The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 87

[introduction]

To His Worship the Mayor, and Other Promoters of the Proposed "Oamaru Stone Quarrying and Export Company."

Worshipful Sir, and Gentlemen,—Your Committee were instructed to consider and report upon the following questions, viz:—
1st. What are the available sources of supply of Oabaru Stone of the best quality, and the probable quantities obtainable from each?
2nd. Whether any, and if any, what Quarries could be obtained, by purchase or otherwise?
3rd. What would be the cost of obtaining Stone, in quantity, from Quarries now in private use?
4th. What, under present circumstances, is the cost of quarrying, freight to Oamaru, and freight to Melbourne?
5th. Whether the present charges are capable of reduction, by means of using better appliances?
6th. What would be the lowest price at which a Company, if formed, would be able to deliver the Stone in Melbourne?
7 th. What capital would be necessary for the operations of such Company?

Your Committee at once placed themselves in communication with such professional men and others as they considered best qualified to afford the most satisfactory and reliable evidence, and they have now the pleasure to submit herewith the result in extenso. They are gratified to be able to produce such a mass of evidence by so competent persons, which they cannot but regard as perfectly conclusive, and it now remains for them to submit the following summary, in the order of the questions referred to them:—