TE KARMA SHINGLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1416, 29 March 1905, Page 4

TE KARMA SHINGLE.

DEPUTATION EDOM COUNTY COUNCIL.

Captain Tucker and Mr A. E. Matthews, reprosehting the County Council, waited upon the Borough Counoil last ovening in regard to Mr Roes’ proposal to construct a tram line from the To Karaka station to the shingle bed in the Karaka river, and also northward to allow him fo got timber out from his mill to the Te Karaka station. Captain Tucker stated that the County ■Council bad considered Mr Raos’letter at its last mooting, and had resolved, subject to the co-operation of the Borough Council boing obtained, to do the work required. A suggestion had been made, provided that tho Borough Council's views of the mattor were in coalosconce with those of tho County Council, that two or three acres from tho river bank be acquired where the deposits of tho best shingle were, and through which the lino of tramway would pass. It was doubtful whether royalty could bo claimed for the land, but whether claimed or otherwise it would be cheaper for them to acquire the river bed if the Borough Council, were desirous of obtaining good river metal for their side streets. The .parties themselves were ugrcod to contribute something towards tho cost, but a proviso could be. made that the shmglo depot should bo held by the two councils only, who would have froe and unreserved right to the use of the metal.

Mr Matthews said he thought it was the duty of all local bodies to assist any industry which would promote the wealth and progress of tho place. They had fine timber hanging up for want of facilities to get it down to To Karaka, and so to Gisborne. They should bo sending timber to Australia by return boats, and thus be cheapening tho price of coal. Ho considered it a duty to assist in tho development of theso resources. In reply to the Mayor, Captain Tucker stated that the sum required for acquiring the land would bo £2OO, providing they had to pay no royalty. | jThe Mayor said it seemed a very small sum. The two councils should be able to ido without a third party. He thought tho Borough Council should assist the County Council in tho matter, and proposed that the Council ogree to give every assistunco in acquiring the land, and thus obtain a better supply of Bhingle. \ Cr Hepburn said two acres appeared a very small area from which to obtain metal for two councils. He considered that they should take more land. Cr Lysnar thought it would be better not to pass any special resolution. Thoy had appointed a committee to go into the question, and should await their report. It was essential that they should first know if the right clrbs of shiDgle was there.

Captain Tucker said tho County Engineer had reported on tho matter. Cr HardiDg considered thoy should pass a resolution conditionally that the report was satisfactory. He thought it would bo

a groat mistake to hang the matter up indefinitely, especially as tho committee would bo just as wise after thoy had inspected it ns thoy were at present. Ho had no objection to tho caution suggested by Or Lysnar provided ho agrcod to cooperate with tho County Council if every thing was found satisfactory. It was an,

on opportunity they should not lose. The Borough Council was directly interested in the matter. Nov/ that they had to provide metal for Greater Gisborne the Patntahi stone would bo.insufficient, and the river bod at To Karaka the only place they could get good shingle. If they lost tho opportunity of SBeuriDg this shingle bed they would regret it. Cr Morrison seconded the Mayor’s pro-

posal for acquiring the river bed, provided their overseer approved of the report. Captain Tuckor said tho County Coanoil perceived that the matter was of tho greater importance to the borough.

Cr Lysnar said that it was unwise to force tho thing. Tho Mayor said it was only a matter of about £2OO. • \ Cr Lysnar : What about the tramway ?

The Mayor : That wont cost us a penny. They had about 25 milos of streets to motal; they could not get the metal in the borough, and when they got such an offer they should bo glad to bo shareholders without talking about sending their Overseer to inspect what the County Engineer had already reported on, and in regard to a site which of their own knowledge they knew to bo a good one. They should not delay a day. Cr Hepburn was not satisfied as to tho area or land.' They should inorease tho area to fivo acres.

Cr Konnedy said tho proposal was very acceptable to tho Council. Ho wa3 absolutely in favor of it, and thought they should not delay a momont in going in with tho County Council in the matter.

Cr Lysnar said ho was astonished at tho attitude of tho Council. Thoy had no details boforo them whatever. It was only inviting opposition to seek to force tho m«ttcr in this way. They should find out tho railway charges; it might bo a prohibitive price. Thoy might bo able to get cheaper and better metal from Kaiti. (Cr. Kennedy : No.) He was not hostilo to the proposal, but as representing the ratepayers they should have all information boforo thorn. Was the quantity of shingle there, and what would be tho freight ? Thoy knew they wore paying 3s Id from Kailaratahi. There was no necessity to rush thi3 matter; thore was too much of

this sort of thing. Cr Whinray said thoy should have the minutes read and put to [the Counoil in form.

The deputation then retired, being informed that the subject would come on later.

The subject was again brought on in Council at a later stage, and after some further discussion Cr Harding moved that

tho Borough Council co-operate with the County Council in acquiring the four acres of river bed, and one aero for a aiding,subject to the committee appointed to go into the matter, and the overseer approving of the quality and quantity of the shingle. Cr Kennedy secondod the motion, which was carried.