GOLD EXTRACTION WORKS MAIN ARTERIAL ROADS.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXIX, Issue 3940, 5 July 1918, Page 2

GOLD EXTRACTION WORKS

MAIN ARTERIAL ROADS.

CYANIDE UNOBTAINABLE.

CLOSING DOWN TO-MORROW.

The shortage* of supplies, due to war conditions, is being seriously felt by the Waihi-Paeroa Gold Extraction Co., Ltd., and particularly the supply of cyanide, so much so that unless some can be obtained from the Waihi Gold Mining Company, Ltd., which it is believed has a very large reserve in hand, estimated at • from twelve to fifteen months' supply, the Gold Extraction Works will have to close down.

Upon the position being made known by the manager, Mr R. M, Aitken, this morning, the member for the district, Mr H. Poland, wired to the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. J. A. Allen, and ,also the Minister of Supplies, Hon. Arthur Myers, on the matter.

Telegrams to the Acting Prime Minister, the Minister of Munitions and Supplies, and also the Minister for Mines- have also been sent by the. Borough Council as follows roa Works here closing down for want of cyanide although having five months' supply on water. Serious position for Paeroa, 80 men being thrown out of employment. Understand other companies in the district holding reserves. The people request you to take immediate action. —P. E. Brenan, Deputy Mayor."

There is no doubt that the position as far as Paeroa is concerned is serious, and we sincerely trust that the efforts by those who have taken the matter up will have some beneficial results. We understand that the Extraction Company is expecting a supply shortly, so that if the Waihi Company can be r . induced to lend some cyanide the closing down of the works will be prevented; otherwise the works will close to-morrow.

GFJJHG

The notice of motionf proposed by Cr. Keeling and seconded by Cr. Grace, was as follows :—

"That this Council now declares the following roads within the County of Ohinemuri to be as from the first day of April, 1918, main roads within the meaning of Section 128 of "The Counties Act, 1908" and its amendments and that the cost of construction and maintenance of all such roads shall be as from the said first day of April 1918 a charge against the General Account of the County, viz : the main road from Hikutaia to the borough of Waihi and thence to the Tauranga County boundary; the main road from the Puke and Ngahina wharves to the borough of Paoroa, and thence to the borough of Te Aroha; such portion of the main road from Morrinsville to Miranda as traverses the county of Ohinemuri."

Cr. Strange contended the Counc'l had been hasty in deciding last month. The County had many important roads in the area, but ridings had been decided upon as ths most equitable method .of administration. The. main road in Mangaiti riding was about twc-thirds of th?. whole .roading in the riding. He proposed that each riding strike 'a rate to cover the cost of maintenance of all roads in its own area. In his rid ing a rate providing about £1300 had been struck. Only about £400 of this was expended owing to the heavy financial liability of /the whole County. Other ridings had overspent their rate moneys, and therefore Waitoa and Patetonga ridings were at a dis advantage. It was manifestly unfair to penalise them.

Cr. Laughlin seconded

On Cr. Strange being ruled out of order, he thereupon raised a point of order as there was a resolution on the books for many months. That would have to be rescinded first.

The clerk said the, resolution recently passed had. done away with special provision for main r6ads.

Cr. Laughlin Strange's contention

supported Cr

Cr. Morgan considered it only fair and reasonable that each riding should maintain all roads in its area.

Cr. McGuire expressed accord, but pointed out that he had a considerable township in bis riding, thus incurring more expense. He sympathised with Waitoa and Nethsrton, and announced that h.e would support the motion. Cr. Robinson asked was it fair to expect Waitoa riding to contribute to the upkeep of Paeroa riding main roads. Cr. Keeling contended that having asked the Government to take over all arterial roads, the Council must carry the resolution, otherwise the County would have no main arterial roads. What an anomalous position ! The main roads must be maintained. The resolution was lest, by five votes to three. Councillors Keeling, McGuire and Morgan voting for the proposition, the chairman and councillors Strange, Robinson, Laughlin and Johnson against it.