WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1920, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th,

The Council met at ;2 p.m. Present: Messrs T. W. Bruce (County Chairman) B. Ward, T. W. DulF, T. E, Chesterman, L. H. Morel, S'. G. Ferguson, E. A, Wells and J. A. Murdoch, The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. IN WARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Treasury, forwarding accrued revenueßece ived.

From Agricultural Department, enclosing slaughter house license for Wm Passmore, Kumara.—Received. From Board of Trade, granting permit to E. Cron to erect dwelling house and essential farm buildings, Kokatahi.—Received.

From Same, giving particulars of procedure to be adopted in reference to perfriits for building purposes.—Received. From Same, advising arrangements fnade for the supply of cement, and that ten tons were allocated for Westland to meet urgent cases.—Received. It was stated that no cement had yet come to hand. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Morel to make further representations to the Minister. From T. E. Y. Scddon, M.P., communioation from Minister of PublicWorks in reference to Mr Ziman’s request for expenditure of £3,000 on Kanieri road. The matter had been referred to the Lands Department and its reply was to the effect that as there is practically no settlement of Crown Lands along the road the request does not concern that Department.—Received. It was resolved to make further representations on the matter. From Resident Engineer, Greymouth, suggesting slight alterations to the proposed route chosen by Roadman Nolan for Dooherty. road, and asking for more information on plans showing grades etc. —Received and considered satisfactory.

From Same, declining to grant a subsidy to Brookes and party to drive a tunnel -500 feet at Back Creek as this area lias been thoroughly prospected.—

Received. From Minister of Mines, intimating all applications for major water rights for mining purposes were considered by the Public Works Office before grants were made, and in view of the constitution of a Power Board forWestlarid tho Council’s request for due care in making grants would be sympathetically considered. —Received, as very satisfactory.

From Same, agreeing to a reduction in rent for 12 months to one shilling per acre on special claims situate at Rimu Flat held by R. E. . Cranston. — Received.

From Riley and Coy., Engineers, giving particulars of 32 h.p. 4-ton chassis fitted with the Albion Company’s hydraulic tipping gear and quotation delivery at Wellington f.0.b., £lßoß.—Received; to be filed. From Dannevirke County Council, commending the utility of the Albion motor truck for carting shingle for road works, and as their County consists mostly of hilly country the Engineer would not have any other truck than an Albion.—Received,

From A. O’Halloran, urging that representations be made to the Government to grant a bonus to gold miners to compensate them for losses during the war period.—Received. Mr Ward suggested that the Council should support the agitation by resolution. The Chairman said during the war the Government prohibited the export of gold. Those miners who had to sell their gold to the banks, which purchased at from £3 17s 9d to £3 19s 3d. At the present time gold that had been sent to San Francisco for assay had returned £5 4s lOd. He thought the miners deserved the very best support of the Council.

He moved that the Government be urged to compensate gold miners who produced and sold gold during the war period for tiro loss of value sustained through the passing of the Government measure prohibiting the export of gold and thereby affecting the sale price in tlie worlds ‘markets; that the Government be urged to consider the advisability of a forward policy to promote and develop the goldmining interests of the Donmion, specially including an effort to prospect country favorably reported upon geologically, and that generally the fullest action be taken to probe the unrevealed mineral wealth of new Zealand in regard to the many rich deposits which are believed to exist throughout the length and breadth of the country. Mr Ward seconded the motions. He had always favored the hardworking man. The price of gold- had previously been fixed by the world’s markets, but during the war the export bad been prohibited, with the result that the miners who won the gold got even a lesser amount for tbeir output, while the price in the world’s markets had risen very considerably.

Mr Ferguson heartily supported the motion. He regretted he would be unable to attend the meeting at Rimu in the evening. He considered the miners bad been robbed of their hard won earnings.

The motions were agreed to. From John Bryan, applying for pro- \ specting assistance to drive a tunnel j 400 feet on the north side of Rimu Flat

opposite the dredge in that locality.— Received; to be supported. From Baxter Bros, agreeing to stipulations governing the construction and maintenance of' private telephone lino between Kawhaka and Humphreys.— Received. From Bruce Bay Library Committco, thanking the Council for receipt of cheque to assist in the upkeep of tho Library books.—Received.

From Westland Committee, .Progress League, asking for the Use of trio Council Chambers to bold their riieetings.— Received; reojd6st granted. From Roadman Oldcrog, applying for increase in wages owing to the-increas-ed cost of living, and keeping a liorso for travelling otef- his district.—Received ; dealt with by Fififince Committee.

From C. J. Malfroy and G'°y-j rG " questing permission to construct a tramway pn the sea' side of tho Arahura road to rub timber on skids for loading into railway trucks.—Received ; referred to Public Works Department for approval. From O. Hende, Hari liai'i, drawing attention to a culvert washed out on Mobnt Hbfeulos and erosion where tho Wataroa liver is threatening the main south road; also offering to loan a sum of money for metalling Bold Head roach —Received.

From M. Moynihan, asking favourable consideration of the Council to erect a gato on Hokitika Flat road near Section 209.—Received; to be notified in usual way and Overseer to report. From' Messrs Houliston, Harris, Stopforth and Morel, making application for right to run a party rural telephone lino from Kokatahi post office to their residential properties, Koitorangi.—Received ; request granted.

From G. W. King, Okarito district, pointing out the labor involved in attending to the care of the ferry at Three Mile, and keeping tracks in order and the smallness of payment allowed for the duties.—Received. Roadman Nolan reported that the work has been well carried out. Mr Ferguson moved that an increase be granted of £l6 per year.—Secofided by Mr Chesterman and carried.

Mr Ferguson urged that the repairs necessary to the Three Mile creek bo carried out. The bridge at present was closed to traffic owing to its unsafe condition. He moved tha tthc work be put in hand as soon as a grant was available.—Seconded by Mr Chesterman arid carried. From D. Agnew, referring to the manner in which drainage works had been carried out in his paddock facing Humphreys road. A report from Overseer Millner deals with the matter.— Received; left to Overseer to carry out suggestd action; From Department of Public Health, enclosing condemnation certificate relating to premises situated on the Arahura road which must be pulled down within eight weeks.—Received; notice to be sent to owner. From C. J. P. Sellers, for V. J. Pfeifer, asking consent of the Council to three reservations of timbered land in Waimea survey district for sawmilling purposes,—Received.

From Overseer Millner, reporting on various works receiving attention in Totara and Okarito Ridings; asking that the Stock Ranger for Kokatahi and Koiterangi give more time to dealing with wandering horses and cattle. In conjunction with Or. Morel lie inspected White creek in which water is blocked, and estimating it will require £IOO to clear the waterway of willow growth and other debris.—Received. Mr Morel stated that, the ratepayers affected were prepared to find £SO to wards the cost of clearing White Creek. He thought that the work could be carried out effectively with a steam log hauler. He moved that the work be carried out, subject to payment of the subsidy promised.—Seconded by tho Chairman and carried.

From Roadman Nolan, general report on works carried out for the month, the erection of sheep yards at the Okarito wharf arid putting in hand the Wataroa south bank track.—Received.

From Advisory Committee, Bruce Bay, stating settlers desire an extension of Bruce Bay inland track as far from the sandy beach as possible, and urging a £250 Government grant to make a dray road.—Received ; as the result of applieatiori to Government, a reply had been received stating that a grant would he placed on the Estimates. From Okliru Committee, notice of two applications for Waitoto arid Arawata ferries and subsequenCy the appointriient of Mr Rosser conditionally on refunding half cost of boats.—Received. From Post and Telegraph Department, advising a revision of portion of the increased telephone charges.—Received. From N.Z. Railways, sketch plan of land desired for road purposes at Awa-j tuna and conditions attached to land allocated.—Received; considered very satisfactory. From Butler Bros., seeking permission to lay tramline across Kokatahi track on the usual 'Stipulations.—Received; request granted, subject to usual conditions.

From John Coyle, asking compensation for improving Robinson road, Kokatahi, as he had put it in order to deliver gravel.—Received. The Chairman moved that £ls be granted.—Seconded by Mr Ward.—Supported by Mr Morel and carried.

From Andersons, Limited, Christchurch; information of the Imperial Motor Roller and offering to submit specifications and prices' if desired.— Received.

From J. K. Templin, Christchurch, stating be would meet members and discuss questions affecting power supply and selection of streams for generating electricity.—Received. Mr Murdoch stated that matters in connection witli the formation of the Power Board were all in order and were under consideration by the Government authorities. From Cooper and McGrath, notifying intention to run a light steam waggon on main south road on one month’s trial, and asking conditions imposed.— Received, and in accordance with Resident Engineer’s report the request was refused.

From Resident Engineer, Public Works, reporting the Ross-Hari Hari road will not carry the motor proposed by Cooper and McGrath.—Received.

From Overseer Milkier, reporting on works completed in the different Ridings, and urging the appointment of W.

Thompson of Ross as Stock Ranger to deal with wandering animals between Arthurs town and Ross Borough, nuisances requiring attending to north of the Hokitika Borough boundary,— Received. The Chairman moved that the appointment be made.—Seconded by Mr Morel and carried. From Sjjnjo, reporting as to a complaint of dead animals being only partly buried, and also reporting adversely on the deposit of night soil on the beach.—Received. The Council resolved to take the necessary action to prevent a recurrence of the action; the Borough Council to be approached and asked to remedy tlic complaint, the Overseer to bo commended for his report.

From J. O. Macfaflatie, offering to car by out survey work at once on line of road to Awatuna to Kumara Junction. —Received.

From Messrs Finch Bros, and others, urging making of road access from Awatuna to Fourth Terrace track.—Received ; referred to Overseer for report. From IC. D. Lucas, Matainui, asking for road access to saleyards.—Received; referred to Roadman to attend to. From Wells, Brown and Co., Matainui, applying for monetary assistance in erection of tramway to their mill, cost estimated at £3oo.—Received; Mr Ferguson moved that a grant of £2 for £1 be applied to Government.—Seconded by the Chairman and carried. From W. D, .Nolan, Oktiru, reporting on matters affecting the district.—Received.

reports. The Coiinty Cliairlnan’s report (puhlished yesterday) was read and received. FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. Your Committee have the honor to report that the acounts presented for the month of August, 1920, have been carefully examined, and beg to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling £1258 7s 8d be passed for payment.

Regarding the proposed legislation as affecting the Rublic Health Act, your Committee is of opinion the Council should protest against further duties and liabilities affecting the control of the public health being placed on local bodies discharging duties similar to this body, believing that the Public Health Department specially staffed with the necessarily experienced officers, should control and direct all matters affecting tho direction of public health and that an objection to this effort be forwarded to the. Chief Health Officer for consideration when finally adopting the proposed measure. With regard to the wages question and the necessity for an increase owing to the rising cost of prices, your Committee beg to recommend that the wages for casual laborers be increased to that of the rate paid by the Public Works Department, namely, laborers 15s, carpenters on bridges 18s 4d, and horse and dray hire 25s per day; also that the roadmen’s and office . staff Wages be increased proportionately; all the increases to date as from the' Ist October, the commencement of the next half-yearly period.—Received. Mr Duff moved adoption of the report.—Seconded by Mr Wells. —Supported by the Chairman and Mr Ward, and carried.

ORDER; PAPER

The Chairman moved:—“That the accounts for the month of August, 1920, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £1258 7s Bd, be passed^Repayment.”—Seconded by Mr Dull' and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That the list of proposed polling booths as before the Council, be' now approved.” —Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman ftoved :—“That tenders be invited for the printing of the County Electoral rolls, and the town members be empowered to deal with the tenders.”—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That the Council place on record its appreciation of the decision of the Publip Works Department to proceed at once with the erection of the three principal bridges required on the iriain south road, and a letter of thanks he forwarded to the Hon Minister of Public Works acknowledging the action taken on behalf of the settlers of tlie district.”—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried.

The’ Chairman moved:—“That urgent representations ho made to the Hon Minister of Public Works to provide for the extension- of the South Westland railway to Waitaha in . accordance with tlie promise given through the Public Works Statement, 1911 and by the subsequent authorisation arid survey of tlie lirie.”—Seconded by Mr Ferguson and carried. Mr Ward referred to the protection on the Arahura road near Olderogs. It was stated that the trouble was that wire nets could not he procured and that Overseer Millner was preparing another scheme. It was resolved to ask the Overseer to push on this necessary work as quickly as possible. Repairs to a culvert in Kokatahi district were urged by Mr Morel, it being stated that authority had been given to have tlie work carried out.

Mr Ferguson asked that the Overseer enquire in the matter of providing access to Mrs Scott’s residence at Wanganui.—Request acceded to.

SPECIAL MEETING

The Chairman moved:—“That pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the LOcail Bodieg’’ Act, 19'ifi, the sanction of the ratepayers of the County be. obtained (as provided by Section 8 and following the aforesaid Act), for the raising of a special loan not exceeding £3,000 for the purchase of road making machinery to include a motor tipping lorry, a portable stone crushing plant and elevator, arid a road, toiler, to be used in cbririectiori with the construction and establishing of public works within the County of Westland: the poll of the ratepayers to be taken throughout the County of Westland; on Wednesday, November 10th, 1920, that a special rate not exceeding nine fourteenths of a farthing in the pound, capital rateable value, be the proposed security for the repayments of the loan; the said loan to be repaid in ten ■ years in half-yearly instalments of j £l5O each, payable in March arid Sep- i tember of each year, together with ac-J crued interest; and a statement be published that it is proposed to pay the said half-yearly payments and accrued interest thereon out of the County

Fund Account, and further that it is not proposed to levy the said special rate which is to bo struck formally as the required security in terms of the borrowing powers of the Council under the statutory provisions.”—Seconded by Mr Duff, who expressed the view that the necessity was greater every day. The proposal would give the ratepayers the opportunity to decide themselves.

Mr Ward in supporting the motion, said he whs quite satisfied that tho time* had arrived‘for a cluinge to he made. The time had come when they had to look to Other means for the maintenance and upkeep of their roads. A /i6# ora had come and it was necessary to look to machinery to carry on their works. He recognised tho necessity for new methods, and therefore supported the motion. Mr Chestermah and Mr Fergusofi gave their hearty support to the proposal, which gave the ratepayers tho decision iii their own hands.

Mr Murdoch opposed, ds he considered it would mean the Machine being stuck in one corner of the County. He thought that in any event they should wait till they could buy it outright, ami not by overdraft or loan. He reserved to himself the right to vote at the poll in such a manner as he thought fit.

Mr Morel supported the motion, on account of the continual increase of cost of labor, without any advantage. He thought machinery was the only way to overcome the difficulty. The motion was then prit and agreed to, Mr Murdoch dissenting. The Chairman moved:— “That a subsequent meeting of the Council be" held to confirm the resolution 0 n Wednesday the 13th day of October, 1920.”—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Council rose at 5.15 p.iii.