The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1909 THE BOROUGH ROADS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2631, 13 October 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1909 THE BOROUGH ROADS.

The interview which the Borough Councillors had with Air. Marchant last evening sems to have cleared the air somewhat on the vexed question 'of the metal supply, but the last has by no means been said upon the subject. The South Canterbury engineer corroborated the conclusions of Air. Jarrett in almost every particular, but it was noticeable that under cross-exam-ination ho had to confess that he was not sufficiently acquainted with all the facts to do more than generalise. In other words, although he supports Air. Jarrett’s idea of employing Strakcrs for conveying stone from Gentle Annie quarry, and is opposed to a tramway scheme, lie admitted that the possible co-operation of tho County Council might entirely alter the position. Moreover, Air. Marchant did not go the .length of supporting Air. Jarrett’s figures, although he did support that gentleman’s views. Thus we should have liked to know whether lie really believes that metal can be quarried at Gentle Annie for so low a rate as 2s 7(1 per cubic yard, or that it can bo hauled to town by Straker lor 3s 3d. It is upon these figures that the loan proposals will be based unless they are shown to he incorrect, and it is therefore of tho utmost importance that the figures should be verified. We are glad to have Air. Alarchant’s endorsement of Air. Jarrett’s view, namely, that Gentle Annie stone and Kaitaratahi gravel will form a satisfactory material for our streets, but we should have been better pleased if he could have also endorsed Air. Jarrett’s estimates of cost. The borough’s experience with a Straker waggon has been no lamentable that we must be forgiven if we appear sceptical as to the suitability of this class of vehicle for local conditions. The solitary machine that has been in use in Gisborne only succeeded last season in carting some COO yards of metal from Patutahi, at a cost of over 12s per yard, yet Air. Jarrett suggests that 3s 3d will suffice to bring it from Gentle Annie. The discrepancy is so great that it is surprising none of the Councillors drew Mr. Alarchant’s attention to it last evening. However, Air. Ala reliant has now been furnished with a quantity of facts that were not available to him before, and his written report, containing his matured ideas on the whole question, will be awaited with interest.