THE PATUTAHI QUARRY

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2098, 5 June 1907, Page 2

THE PATUTAHI QUARRY

COMPLAINT BY A CONTRACTOR.

.At tho mooting of the Borough Council last night a letter was received from Mr. B. Fitzpatrick, who as contractor for carting the supplies of Patutihi stone, complained of the delay in quarrying, and the largo size of the boulders. Ho wished tho Council to have better arrangements made.

Tho Engineer said that Hapgood and Fitzgerald had contracted to supply 600 yards each. Tho former had got out 556 and the latter only 216. There had certainly been some difficulty at the outset and tho manager hold the opinion that if Fitzpatrick had been unable to get out tho stuno in fine weather he would bo unable to do so in winter.

Cr. Sheridan said that Fitzpatrick had not carted any stone since March 16th, whereas Hapgood had. carted up to May 13th.

The Mayor said that the quarry had been kept open longer than usual in order to give him a chance of completing. Tho contract time had expired and he could not possibly complete this year. He moved that Hapgood’s deposit lie refunded, as ho had almost finished his quantity. Seconded by Cr. Sheridan and carrind.

In regard to Fitzpatrick’s case Cr. Miller thought there might bo some extenuating circumstances of which the Council might not ho aware. Ho suggested that tho County Engineer be asked for an explanation. Cr. Sheridan said tho question should ho asked whether Fitzpatrick had had tlio same opportunities of obtaining metal. In further explanation the Borough Engineer said both contractors had complained of-the difficulty of getting sufficient stone and that they were not allowed in tho quarry on wet days. Cr. Sheridan said more consideration should be shown to a man who had supplied 556 yards, than to a man who supplied only 216 yards. Eventually on the motion of Cr. Sheridan, seconded by Cr. Mann, it was decided to ask the County Engineer whether both contractors had had the same "opportunity of procuring stone.