HIKUTAIA QUARRY.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5262, 13 April 1928, Page 3

HIKUTAIA QUARRY.

PROPERTY TO BE SOLD. DECISION OF COUNCIL. Tliat hardy old annual, the Hikutaia Quarry, came in for a let of discussion at yesterday’s 'meeting of the Hauraki Plains County Council after the reading of the following report by the engineer : — “The plant was in good running order when the quarry was dosed down. Ah the rails from the quarry have been lifted, and with the exception of I’s tons stacked at the H-iku-taia station, have all been sold. The locomotive is of no further use, and together with the nine twoyard trucks, could be, disposed of without prejudicing future working of the quarry. I have received an offer from Mr Julian of Is per yard royalty on 2000 yards of metal for the use, of the quarry and plant, same to be left in good order on completion of the work- If this offer is not accepted the question of disposal of the plant could be considered. “The question of the future use of the 5 punts is bound up more or less with the quarry. At present these punts are in the c'harga of Mr Julian. An arrangement was made with him last winter to repair and look after, the punts for the use of them for 5 months. This period.expired last September. Since then- Mr Julian has continued using the, punts, and has offered 6d per yard on all material punted by him. I have received inquiries as to whether the two large punts were for sale;

“This matter should receive consideration, because punts, when not in use, deteriorate very rapidly, and if left in a river they are always a possible source, of danger. Discussing the matter, Cr. Ma.yn observed that “the old man of the Eea” was still on their backs.

The chairman reported that the Works Committee ihad recommended the acceptance of an offer of 2s per yard by Mr H. A- Julian for metal, and use of plant and punts, provided a sat’sfactory surety was forthcom-

ing. Cr. Mayn opposed this,, arguing that the face of the quarry might be so spoilt that the quarry would be rendered. unsaleable. In moving the adoption of the recommendatioi\ Cr. Parfitt said that it was a chance of getting £2OO, which would not otherwise) be obtained; The plant and the punts would deteriorate more jvfhen idle, than in use.

Cr. Madgwifck imported that the Public Works Department ihad decided to defer the metalling of the stopbank road from Pekapeka corner to. Carter’s corner until the Spring, so Mr Julian would not require the metal. He had' only learned this the previous evening, so had not yet had l time to communicate with, the council.

Under tliesq circumstances the motion was withdrawn and the question of disposing of the quarry was considered.

Cr. Mayn advocated selling the lot. The chairman pointed out that the question resolved Itseflf into the demand for metal from the Turua, Kerepeehi, Horahia, an'd Netherton ridings. For the- other ridings metal could be purchased cheaper, from other sources. The time; would eventually come when red matal would, be insu&cient for the roads of the Plains, , but in his opinion that time had not yet come. After a free discussion it was decided to offer the, quarry for sale as a going concern, and, alternately, for tiie sale of tlie machinery. THE PUNTS. / The chairman reported that some months ago the five punts were; leased to Mr H. A. Julian.-. This leaser expired in September) and; had'not been renewed, and it was) for. the council to say what action...s'hou,id’ /he taken in respect to'/securing’ 4 .payment for, tha period from Septqiiiber. . ' ' •

The chairman and/thei'clerk were

instructed to investigate’the position and report to t'he council. ' '■

Cr. Hicks moved that tenders be called for the sale of-three of the punts.

It was considered that by retaining two punts the council wouj'cji still, be ..in a position to do its own punting, thus effecting a limit on transporting charges by shipowners. The offers received would give an indiCjatioiY of the demand for punts, and the ebun-' cil could then decide whether the two remaining punffi should) be sold. Thq motion was carried'.

THE WATER-CART. It was also decided to endeavour to sell the council’s water-cart.