METAL QUESTION AGAIN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2756, 10 March 1910, Page 6

METAL QUESTION AGAIN.

STONE FROM GENTLE ANNIE

At last night’s meeting of the Borough Council the vexed question of the metal supply was revived by the receipt of a letter from the Clerk of the Cook County Council, informing the Council that the contract for the supply of road metal from the Patu-talii Quarry expires on the 31st' inst., and asking whether the Bbrough would he able to supply it with metal from Gentle Annie by Npveraber next, and if so, on what terms. His Worship said there was no question but that the Council’s plant would be working at Gentle Annie by November 1910, and that the Council could supply metal at a cheaper rate than they were now paying for Patutahi. He was against charging the County Council any royalty. Cr. Clayton: You mean you would simply charge them at cost. The Mayor: Well, practically that. He added that the Engineer had not yet had time to fully investigate the matter, -and they could not. therefore, quote definitely in the meantime.. He moved that -a reply be sent to the County Council to the effect that the Council would be prepared to supply metal by the date mentioned, and that the price would he lower than it was at present paying. Cr. Collins said the letter opened up a big issue, for the Council would be compelled to again consider +ho metal question. What if it was found on investigation by their Engineer that it would be inadvisable to obtain metal from Gentle Annie? The Mayor: The Council lias already decided that. Cr. Collins: Pardon me, the Council has not so decided. The speaker proceeded to discuss the probable cost of Gentle Annie metal, when the Mayor again interrupted him, saying: “We have decided to go on.” Cr. Collins: We have decided 'nothing. You yourself said before the loan proposals were voted upon that you were perfectly willing to reconsider the question of where the store was to come from. The Mayor: Yes, but since then the Council has gone so far as to call for tenders to open up the road. Cr Smith seconded the Mayor's motion. Cr. Kirk thought that as the Engineer had not yet fully investigated the matter it would be unwise for the Council-to enter into a contract such as was proposed. Cr. Clayton thought it would be inadvisable to pledge the Council considering that the whole conditions of metal supply would have to he reviewed by the Council. Cr. Kirk thought the County Council and not the Borough should take the risk of the metal not being forthcoming at a date and under a certain figure. His Worship expressed regret t’at the Council' had not faith in themselves. Some -of the Councillors seemed desirous of putting the Borough to a disadvantage in the future on this question by refusing to take advantage of the present favorable position. The road to open up the quarry would only cost £4OO, and had the tenders Hot been too high the road woulS have been ready before the coming winter. At this stage Cr. Kirk desired to move an amendment, but His Worship ruled that he was too late. The motion was then put and lost, only the mover and seconder supporting it. Cr. Kirk then desired to move in the matter, but the Mayor refused to accept a motion stating that notice would he necessary. Subsequently Cr. Kirk gave notice for next meeting as follows:—“That this Council hopes to be able to comply with the request of the Cook County Council, and believes that it will he able to do so, and at a price not more, but probably less, than the sum the Cook County Council is now paying, hut this Council is desirous, .before committing itself to a contract with the Cook County Council to supply metal at a specified price and within a specified time, to have its Engineer visit the locality of the Gentle Annie Quarry and report to this Council, and that a- letter to this effect he immediately forwarded to the Cook County Council.