MUNICIPAL BRICK WORKS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 301, 16 September 1919, Page 5

MUNICIPAL BRICK WORKS

BIG SCHEME BEING PROSECUTED

WITH TOWN BELT CLAY

Some foutr or live years ago a proposition was placed before the City Council to erect brick works on a suitable site en the Town Belt for the supply of bricks to the council and the public at a minimum rate. It was also pointed out by the promoters that the land to be operated upon was such that it would be improved "by the cutting out and levelling work, and the land so levelled could be utilised for recreation—the 'original and permanent purpose of the Town Belt.

The proposal was decisively turned down, but the idea was not lost sight of, as it was intrinsically >» sound one. At the last meeting of the City Council a resolution was passed authorising the fullest inquiry into the advhableness of establishing 'brick works, the product to be not only available for the City Council's housing scheme, which .would in itself scarcely warrant the erection of big works, such as were proposed, but assuming a suitable area of clay land could be found, works would be established such as would enable the public to buy bricks at the cheapest rate, and the areas, when levelled off, would be made available as playgrounds and recreation reserves for the people for all time. • . ■

• "It is known." said Mr. Luke, "that | these areas of clay lands do exist on the Town Belt and elsewhere. It was decided that the houses to be erected were, to bo built of permanent material, .and as bricks aw. so high in price, it was ..decide? ''bat wo would go -.n for our own works aH supply our own material. I realise i jut our own activities would not justify the erection of large works, 'but the gener-l demand for building material and tho prices ruling do justify the •courcil h .making the effort,-and I am but? wo pball be able to sell bricks «t a price that will not mean that,we shall be chare'"' with exploiting the public by ' way of profits." ■ . ■ The Mayor mentioned finally that Councillor." W. H. Bennett was taking a Tery lively interest in the project, and being a practical builder and contractor, his assistance in the newest industrial venture would be particularly viluable. Properties likely to yield good brick el ay had been inspected, and negotiations were now in progress for their acquisition for the purpose of brick works.