METAL FOR THE PLAINS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4573, 11 June 1923, Page 2

METAL FOR THE PLAINS.

UNLIMITED QUANTITY. OPTION SIGNED. On Saturday last an option was signed by which the Hauraki Plains County .Council has the right within 61 days from May 16 to purchase a block of land at Maukorp or to have the right to remove metal therefrom on a royalty basis. The significance is great, and represents months of discussion by the Council in committee and investigation and negotiation by councillors and their officials to secure for the county what will undoubtedly be one of its greatest assets. The problem of obtaining road metal has been a very acute one, but now all trouble should be over. Some months ago members of 1 the Council decided to search for metal on the range of hills west of the Plains. Some good faces of metal were found, but in one valley a deposit that eclipsed all others was discovered. In the bed of the creek alone there is sufficient metal to fill the needs of the County for years. Many faces are showing, Sn'd there is every indication that some may be 150 ft in height!}. The quality of the metal is said to be excellent, it is hard, and splits square and dry. Not a rotten stone has been found. The metal is said to be altogether . different from that found oh the Coromandel ranges. Councillors and engineers who have inspected the deposit are very enthusiastic on the matter. Negotiations with t,he owner of • the block have been proceeding, .and as a result an option has been.otbained. The Council may have the sole right to remove metal, etc., for a period of 30 years at a royalty of one penny per cubis yard or to purchase outright the block of land, comprising 461% acres, for the sum of £550 cash. To Cr. W. G. Hayward most of the credit for this is due; Other faces of metal are in sight on the block, and it is well wooded with rough timber. This would be very suitable for sleepers for a tramline.

Although there can be little doubt as to the result the Council has d?cided to have the quarry thoroughly prospected before it is purchased. A tramline a little over two miles long could be laid to the river, so that the metal could be delivered at a low cost. Being within the river there would be no delay in delivery owing to stormy weather as at present, when punts have to cross the gulf. Should the prospect, be as expected the Council would be quite justified in installing a large stonecrushing plant. Addressing a meeting of ratepayers at Patetonga on Saturday the County Chairman urged any ratepayer who was sceptical tp visit the quarry.