Selwyn Times: February 07, 2018

SELWYN TIMES Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi
Wednesday February 7 2018 9
Local
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Fire rages, homes at risk
Brick, Pipe and Terra-Cotta Works
This was about 3km from the
railway line that went through
Glentunnel. The clay and coal
was brought from the surrounding
hills by railway wagons to the
Brick and Tile Works situated in
the village, on the north side of
the branch line to Whitecliffs.
For about 16 years, production
at the works was confined to the
manufacture of bricks, but in
1886 this was extended to making
drain pipes for agricultural
and domestic purposes, followed
two years later by producing
pottery and terra-cotta goods.
Apart from providing bricks for
the now well-known historic
buildings at Homebush and for
numerous other stately homesteads
in the district, the prosperous
business also supplied the
growing domestic and industrial
building market in Christchurch,
where the company had
established a distribution depot
at 81 South Belt (now known as
Moorhouse Ave).
In 1903, the brick works was
described as “a commodious
brick building with an iron roof,
and contains three drying sheds,
two machine sheds, and engine
and boiler house, and a repairing
shop. It possesses two kilns
CHANGES: Several buildings which still stand today can be seen behind the Homebush Brick, Pipe and Terra-Cotta Works in the
early 1900s.
PHOTO: GLENTUNNEL MUSEUM
capable, respectively, of holding
16,000 and 24, 000 bricks, and
new machinery of a modern
make is being introduced. With
an abundance of buff, red and
fire clays of high-quality near at
hand, machinery of a most efficient
and up-to-date order, good
coal supplied by the Homebush
Colliery, and railway communications,
the Homebush Brick,
Pipe and Terra-Cotta Works are
in a particularly favourable position
to compete successfully with
other works in the colony. All the
classes of goods manufactured
are known for the fine finish and
durability, and find a ready sale
in the market.”
At this time, the factory
employed 15 men and had an
annual output of about £3,000 –
around $530,000 today.
The factory remained a
long-standing employer and
important contributor to the
local economy. By 1926 the
business had been purchased by
McSkimming & Sons Ltd, with
production continuing until
1983. The buildings were later
taken down and the site is now
a residential property. However,
clay brick making has remained
an important component of the
district’s economy for almost
150 years, with Canterbury Clay
Bricks, of Darfield, continuing to
produce quality bricks which are
supplied nationwide.
•Anyone interested in
knowing more of the history
of brick, tile and pottery
making within the district
should visit the Glentunnel
Museum on Phillip St,
Glentunnel, where
there is an impressive
collection of historical
photographs and items
from the factory on display.
The museum is open
Sundays, 1-4pm, during the
daylight-saving period or by
appointment with Tony Airs
on 318 2423.
Enjoy the Romance
At Terrace Downs Resort
Valentine’s Day
DINNER
$
100pp
Valid 14 February
A glass of
Sparkling Wine,
4 Course Set Menu,
Live Music
High Country
High Tea
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What better way to
spend an afternoon with
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Available everyday
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$29 per person
or $39 per person with a glass of bubbles
Booking essential Minimum 2 people,
Gluten free available.
Indulge with our
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for Couples
Accommodation, 2 course dinner, Breakfast.
Available all of February.
Make your Sunday extra
special with our popular
Sunday Buffet
Come and enjoy a delicious menu of
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accompanied by live music.
Every Sunday
12:30pm
Adults $45pp,
Kids u12 only $20
$
490
per couple
Phone 03 318 6943
Terrace Downs Resort
623 Coleridge Road,
Windwhistle, Canterbury
Email: info@terracedowns.co.nz
www.terracedowns.co.nz
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