and increasing. Last year it reached 100,761 barrels, valued at £62,075, as against 74,997 barrels, valued at £52,902, in the previous year. Concrete is fast becoming a favourite building and paving material, and in large towns seems destined to outstrip both brick and stone in supplanting wood for public edifices, and even for dwelling-houses. It is the opinion of those engaged in cement and lime-making in the colony that, as the prejudice in favour of a foreign article over a home article becomes broken down, and as skilled labour is to a greater extent employed in the manufacture, so as to render the strength of the New Zealand article more regular and certain, and not so liable to be affected by atmospheric conditions, there will be less and less need for fostering or protection to the industry. The great desideratum is that the cement should be capable of use without slacking, and without swelling in the setting. No bonus is necessary, but the present import duty should be maintained; and the Public Works Department and local governing bodies should, where practicable, allow New Zealand cement and hydraulic lime to be used, and in some eases should encourage their use in preference to imported Portland cement. That this industry is capable of great things may be inferred from what has been done by Messrs. Wilson, the proprietors of the Mahu- page 19 rangi hydraulic-lime works. They commenced seven years ago to produce this natural cement, and in the first year only 7,000 bushels were sold. In the second year the amount increased to 23,000; and at the present time the sales are between 80,000 and 90,000 bushels a year, a quantity equal to 30,000 bushels of cement.