WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1920, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10th. The Council met at 2 p.m. Present — Messrs T. "NY. Bruce (( ’ounty Chairman), L. H. Morel, B. Ward, T. It. Cliesterman, E. A. Wells, J.'A. Murdoch, S. G. Ferguson asd T. W. Duff. The minutes were confirmed, and outward correspondence was approved.

The Chairman extended a welcome to Mr Morel (the recently elected successor to Mr Norman as member for Kokatahi riding), who took his seat at the Council table. Mr Bruce assured Mr Morel of a hearty and sincere welcome. He knew his worth ns a capable public man asd assured him. of the co-operation of members in his duties as councillor. He felt sure that fill' Morel would render equally good service for the Council as he was doing on other public bodies. Mr Ghesterman, in welcoming Mr Morel, said he came with an excellent reputation as an up-to-date farmer who required efficiency in his private life and ns such should prove efficient is his public life.

Mr Ward congratulated Mr Morel on his election. He felt sure he would carry out his duties in a manner creditable* to himself and to those whom he represented. *' Mr Ferguson said*lie was sure Mr Morel would be a successful councillor. He congratulated him on the important position in which the electors bad placed him.

Messrs Wells and Murdoch extended a cordial welcome, the latter stating as a mining district representative he was sure they would all work for the general advancement of the district.

Mr Morel thanked members heartily for the cordial welcome that had been given him. He recognised he had a difficult job in following such a capable representative as Mr Norman.. He hopeef and trusted that they would all work well together, and that at the conclusion of his term that the results will be satisfactory to all concerned. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From Treasury, forwarding remittainces for Goldfields’ Revenue, subsidy on rates and grants. —Received. From same, intimating £45 16s 6d, due by the Kumara Borough Council, would be deducted from revenue accruing.—Received, From Mines Department, notifying payment into County Fund Account the sum of £350 in connection with Back Creek tailings reserve. —Received. From same, stating application by Messrs Park and Murdoch to treat as non-recoverable £3l ss, due by Rimu Options, Limited, over special claim No. 3358, is being enquired into, and the decision of the Minister would be conveyed later; and later letter agreeing to the request.—Received. From same, refusing to grant remission of rent to Messrs Hyndman and Party on amalgamated claim at Garibaldi Terrace and extended claim Back Creek, as applicants concerned are in a fair proposition, and evidently able to pay.—Received. From same, regretting the Department could not increase the subsidy rates for quarts lode prospecting to £1 per foot, as 6s 8d is the maximum allowed by the regulations.—Received. From Department of Internal Affairs, enclosing notice of amendment of the Maori Councils Act, placing Maori dogs o ntlie same footing as European dogs in the matter of registration.—Received.

From same, notice placing on record the election of .ur Thomas At anless Bruce as chairman of the AA’estland County Council.—Received. From Minister Public Works Department, intimating consideration would he given to request for grant of £4OO for McArthur road, Kokatahi, when Estimates were being prepared for next financial year.—Received. From Resident Engineer, Public Works Department, receipt of proposals for lowering La Fontaine creek bed from Factory to Petersen y>ad; approving of proposal to dismantle liungerford’s bridge and material to be equally divided as between the Department and the Council; regretting re-, medial works could not be undertaken at Butler's creek owing to difference of opinion between landholders affected.— Received. On the motion of Mr Ferguson, seconded by Mr Ward, a vote of £lO was passed towards protection works at Butler’s Creek, in accordance with recommendation of Roadman. From Lands and Survey Department, notification of the grant of £lO being made for protection work at Waitangi Loan Block.-—Received.

From Kanieri Power, Limited, stating question of danger to Kanieri Lake foreshore is.being investigated in conjunction with Commissioner of Crown Lands.—Received.

From Commissioner of Crown Lands, reporting his inspection at Lake Kanieri, and arrangements made to prevent erosion of the land near the roadway.

Received. —The Chairman said that the matter had been drawn under his notice when recently at Kanieri Lake, the approach to the bridge at the Lake being

endangered. He had also been informed that some portions of tho track leading to Dorothy Falls were under watei

as a result of the raising of the level of the lake by the weir, i Mr Chcsterman said he had made an inspection of the site.' He thought that those who had put the weir there should be made to carry out tho necessary protection to tho bridge. Mr Murdoch asked if permission had been given for the construction of the weir when originally erected. It'seemed to him to be improper that any interference with the flow of water in any stream in a mining district should he completed without the necessary consent of the proper authority. The question was an important one and should be thoroughly investigated. Mr Duff thought the matter was one

that required attention. Ho moved

that a committee consisting of tho County Chairman, Messrs Chosterman, and Murdoch report on the subject at next meeting. Mi 1 Ward seconded the motion, feeling that the matter was one that should have careful attention. He suggested that the Overseer also 'look

into the matter and see if any serious damage was likely to result, before they did anything to obstruct what he believed to be a very useful undertaking. Mr Chcsterman thought if the Council had to protect the foreshore near tho bridge it would cost nearly £IOO. If tho Kanieri Power Company carried out tho necessary work ho would not raise objection.

The motion was then agreed to.

From Minister of Lands, stating -arrangements were being made for a £ for £ subsidy up to £250 on the current’ year’s Estimates for La Fontaine creek drainage.—Received. From Minister of Public Works, receipt of letter reporting heavy flood damage tin Westland, especially A,rahurn, and a report would be obtained on the matters mentioned. —Received. From same, promising consideration of request for erection of approach at Little Wanganui Bridge site with a view to protect Main South Road lower down the river.—Received. From Marine Department, copies of Order-in-Council vesting Okarito wharf' in Council for a period of 14 years, and granting £SO on £ for £ basis to put wharf and shed in proper order.—Received. From New Zealand Government National Provident Fund, enclosing acturial calculations governing superannuation | for the employees of local authorities. —Received; referred to Finance Committee to report in two months. From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., letters from Government departments with reference to setting aside a block of land as an endowment reserve for the Okarito harbour and repairs to works; Hood damage at Hari Hari; and flooding of land at Dry Creek.—Received. From Edward Cron, resigning his position ns ferryman at the Haast river as from March 31st.—Received and accepted with regret; position to be offered to Mr Cron’s successor. From George King, accepting the charge of the Three Mile ferry and maintenance of tracks in that locality as offered for £SO per annum.—Received. From Westland Automobile Association, requesting the Government be urged to instal telephone at Waitangi river ford, and favouring a tax on benzine in preference to taxing tyres. —Received ; It was resolved to agree to the first portion of the request, consideration of the second one being deferred.

From AY. and D. Houston, asking for dray road to their property at Three Mile, Arahura, to enable them to supply milk product to the dairy factory.—Received; referred to Chairman and Mr AA r ard, with power up to £4O.

From Smith Bros., sawmillers, asking for formation of 18 chains of roadway from Hokitika Flat road to their millsite at Koibdrangi.—Received; Mr Morel moved that £4O be offered for the construction of the work. Seconded by the Chairman and carried. From Okarito Harbour League, forwarding resolutions passed urging Government to reserve 20,000 acres for endowment, and to instruct the AVarden not to grant any further timber rights until the reservation is gazetted.—Received.

From AYestkmd District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, notice of resignation of Cr. Norman as representative of the Council on the Board.—Received; Mr Murdoch moved that. Air J. J. Breeze be appointed. Seconded by Mr Duff and carried.

From Kokatahi Dairy Company, com, plaining of the nuisance caused by stock wandering on the public thoroughfare; and pointing out the necessity for bridging creek near Ambcrger’s on Municipal road.—Received; It was resolved on the motion of Messrs Murdoch and Morel, to inform the writer that the Council had a pound and pound-keeper at Kokatahi, and the remedy lay in their own hands and to inform Hari Hari complainants that the Council was prepared to erect a pound at Hari Ilari subject to a suitable poundkeeper being secured.

From R. AVhiley and'others, petition asking for the formation and gravelling of Lang’s road to allow them access to their holdings.—Received; Mr R. AVhiley waited on the Council in connection with tho above. Overseer Millner’s report on the application was also read. Mr AVhiley said he proposed to lay a tramline along the road. This would be necessary before the' road could he metalled. What lie desired to know was what assistance the Council would be prepared to give if he laid down a tram line. After dis_ mission consideration was deferred to the end of the meeting. From G. J. Roberts, resignation as County Roadman in the Southern District, and to be relieved of duties end of January.—Received and accepted with regret.

From Angus H. Nicholson, applying for the position of roadman now vacant' —Received. From James Donovan, requesting a grant of £IOO be applied for to make a track along the south bank of the Wataroa river.—Received; agreed to. From McCormack and Irwin, asking for subsidy to prospecting in the AVaiho Gorge district in accordance with regulations at weekly rates.—Received. From Park and Murdoch, urging that the sum of £3l 5s rent due on special claim 3358 by Rimu Options, Limited, be treated as non-recoverable.—Receiv-ed.

From Park and Murdoch, applying for permission being granted to Malfroy and Coy. to construct temporary tramline on unused portion of One Mile road. —Received; referred to Mr Ward and Overseer to deal with and safeguard the interests of the settlers. From C. J. P. Sellers, asking consent to Perry Bros, application for sawmill license, which crosses Adair’s road; application of Head and Owens for sawmill license along Seddon’s Terrace road; and application by J. AA’right for license for sawmill including Passmore and Tramway road.—Received; first and third approved, second not agreed to. undertaken. —Received. From A. G. Pilkingtion, notifying transfer of lease at Lake Kanieri to AV. R. Parkinson. —Received. From Jas. AV. Thompson, drawing attention to the state of the bridge across the Five Mile, and asking repairs bo undertaken. —Received. ,

From Roadman Dale, reporting dainago by recent heay flood to Kanieri river bridge, und ntrthc Araliura river, where serious inroads nave been made, to tho holdings of the settlers. —Received; attended to by' Public AVorks Committee meeting.—Received.

From Roadman Nolan, reporting on works undertaken and in hand since last meeting.—Received. From AV. D. Nolan, pointing out tho necessity for erection of a cattle loading wharf in the north bank of the Okuru river, and asking a Government grant ho applied for tho work.—Received; information being asked for. From Okuru Improvement Committee, in reference to the repairing of Cascado Track, and making suggestions for tho expenditure of tho sum granted.—Ro-

ceived; awaiting decision of Public AVorks Department. From R. AA’right, reporting a bridge oil the old Christchurch road unsafe for traffic, and urging early attention.— Received. From Overseer Millner, reporting on cases stock wandering in the Hari Hari locality; particulars of numerous works put in hand; recommending use of sand scoop to clear the Ruatnpu beach road, and planting of marram grass; that Mbite's creek, Kokatahi, should be cleared from the outlet to be effective; that 40 chains of reading will be necessary to give access to Houston’s holding, and then only on private property; intimating a grant should be applied for Lang’s road construction as it will cost about £6OO to make the road through this wet country; urging Government lie asked to vote £l*ooo to build permanent protection works to prevent further erosion along the Araliura riverbed ; arrangements made for repairs to Kokatahi and MnTfroy’s bridge; and comprehensive information respecting visit to the various counties inspecting methods in vogue for road maintenance and other works, and the class of machinery used for traction. —Received; ro AV-hite’s Creek clearing, it was referred to Air Morel and Overseer Milner to deal with. The Chairman said there was a -great menace in the erosion of the Araliura river and if something of a very solid nature was not done to prevent future erosion, they would one day in the near future find the Arahura; factory going out to sea-. The report of t-lie Overseer plainly put the situation of the grave danger. Air AArard speaking on the flood damage at Arahura said lie was far from satisfied with the attitude of the Resident Engineer. He felt that the report of their Overseer \Vas ai most valuable one, and was a' warning to the Government not to continue wasting small ■amounts. He felt that too much blame

could not be given for the inaction of Government -officials. He had been disheartened at the apathy of the Department, but whatever happened no one could blame the Council who had done their utmost to prevent future damage. Personally he found it neces-

sary to prepare to shift his camp to higher if poorer ground, where he would be free from floods in future. I-Ie would like a further appeal to the Government for further aid to save Arahura. Valiev from destruction. Mr AVells said it was only a matter of time that there would he no Arahura Valley, unless urgent active steps were taken to save what is a pressing danger. He hoped something would be done to relieve the dangerous strain. Air ATurdoch said the Governments were out to protect the natives, but

when the opportunity came and the necessity, they shelved any attention because it- was native land. He urged that the Council appeal direct to the Minister and place the position in all its ugliness before him, with their Overseer’s report. . ..

The Chairman moved that the Minister be asked for a grant of £2 for £1 for the carrying out of the work as recommended by their Overseer on Arahura river. Seconded by Air Murdoch and carried. From Roadman Nolan complaining of tlie increasing number of wandering cattle and horses in the Ilari Ilari district.—Received. From Dr Chesson thanking Council and office for assistance given during his seven years of office. —Received. From Secretary of Kokatahi Saleyards Cov., asking for drainage assist-

mice. —Received; referred to Mr Morel and Overseer Milluer. From AV. Gooch asking to be reimbursed for damage done to his car by bridge on Knnieri bake road, amounting to ,£B, during a recent flood, when the bridge subsided.—Received; it was resolved to grant £5. The Council resolved into committee to consider Overseer Millner’s report on result of visit of inspection in other districts of machinery used for traction etc. After consideration it was resolved to procure a. road maker, other proposals being deferred. ROADMAN FOR TOTAKA. The following applications were received : Angus H. Nicholson, Ross. T. Phelan, Kumara. Geo. J. Thomson, Hokitika.

AV. G. McGowan, Ross. Geo. Bannister, Haiti Hari. Mr AV. G. McGowan wa appointed to the position. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved: — ‘ ‘That the accounts for the month of December, 1919, as revised and passed for payment by the Finance Cmmittee, amount ing to £712 12s 6d, be now approved.” —Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:— “That the accounts for the month of January, ] 920 as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £lOl7 Is lid, be passed for payment ”—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:— “That pursuant to the statutory provision, Wednesday afternon of each week be fixed for the weekly half-holiday for the County of AVestland.”—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:— “That \. Clifton Esq., be re-appointed to represent the AVestland County Council on the Hokitika High School Board of Governors for. the ensuing year.”—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:— “That Cr Morel be appointed to the Public AVorks Committee, vice H. Norman Esq. resigned.”— Seconded by Mr AVard and carried. Air Wells moved:—“That the rate of wages and allowances paid by the Council bo increased as from the Ist inst as follows: 'Labourers 13s per i.*

was deferred to next meeting for the Finance Committee to report at next meeting, to take efTcct from Ist April. Seconded by the Chairman and carried. Mr Murdoch - moved:—“That ro pairs to Loopline road culvert, estimated to cost £ls 10s be authorised.”— Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:— “That the Hokitika Borough Council and AVestland Chamber of Commerce be ask-

cd to co-operate with the Council in urging Government to report upon a large hydro-electric scheme for Westland.”—Seconded by Mr Morel and carried, the Chairman and town members to confer. .Mr Wells moved:—“That the Overseer report on the cost of clearing Mahinapua creek, and the cost and most suitable site for a boat lock to render the stream navigable for boating at all times.”—Seconded by the Chairman ancl carried. Mr Ghestcrman moved:— “That application be made for a special vote of £3OOO for purpose of widening and improving .Lake ivanieri road to rendci it capable of carrying the volume of traffic now using the road.” —Seconded by ill- Bruce and carried. Mr Morel moved that permission be given to Mr Whiley to lay a tram line on Lang road subject to usual conditions.—Seconded by the Chairman and

carried. Mr Wells moved that Overseer Mi 11ner be asked to report as to the. cost of cutting down two hills on Back Creek road. —Seconded by Mr Murdoch and carried. The Chairman stated that with Mayor Perry he had made representations in reference to securing inclusion of Westland in the itinerary of the Prince ol Wales. So far no definite reply had been received. It was reolved that a further invitation to visit Hokitika and Westland be made. Tlie Council rose atJs.do p.m. EVERY WALK IN LIFE.

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