IRONSAND FIELDS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1722, 12 April 1913, Page 6

IRONSAND FIELDS.

» — ; . 'THE OPTION AT PATBA. . (By Telegraph.—Special Correspondent.! Marton, April 11. In connection with tho irohsand indus» try, Mr. A. D. Bayfield, has waited' upon the Patea Harbour Boards and asked fop im extension of tjie option held by him. Previously, when ho' waited ion tho Harbour Board, ho had been hoping that things tfould bo brought to a head. H« had, ho said, siuco been' in negotiation with certain financial people in America, but these negotiations had not boras fruit, and ho had changed his ! ground to England. Mr. Bayfield quoted from a statement made before tho Iron Industries Commission and Imperial Trade Commission with regard to tho ironsand' industry. lie had interviewed Mr. Lorimer, a member of tho Imperial Commission, and, as a result, had agreed to seudi ■ him a quantity of ironsand for experimental purposes. . Mr. Bayfield said that he contemplated employing an electrical engineer to assist him in the experiment, \ and to carry out certain prospecting work forthwith, with a view to Ascertaining tho quantity of sand available. Under, tho circumstances ho would ask for an extension for twelve months of tho op. lion that had already been granted under the agreement. He had to expend ilia sum of .£2OOO in the erection of works, Mr. Bayfield, continuing, said that he was in touch with influential people who would bo prepared to put up a considerable sum of money if they were satisfied that a sufficient quantity of sand existed.