METAL FOR THE PLAINS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4603, 19 September 1923, Page 2

METAL FOR THE PLAINS.

PROPOSED QUABBY. p ;i COUNCILLORS INSPECT PROPERTY An inspection of the proposed metal quarry for the Hauraki Plains County was inspected by the councilor on Monday last. The party, which comprised Crs. Miller, Madgwick, Nicholson, and McLoughlin, and Messrs Walton, Higgins, and W. E. GWilly, travelled by launch to the Maakoro Landing, from whence the journey was made on foot, Cr. Mayn being picked up on the way. The route of the tramline that would need to be constructed should the quarry be acquired was inspected. This would follow the Maukoro Landing road to a point between the Maukoro deviation and the WaitakapuruMorrinsville road, from whence two routes are available. Both have certain advantages and which none but an engineer could™ weigh. On the shorter route there is a rise of about 40ft, while the flatter route is about ten chains longer and traverses -the bed of a streamAt the entrance to the valley, which is about three miles from the river, stands Messrs Pateman and Hunter’s sawmill. Here some fine kauri logs are being cut up for the construction of pontoons at Kerepeehi for tW Lands Draipage Department. Following up the tramline, which, together with a small stream, occupies the bed of the valley, outcrops of stone became visible on all sides. The valley narrows, and the .sides become steeper and higher. All the hills are of metal covered with a light overburden of earth. Extensive prospecting has been done and the earth has been removed from many faces, the appearance suggesting, that a had - been used. Many tunnels have been driven. There is enough stone in sight to last for generations, and it is all of good quality, but variefcr slightly. Better stone than that” showing in some places could not he wished for. It is hard blue stone of fine grain, and splits dry and square. There can be no doubt of the quantity or the quality. The cost of working the quarry should be very light, but the qtWßk-— tipns of transport and the cost of the property are ones that require great consideration. The lessee requires £4OO for. his equity, and the acquiring of the freehold title would codt £230. Whether the quarry will be purchased or not will be decided at the next meeting of the Council. All the members with the exception of Cr. Hare have now inspected it, and should be able .to judge of its value.