Sandstock Bricks

1.  Clay is dug.

2.  The clay is tempered by being well mixed, turned and soaked (approx. 24 hours). By then the clay is firm and good, ready for moulding.

3.  A large piece is placed on a wooden table.

4.  A portion is severed off and flopped into an oblong wooden frame, which has been previously sanded. At the bottom of the frame, and fastened to the table, is a projecting, bevelled, piece of wood which causes an indentation (frog).

5.  The surface of the mould is scraped to remove superfluous clay and make the brick even.

6.  The brick is allowed to fall gently out of the mould, on to a small board on a side-less wheelbarrow.

7.  When the load is full, it is wheeled to the drying ground and eventually arranged in ‘hacks’. These are covered with straw to protect them from the weather. This takes a few days in fine weather.

8.  Openings are left between the bricks for ventilation and they are built up in such a way that fires can be made underneath them. When the fuel has been thoroughly ignited the openings are plastered up; leaving provision for plentiful draught. (Question: were the bricks placed in a kiln or did they become a kiln in situ?)

9.  After about 40 hours the kiln has been sufficiently burnt; and after cooling, the bricks are available for sale.

Summary of article on brick-making in the Qld Times, 8 November 1884