WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1919, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14

The Council met at 2 p.m. Present —Messrs T. W. Duff (County Chairman), T. W. Bruce, B. Ward, T, R. Chesterman,';E. A. Wells, S. G. Ferguson and J. A. Murdoch.

The minutes 01. the previous meeting were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. From Treasury, remitting the amounts to credit of County Fund Account.—Received.

From Admiral Jellicoe, regretting the officers and men from H.M.S. New Zealand could not partake of the generous offer of hospitality from the Council and inhabitants of Westland.—Received.

From Prime Minister, intimating that as soon as engagements permit he would visit the Coast and go into matter of timber legislation.—-Re-ceived.

From Public Works Department, stating it would maintain the Jacob’s River to Bruce Bay-Mahitabi Road along the sea route.—Received .

From Mines Department, agreeing to place on the Estimates as part purchase price of the Back Creek Tailings Reserve, by way ot refund to the Council’s advance. — Received with approval. From Same, refusing to make a grant for the purpose of putting the Awatuna Road in order.—Received.

From Same, stating the Okarito Road is used for settlement and recommending application be made to the Public Works Department for a grant. —Received. From Same, granting subsidy to W. J. Willoughby to drive a tunnel 600 feet, Brighton Terrace; to Kulsen and Party to extend a tunnel 400 teet at Kanieri; agreeing to remission of rent due by Comport and party of Rimu; refusing a grant to McCormack and Carroll for a mining enterprise at Gillespies Beach as it did not come within the scope of the Regulations.—Received ; copy of letter to be sent to McCormack and Carroll, and to ask for suggestions. From Same, with copies of leaflets on mining matters dealt with by Conference at Thames, and stating the Department would be pleased to receive suggestions for further publications.—Received.

From Minister of Scenery Preservation, notifying the Evans Creek, Mount Hercules and Mount Bouar Scenic Reserves could not be thrown open for settlement as it would be a distinct loss if these scenic beauties were destroyed.— Received.

Mr J. Olson waited on the Council to urge the opening out of a track at Kanieri Rake to give access to his section, to enable him to get his cattle out. Alter discussion the matter was referred to the Chairman to arrange with Overseer Milkier who is at present engaged in carrying out the improvement of the track.

From Minister of Public Health, reporting the Department is developing a scheme for district nurses and medical facilities in outlying country districts, and urging that the local bodies act in conjunction with the Government in establishing medical associations for the care of the country people.— Received.

From Marine Department, estimating the cost of proposed landing at Bruce Bay at and' as only portion of the money is available, would the Council provide to enable works to be commenced. — Received. It was stated less than ;£r,ooo would earn' out the road proposal. ' From Same, stating a grant of could not be made to overhaul and strengthen the Okarito wharf, and desiring to know ii the Council wished the wharf vested for a further term of 14 years.—Received ; Clerk to reply. From Lands & SurVej' Department, intimating it is proposed to legislate and make financial provision for the reclamation of swamp and waste lands in the Dominion and the request for drainage of Mikonui, La Fontaine and Okuru swamps would receive consideration.—Received, ’ From Minister of Lands, stating if any suitable land is offered at a reasonable price for returned soldier settlement purposes on the Coast, it will be acquired ; so far properties have been offered (mostly unsuitable) considerably above their values. The acquisition of small estates is under consideration.— Received. Mr Murdoch considered the reply very unsatisfactory. He moved that the attention of the Minister be drawn to the Inchbonnie property which is on. the market, pointing out there is an urgency in securing these properties for soldiers before they are snapped up by speculators. Mr Ward referring to the estate mentioned, said when the Otira tunnel is completed, the West Coast properties would be in touch with the markets of the world. He seconded the motion to protest at the inaction of the Government in the matter of securing land for returned soldiers on the West Coast. Mr Bruce supported the motion, which was agreed to. From Ashley County Council, requesting the approval of the Council in promoting steps for the suppression of the Kea noxious bird nuisance as decided by a conference held in Christchurch.—Received. Mr Ward moved the matter be supported by the Council.— Seconded by the Chairman and carried.

From Waihemo County, urging the Government be approached to pass legislation limiting speed of motor cars to 25 miles per hour.— Received and approved. From N.Z. National Service League, enclosing prospectus of goods manufactured and produced in the Dominion, and inviting support.—Received. From Hokitika Borough Council, confirming the proposals for repairs to Mahinapua Creek bridge under the supervision of Overseer Millner. —Received. F'rom Westland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, giving notice of a vacancy (Mr J. A. Murdoch) in

the Council’s representation.—Received. The Chairman moved that Cr Chesterman be appointed.— Seconded by Mr Ferguson and carried.

From Taranaki County Council, asking that the member for the district oppose amendment to Section 5 of the Counties Act unless a substitute is provided for licensing vehicles. —Received.

From Hon Joseph Grimmond and T. E. Y. Seddon, forwarding copies of the Budget and Estimates for the current year.—Received with thanks.

From Waihi Borough Council, appealing, for supporc to urge Government to enact legislation this session to prohibit export of timber until the local markets are supplied.—Received. Mr Murdoch moved that a committee of the Chairman and town members be set up to draw up reasons why the Council objected to the proposals in the letter. —Seconded by Mr Ward, who said there was apparently a cold feeling towards the people ol the West Coast, where the timber is the greatest industry. The motion was agreed to. From Wataroa Dairy Company, Limited, and J. W. Thomson, with reference to charges for use of the wharf shed at Okarito harbor and storage of goods.—Received ; the Clerk to reply to complaint.

From Returned Soldiers Association, Hokitika, protesting at the recent action of the Council in appointing an assistant clerk and complaining the particular appointment was made without dissent by members. —Received.

From Settlers, Dillmans Riding, submitting petition praying for the bridging of the Teremakau river at Jackson for vehicle traffic.—Received; the Council to accede to request to support Grey Council in matter.

From James Minehan, asking for consideration in. claim made for rates on land damaged by erosion at Reserve 122 near Mt Hercules.— Received, no action taken.

From James Howat, applying for use of unused Woodstock horse track. —Received and refused.

From. James C. Hende, Pukekura, asking attention be given to wandering stock on the Main Road near Evans creek and Petersen’s.— Received and referred to the Roadman.

From Inter-Wanganui Co-opera - five Dairy Company, acknowledging receipt of Loan proposals covering district works and asking date be fixed for discussion with settlers.— Received. Wednesday. Oct 22nd, was fixed by the Chairman for the visit.

From Gordon Harcourt, Woodstock, making application for assistance to prospect his 100 acre license at Wainihinihi Creek, Arahura River.—Received ; to be recommended.

From W. . H. Batson, drawing attention to difficulties experienced in crossing the Three Mile Creek near Okarito, and asking a ferryman be appointed.—Received, and proposal approved. From Park & Murdoch, request ing consent to application of the Kanieri Sawmill Company to erect a tramway from Kanieri township to town boundary, Hokitika Received.

From Overseer Millner, reporting on application to use Kanieri tram road by Stuart & Chapman.—Received.

From Park & Murdoch; applying for consent to cross Bold Head Road by a tramway on behalf of Messrs Stuart & Chapman.-—Re-ceived and granted.

Letters were readfrom G. Willetts W. Burrowes and others objecting to the grant applied for. Mr Chestermau said he had found that most of the residents along that part of the line were very much against the proposal-

Mr G. Willetts appeared on behalf of the objectors, painting a flowery picture of the value of the road in question to the residents, and strongly objecting to any of the present conveniencesfrom the roadway, being curtailed. Mr Grant was also present on behalf of Stuart & Chapman, promising to comply with the pro - posed conditions. After a lengthy discussion in which it was pointed out that every care had been taken to safeguard the interests of the residents, the Chairman moved that the Council agree to the granting of the request of Stuart & Chapman, subject to the conditions agreed upon in the Warden’s Court, and subject to Overseer Millner and Cr Chesterman being satisfied with the carrying out of the agreement.—Seconded by Mr Ward and carried.

From Overseer Millner, reporting royalty should be paid on timber cut off the dredging leasehold at Humphreys; particulars of repairs needed and cost of the Mahinapua Creek- bridge; estimating timber suitable for sawmilliug purposes on mining property at Humphreys at 50,000 superficial feet; steps taken to have notices erected safeguarding travellers at sawmill tramway crossings ; particulars of application of E. H. Vroblfski for grazing rights at Arthurstown ; estimating cost of deepening La Fontaine Creek at of Petersen road to Mclntosh’s homestead would involve an outlay of ; giving estimate of cost of bridging lower La Fontaine Creek,'^l7l. —Mr Vroblfski’s application was refused.

From Roadman Nolan, reportingon the condition of Three Mile Bluff track and that only a small tree caused obstruction to traffic.— Received.

From Okuru District Committee, stating the cemetery was in a neglected state and as soon as labor is available £5 should be spent ; asking that expenditure be authorised of the following votes, Slippery Face Deviation on the HaastPariuga road, and Jacksons Bay to Cascade road.—Received, and small vote passed. From Bruce Bay Improvement Committee, recommending a grant of £lO to extend aud clear a track to Paringa and Abbey Rocks as asked for by Mr J. Mulvaney.— Received and approved. From Mines Department, re-

mitting rent due by J. Irwin, Woodstock.—Received. From T. E Y. Seddon, M.P., forwarding correspondence from Ministers of Mines, Public Works and Forestry regarding County matters. —Received with thanks.

From Grey-Hokitika Sawmillers’ Association, thanking the Council for its action regarding the enforcemejit of the timber regulations.— Received.

From Park & Murdoch, asking for remission of rent on account of Messrs Hyndman and party, Back Creek.—Received and agreed to. From W. J. Willoughby, regretting the Mines subsidy offered was not sufficient to warrant acceptance.—Received; fresh application to be made for an increased subsidy. From Overseer Millner, proposals for further expenditure on Kokatahi bridge at an estimated cost of —Received.

From Roadman Nolan, reporting on district works, recommending small expenditure, and favorably supporting Mr Batson’s suggestions regarding Three Mile ferry.—Received. It was resolved to take action in the direction suggested. From Robt Mebarry, asking for subsidy to put Roto road in repair. —Received; referred to Roadman for report. From J. H. Surgenor, Rimu, asking lor permission to place gate over Insolvent track.—Received; referred to Overseer to deal with. From Chamber of Commerce, inviting Council to attend meeting of mining delegates next day.— Received. The Chairman and Mr Murdoch were appointed to represent the Council.

From W. O’Connor and others, asking lor restoration of Adair’s road.—Received. From Messrs Greene, McClug' gage and others, asking that a bridge be erected over Three Mile Creek, South Westland, or the appointment ol a ferryman.—Received. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT. Your Committee lias the honor to report : I.—That the accounts for August, 1919, were duly examined at the close of the month, and same -to the amount of £935 2s Id passed for payment.

2.—That the accounts for the month of September, 1919, have been carefully examined, and beg to recommend that same, amounting to £1063 Is 5d be passed for payment. . 3.—That at the interim meeting of the Committee on the 17th, ult., the following matters were dealt with: (a) From D. Ziman asking reduction in rents and rates. It was agreed to reduce the rent on three areas to one skilling per acre for one year; but in respect to a rebate of rates to enable the Westland Gold Prospecting Syndicate to recover the excess cost (£505) of Ward Road over and above the Government grant and Council vote, it was resolved to refer the application to the Council and the letter is attached for consideration.

(b) The Kakapotahi (Lower) Bridge -As the settlers were not in the majority agreeable to undertake the loan on the conditions put forward by the Council, the matter was deferred for a fortnight. (c) Improving 'Waitaha settlement road. On behalf of the settlers, the Waitaha Dairy Coy. notified the suppliers were not disposed to take up the loan proposals, and the amount is now available to be used at Inter Wanganui where the proposals are acceptable.

(d) Assent was given to a mining application at Dillmanstown taking in portion of an unused road, providing right of access was reserved to the public. (e) It was. agreed to find half the total cost (£100) for repairs to Mahinapua Bridge in conjunction with the Hokitika Borough Council, and Overseer Millner was instructed to carry out the work. (4) That it be an instruction to enforce the by-law relating to hawkersand pedlars, and Overseer Millner be appointed an inspector thereunder. . (5) That steps be taken to see that all motor cars and cycles the district are registered, and Overseer Millner and Mr Peake be appointed; inspectors thereunder.

(6) That for the present, year a trial be made of carry out the valuation of mining property from the office, and John Peake be appointed valuer of mining property for tli© year, with an allowance for travelling expenses.—Received; The Council regretted that no further concessions could be made to Mr Ziman’s request. The balance of the report was approved. ORDER SPARER. The Chairman moved: “That confirmed.”—Seconded by Mr Murdoch and carried. The Chairman moved: “That tee, amounting to £1063 Is sd, as per for payment.”—Seconded by. Mr Bruce and carried. The Chairman moved: “That quiremenfs.”-—Seconded by Mr Bruce and; carried. Or Chesterman moved: “That lie roads.” He suggested cars plying for hire be charged £ls, and private cars down to £l. Mr (Bruce seconded the motion, suggesting an addition that all drivers of cars be licensed, and that the Automobile Association be asked to confer with the committe. This was approved by the mover, and the motion was agreed to. Cr Chesterman’s motion:—“Tb Kanicri tramway road,” was withdrawn. Cr Wells moved:—“That Overthrough vehicle traffic.” —Seconded by Cr Ferguson and carried. Mr Murdoch moved that Overseer Millner bo authorised to put in repair portion of track to Sehoemakcr’s run, Taipo. —Seconded by Mr Bruce and earned. Mr Bruce moved: —“That, the time bo further extended -for consideration of Waitaha road and Kakapotai bridge proposals, for six weeks.”—Seconded by the Chairman and carried. Tho Council rose at 5.50 p.m.