TARANAKI IRONSAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1922, Page 4

TARANAKI IRONSAND.

ENGLISH FIRM’S NEGOTIATIONS. MR. LEGGATT IN NEW PLYMOUTH. Further negotiations concerning the establishment of an iron and steel jndustry in New Plymouth, utilising the ironsand deposits, form the mission of Mr. Percy Scott Leggatt, principal of the firm of Messrs. Thomas Summerson and Sons, Darlington, England, who arrived in New Plymouth yesterday by motor from Auckland. Before entering into negotiations, however, Mr. Leggatt will visit Wellington, and will return here in about three weeks’ time. Interviewed last night, Mr. Leggatt was not disposed to say much concerning his objects, pending an interview with the Prime Minister at Wellington to learn the exact nature of the report on the recent experiments with Taranaki ironsand at Darlington. He explains that though this report had been presented to the High Commissioner at London it did not reach Darlington before his departure. The delay, he states, was probably due to the fact that a further conference was to be held between the High Commissioner and Mr. Harbord (expert for the New Zealand Government) concerning certain aspects of the report. “I sincerely hope,” Mr. Leggatt added, “that it may be possible for me to come to terms with the New Plymouth Borough Council for the supply of the electrical energy necessary to commence operations in New Plymouth. I fully appreciate the difficulties which «have beset the negotiations, but it is conceivable that there have been misunderstandings on both sides. I have had one or two informal talks with local gentlemen to-day, and 1 find that the installation is going to be somewhat expensive. So soon as 1 get the exact figures I shall be able to decide as to how much I can pay for the supply. The last thing in the world that I desire is to get, preferential rates; but as I am going to be a continuous bulk consumer some concessions are to be expected.” Mr. Leggatt added: “In connection with the actual financing of the hydro-electric extensions, I understand the requisite money has been provided. It is very pleasing news, as it will enable its to put more money into the ironsand-smelting plant. There is no reason whatever why a very satisfactory and up-to-date ironsand industry should not be instituted here on progressive lines, and I don’t apprehend that any obstacles will be placed in my way by those controlling the ironsand deposits. Bound up with such operations as I have in hand are by-products from the furnaces, which would be readily marketable at cheap rates to local farmers, and this, perhaps, may interest them and secure their support.” Mr. Leggatt stated in conclusion that on his return to New Plymouth he hoped to thresh matters out to finality with everybody concerned.