Sand and Gravel

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28254, 16 April 1957, Page 12

Sand and Gravel

The sand and gravel of Canterbury’s wayward rivers comprise one of New Zealand’s most valuable resources, though the value is potential rather than actual The time may not be far distant, however, when New Zealand, and possibly even Australia, will be glad of this huge supply of essential construction material Economic growth and industrialisation demand large quantities of river aggregates. In the United States fears are felt about future supplies' for the new highways that are planned and the new buildings that a larger population will need. Local authority zoning restrictions may have to be lifted to permit the quarrying of gravel in situations where pits will be unsightly and will create dust, noise, and traffic nuisances. Already in the United States, “ the mineral “that leads natural production “ in value is not one of the “ glamour metals, such as “ uranium or aluminum, but “ plain, unromantic sand and " gravel ”, according to the leading article in the January issue of “ Compressed Air ”, a national commercial periodical. According to the magazine, American output is now more

than 550,000,000 tons a year, 10 times the British output and 100 times New Zealand’s production. Incidentally, the economics of large-scale production are reflected in costs, American sand and gravel being about half the price of New Zealand sand and gravel. Greater use of Canterbury (particularly Waimakariri> sand and gravel has frequently been advocated by Mr L. C. Walker. In a special article in “The “ Press ” early last year Mr Walter suggested that developments in ship construction and loading gear made the prospects of exporting this material to Australia well worth exploring. Perhaps some enterprising industrialist will eventually look into the idea. In the meantime, Mr Walker’s enthusiasm is a reminder that New Zealand’s export future is not necessarily limited to wool, dairy produce, meat, and, the latest important addition, timber products. The home demand will continue to rise steadily, and rather faster than in direct proportion to population growth. Whether for export or home needs, Canterbury is fortunate to have such convenient sources of supply.