MARATOTO ROAD.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 5010, 6 August 1926, Page 2

MARATOTO ROAD.

REQUEST FROM MINING COMPANY.

COUNCIL’S DESIRE TO ASSIST.

At the meeting of the Ohineniuri County Council yesterday some interesting information was contained in a, letter received from the Ohinemuri Gold and Silver Mines. Ltd. The letter stated: — >

‘‘Adverting to my letter of February 2, 1925, asking for a grant for the purpose of widening this road beyond Mcßrinn’s Creek to the company's low level, and to your reply of March 13, 1926. conveying the intimation that the Mines- Department declined your application, I .am now instructed to renew the application for a grant to cover the cost the work on the following grounds : (1) That the diretcors are convinced the developments of the mine at Nos. 2 and 3 levels are so satisfactory that they are warranted in embarking on a vigorous scheme of development with a view to the production of bullion from the mine within one year from date. The results from No. 3 level, 400 ft bejow the surface, legve little doubt that a large and valuable mine is being developed.

(2) That the sum o'? £16,000 is being provided by the shareholders- to begin this work, and that a further £15,000 will at an early date be made available.

(3) That negotiations are at present in progress with the Thames Valley Power Board for the construction of a transmission line to carry the equivalent of 500 horse-power for the mine and milling plant. Failing thisagreement it is the intention of the company' to instal a Deissel power plant.

i(4) That upon the provision of power a considerable sum will be necessitated for electrical or such other equipment as may be decided upon, and for an air-compressor and accessories to operate at least five rock-drills simultaneously. (5) That it is the intention of- the directors to expend the necessary fund to bring the milling plant up to the requisite standard of efficiency to treat at least 100 tOns of ore daily. “On these facts! I haye no hesitation in commending to your council the importance and urgency qf the work from which the county a whole, and the Maratoto 1 district particularly, will derive great benefit.

“At present it is necessary to transport the supplies by the primitive method of a sledge. Without the assistance now sought it would be a very difficult matter to transport hea,vy machinery from the end of the present section to the mine. “The Inspector of Mines, has recently examined the developments) at the No. 3 level, and is greatly impressed with the value and importance of the work.” '

The Chairman (Mr H. M. Corbett): Here you are,, gentlemen, a mining boom is what you are looking for.

Cr. A. R. Robinson sa ; id he understood that the road wa.s in a dangerous state owing to a wash-out. The portion from Mcßrinh’s, Creek upwards certainly required to have something done at’once.

The chairman intimated that £2OO had already'been applied 'for.

Cr. Robinson moved .that the Government be requested to add sufficient sum to the amount applied for to put the road in reasonably good order; also, that a copy offi the jnining company’s letter be forwarded with the application to the Mines Department.

Seconded by Cr. W. F. Johnstone. The chairman suggested that a copy of the letter should a.lso be forwarded to Mr Samuel, M.P., with a request that he use his best endeavours to obtain the grant. Several councillors spoke of the desirability of straining every effort to assist the mining company.