PATUTAHI STONE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2194, 25 September 1907, Page 1

PATUTAHI STONE.

IMPROVEMENTS AT THE QUARRY APPROVED. The Works Committee, in their report to last night’s meeting of the Borough Council said they had visited the Patutahi quarry on Thursday last, and interviewed the County Council the following day concerning improvements for the better handling of stone. Favorable replies had beenreceived, the County Council agreeing to pay its proportion of the cost of hoppers. The County approved of haulage by motor waggon, but would prohibit traction engines on the roads. " . The committee had authorised-the Town Clerk to arrange for obtaining the remainder of the 5000 yards of stone by drays at 8s per yard, stono to be broken. The Mayor said that improvement had been effected, but hoppers would be required. Tho old timber from Waipaoa bridge would roduco tho cost. Cr. Sawyer said that as only one load could be carted a day no advantage would be derived by the Council? It would simply mean putting up hoppers for the use of the County Council, which had depots nearer the said that unless some motor power was used .for carriage, only one load could be taken a day. The Mayor, in reply to a question, said the County Council would prohibit traction engines,

Cr. Whiuruy supportod tho erection of hoppers. Ho believed that had tho hoppers been erected tho cost in tho past would liavo boon cheaper. Cr. Bright understood that tho men at tho quarry assisted tho contractors to load. ’' " •’’■ * /"*' ” ’ ‘‘

Tho Mayor said the County Council let a contract for running tho quarry, and sold tho metal to tho Borough Council at a price. Cr. Pottio explained that tho committoo considered ■ with increased facilities for handling tho cost for stono would be lessoned. Although only one trip a day could bo made, as statod, thore should bo somo reduction if two hours’ work a day wore saved to the contractors. ' Cr. Somervell said tho methods ho observed at the quarry appeared to bo very primitive. Also tho method of cartage was very expensive, and somo method should be dovisod to roduco the cost. A load of spawl stone cost practically 12s 6d, or equal to 25s per load for broken stone. The advantage of the hoppers would bo more expeditious handling, doing away with the present delays to carters. Cr. Bright said facilities generally roducod tho cost.of work. Cr. Sheridan said ho had modified his view. Ho would support tho erection of hoppers for giving hotter despatch.

Tho committee’s actions wero confirmed, the Council agreoing to tho erection of hoppers. •