MOUNT EGMONT QUARRIES

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 982, 24 November 1910, Page 8

MOUNT EGMONT QUARRIES

DISABILITIES OF LOCAL BODIES.

TARANAKI MEMBERS SPEAK OUT.

A lively interlude took place in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon, the subject matter being the outcome of a question put by Mr. Hine as to the intentions of " the' Government in regard to carrying en crushing operations at the Mount - Egmont quarries. The Minister's reply was to the effect that it had been decided not to rc-onen the crusher until the lino was extended to the quarry proper. •

Mr. Hine took strong exception to the methods adopted by the Government towards the Mount Egmont quarry, and asserted that after expending nearly <£60,000 on building the six miles of railway line,' erecting cottages, and other commodious buildings, the Public Works Department had realised that the whole concern was in a bad way, and promptly transferred the control to the working railways Department. ' The whole of the local authorities from Wanganui northward were practically dependent on this quarry lor future supplies, and the action of the Minister in deciding to close down operations was most disheartening. The fact that this .£60,000 was non-interest bearing was a loss placed the whole of the people of the Dominion. He hoped the Minister would reconsider his decision, and'make an attempt to supply the metal during this summer,' on tho same conditions as last year.

These remarks were warmly supported by Mr. Pearce, M.P. for Patea. .

The Minister of Railways said he would like it to be understood at-once that he was not going to supply stone again at the price previously charged, which he could tell, the members was below cost price. And, further, even if the Department did decide to re-open the crusher, the local bodies would have to wait until late in autumn for delivery,, owing to all trucks being required .for more lucrative work. . Tho Minister said it was the Public Works Department's dutv to hasten tho construction of the lino to the permanent quarries, when verv probably the Railway Department would take the whole output.