METAL FOR THE PLAINS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4467, 15 September 1922, Page 4

METAL FOR THE PLAINS.

INSPECTION OF QUARRIES. REPORT BY ENGINEER. VALUE OF HIKUTAIA. The problem of obtaining metal for the requirements of the Hauraki Plains County was extensively dealt with by Mr J. Higgins (county engineer) in his report to the Council on Monday. “I have dealt extensively with the matter of procuring supplies of metal for metalling roads throughout the county,” stated the report. “In company with your chairman I examined three quarries adjoining the Kauri Timber Co’s line on the Kauaeranga stream. From these sufficient metal can be obtained to serve future requirements of the lower portion of this county. It was arranged with the owners to submit prices per; cubic yard royalty for the metal, accompanied with option of purchase within two years at a stated price. WAITAKARURU VENTURE. “In response tp deputations received we also visited several quarries at Waitakaruru owned by Mr Blackett, who informed us that a company had been formed with a view of placing metal at the disposal of the Hauraki Plains County Council. The matter was fully discussed with Mr Blackett, and it was arranged that the company submit a schedule of prices for supplying suitable metal, either on the Waihou or Piako riverbanks. The arrangements provide that in. the event of the price and quality of metal delivered being satisfactory this council has first call on the output from the quarry. HIKUTAIA QUARRY. After viewing the quarries mentioned your chairman and I visited the Hikutaia quarry, and I am pleased to state that I have hopes of it turning out a valuable asset. "The quarry bears evidence of it having been badly worked prior -o coming into your possession, and it will be necessary to adopt new methods for disposing of the overburden, and also in the breaking out and delivering of stone to the crusher. “In the matter of trapsit between the quarry and the Waihou river I find that there are two alternatives ; one of which necessitates trimming the Hikutaia stream banks, clearing one or two shallows, and laying about 50 chains of tramline between the quarry and the Hikutaia stream bridge on the P.aeroa-iThames road, where a hopper could be erected with a view to conveying the metal by punt to serve the whole 'of the Netherton riding and a considerable portion of the Turua riding.. The alternative is to run a tramline direct from the quarry to the Waihou River, but I fear the latter would involve no end of difficulties and delays in the matter of acquiring land. Arrangements would have to be made with the Ohinemuri County Council (or at least two road crossings, and it is doubtful if the Railway Department would agree to a crossing over the Government line. Supposing, however, that the scheme can be arranged, we have to consider the fact that valuable time will be lost before even a'start can be made and comparatively heavv expenditure would be building up on construction only at a time when metal should be going bn to the roads. “I examined the Hikutaia Stream 011 two occasions. The last examination was on tlie 2nd inst. at 4.40 p.m., when the turn of the tide became noticeable at Hikutaia Road bridge, and I am of! the opinion that by judiciously expending the sum of £l5O good results can be obtained. Before committing your Council to much expen-

diture, however, in a matter which required great consideration, I would suggest testing the merits of the proposal by taking a punt up-stream, doing temporary improvements on the way and returning again with the punt loaded with metal. “I might point out' that should the scheme prove successful, the work of putting the quarry in order could he undertaken without much delay and metal could be carted to punts while the tramline from the quarry to the stream is being constructed, and thus take advantage of a good portion of this summer weather.

“In further consideration for the urgent necessity for metal supply for this county I got into communication with the Thames Quarries, Ltd., and am expecting a letter to arrive before the close of the meeting tc-day. MIRANDA QUARRY’. “I examined two quarries adjacent to Miranda-Waitakaruru Road, and I estimate that a fair sample of metal can be delivered on to the unformed road for 15s per cubic yard. PUNTS. "I have interviewed Mr J. Kennedy and have arranged for alterations of the two county punts to be put in hand without further delay.