W.L. 3546/1901.
Hon. J.H. Stewart Lockhart, C.M.G.
Colonial Secretary.
Sir,
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C. 3.
34346
RECP
Reef CCT OL
8th November 1901.
59
With reference to our interview and discussion of this afternoon regarding the leasing of the Quarry Farm for the ensuing year, at your request we now beg to submit the following suggestions on the matter.
As you are aware, we are the Contractors for the important Admiralty works recently commenced here. In this work, a very large quantity of granite is required, the obtaining of which will extend over a period of probably five years, during which time it is essential that a constant and ample supply is forthcoming in order that the work may be completed in the specified time.
Whilst we have no desire to evade in any way the Government Royalty, we are faced with the difficulty that the Quarry Farmer for the time being may so impede our supply of stone as to materially delay or even stop the work.
We are thus obliged to make a special appeal that the condition of the letting of the Quarry Farm may be so modified as to secure us the essential supply for carrying out the work.
The present Quarry Farm system, as we have already found, enables the Contractor to hinder or deny the supply of granite in work in which he is not interested.
There