GORGE LIMESTONE RESERVE

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 14017, 21 October 1918, Page 6

GORGE LIMESTONE RESERVE

LOCAL BODIES AND FARMERS % CONFER.

A conference of delegates from local bodies and the Farmers' Union was held on Saturday morning. Present: alx ssr J - K - Whyte (Horowhenua), D. Thomas and J. Uv£»*er (Kairanga County Council), C; P. BakCr v wood- _ vJii'e Chamber of Commerce), J. Will* i gate, H. Bond, H. Vile, C. Moody, W. j .Chapman, J. Tealc, —. Barber, J. Bal> j sillie (P.N. Farmers' Union) and G» F ( hood (Pahiatua County Mr J. A. McLeavoy> Of 'the P.N. Farmers' Union, was in the chair. The chairman thanked the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister for Lands, and Mr D. Buick, M.P., for their attendance. i He outlined what had been done in the past in regard to the limestone reserve, and stated that the Farmers' Union had taken the matter up, but owing to the fact that they were not : a stable body the Government would not vest the reserve in them. He pointed out that the lime was suitable for agricultural purposes and also for road binding, so it behoved the farmers of the district to devise a scheme by which the deposit could be worked for the benefit of the community. The speaker stated that the reserve had been set aside since March, 1916, and was rstill idle and as there was a demand for lime the work should be proceeded with. The Hon. Mr Guthrie said he had studied the history of the reserve and was well acquainted with all that had transpired in regard to it. Although it was the wish that the Farmers' Union should take it over, this was contrary to law and as an alternative he suggested 'that new legislation was the only way out of the difficulty. The speaker said his proposed legislation was that the reserve be vested in four chairmen of local bodies, and named as suitable the Kairanga, Oroua, Pohallgina, and Woodville County Councils. The four chairmen would act as a board of trustees and would have power to lease to a company. The area of the reserve was 5 acres 1 rood and 7 perches, so there would be sufficient limestone to last for a very considerable period. Mr Guthrie pointed out that the reserve would have to be worked in the interests of all in the district, and if it was to be used for profiteering they would be up> against the Government straight away. Mr Buick endorsed the remarks of the Minister and suggested that the name of the Eangitikei County Council should be included in the proposed l board of trust.

Mr Guthrie said that he thought four bodies were sufficient. Mr McLoavey stated that the Hon. Guthrie's suggestion had cleared the ground and the farmers could now see light ahead. Mr Wingate asked if the local bodies would have power to raise revenue. Mr Guthrie stated that they would be empowered to do all necessary for the carrying out of the extraction of the lime. Mr Balsillie enquired if the board of trust would have power to lease the reserve to the executive of the Farmers' Union, Mr Guthrie said that provided it was vested in some local body the trustees would be empowered to lease it to anybody provided it was approved by the Governor in Council. Mr Buick suggested a joint stock company would be the best to lease the reserve. The question of finance for tho initial expenses was then brought up, but Mr Vilo suggested that it was not a matter for considcraion at that meeting and the Minister should not be troubled about such details, so the question stood over. Several delegates spoke in support of the Hon. Guthrie's proposal and Mr McLeavey moved the following: "That the proposed legislation as set out by the Hon. Guthrie's should recoivc the endorsement and support of this meeting.'' Mr Baker seconded the motion and it was carried.