The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1909. KAITARATA SHINGLE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2638, 21 October 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1909. KAITARATA SHINGLE.

' In the ordinary course of things, Or. Harris’ rebuke of those Councillors who desire to see for themselves a test of Kaltarataiii shingle would be thoroughly justified. Both Mr. J. G. Jarrett and Mr F.W.Marchant have expressed themselves in favor of this river material being used for the construction of Gisborne roads, and on the face of it any review of that finding by laymen would be simply useless and absurd. But'the circumstances are scarcely ordinary, for both these experts differ to a remarkable degree concerning the utility of the stone. Mr. Jarrett may have tested the shingle carefully, and thoroughly, but it is practically certain that Mr. Marcliant did not. His visit to Gisborne was all too short for the many important matters placed before him for consideration, and there is reason to believe that lie accepted as correct the findings of others on points which .could with advantage have been personally investigated by himself. At any .rate, local experience with the 'gravel'from Kaitaratahi is quite sufficient to warrant Councillors in having grave doubts as to the accuracy, of .Mm Marchant’s estimate that 75 per cent, of it would be found suitable for road construction. The matter is not one requiring special engineering knowledge but rather a careful scries of tests, and there is no reason at all why the Councillors should not themselves make a satsifaet-ory investigation. At the same time we would suggest that if possible the services of the County Engineer should be obtained, as his experience would undoubtedly be of value in supervising the tests. We feel sure the ratepayers will appreciate any extra trouble which Councillors may take in a matter of this kind, for in connection with the loan proposals which will corne forward shortly it is essential that no pains shall be spared to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the information upon which the proposals are based.