WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1920, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

SPECIAL COMMITTEE HE BOLD

HEAD ROAD

The Special Committeo of the Westland County Council appointed at the last sitting of the Council on the motion of Cr Chinn to go into matters relating to tho completion of Bold Head Road for public traffic met at tlm Chambers yesterday forenoon at 11 o’clock. 'Phero were present: Messrs Chinn (voted to the chair), Jeffries, Ritchie and Murdoch (County Chairman), also Messrs But|er and Chapman, representing Stuart and Chapman Ltd., the company at present constructing tl c sawmill tramway from Boss along Bold Head road .'esnivv • • The Chairman plained the, ohpcvji. tho meeting, mmelv, to discuss W'tli Stuart and Chapman Ltd. tho following four points embodied in the motion agreed to by tho County Council viz. —Extension of sawmill tramway along road route. 2. Planking all culverts and bridges fol- stock and vehicle traffic. , 3. Freight charges for settlers’ goods (including Stock) carried over the tramway lino to and from Ross railway station. 4. Question of future metalling oi the road route for vehicle traffic over the unfinished portion of Bold Head road. • ,• i A general discussion ensued in which tho past action of tho Council in regard to the matter was dealt with by the speakers, Mr Murdoch explaining the position and Council attitude, while Messrs Chapman and Butler dealt with various aspects leading up to the Company’s application to the Council for tho right to take the tramway along tho road reserve. It was explained that the Company had but a yearly tenure on tho latter account, and the point ,i was raised that a more secure tenure should be granted.

After discussing tho general issue very exhaustively, Mr Murdoch moved that the special Committee endorses the action of the Council in the past as to the agreement made with regard to the Mikonui tramway traffic bridge, - and the yearly right granted to use the Bold Head road reserve for tramway purposes. This motion was seconded by Mr Jeffries, supported by tho Councillors present and carried . Arising out of the issues raised l>y Mr Chinn’s motion at the County meeting, the following was recorded from the statements made by the representatives of Stuart and Chapman Ltd. L—The extension of the line was in hand, and earth works were now proceeding ;~the laying of the rails towards the Waitaha would he continued as soon as the material was available. The mils are now expected from Newcastle to arrive in the Dominion early in the New Year. As regards the earth works particulars were given of a sixty chain section of the proposed lino at the southern end which for tramway traffic required regrading, as over a distance of four chains of tho road there was a rise of over 17ft. At present a deviation cutting was being made at tho side of tho road, and tho matter of putting this cutting through the centre was of moment, and the question was loft undetermined, further enquiry to ho made and if found necessary the County authorities to inspect the position within the next few days.

2. —Regarding the planking of culverts etc for stock and vehicle traffic, the Company was agreeable to have the work done* provided the Company was paid for any costs on account of tho culverts in extra stringers and planking, additional to what might he required 0 for tramway culverts. Where no extra expense was involved the Company to put in road culverts without charge. 3. On ’the freight charges it was agreed that a tariff would he fixed at reasonable- rates. It was stated also the tramway would he the same as the railway guago so that traffic over the private anid public line would he interchangeable without transhipment. The weight of the tramway rails would not bo less than 401 b to carry stock or general- produce carriage. 4. —Metalling could be done as the lease permitted by using the tramway, and for this service a reasonable charge could bo made.

It was decided that joint action should bo taken by the Council and the Company to secure the use of Government rolling stock as required on the lino for any road metalling, or for the future operation of the line in the carriage of settlers’ goods, stock arm freight. These points determined upon, Mr Jeffries' moved that with the object of facilitating the purposes of Mr Chinn’s motion- adopted by the Council to consider granting forthwith to Messrs Stuart and Chapman Ltd. something more secure than the existing yearly tepure, and that the Council appoint a Committee of the Council to discuss with Messrs Stuart and Chapman what concessions can bo mutually agreed upon ns between tho Council and the Company. Mr Chinn seconded the motion, which was carried. The question of a. visit of inspection to the lino to look into the question of regrading sixty chains of the road, was agreed upon, but a date deferred for the present, and meantime the town members of tlie Committee, Messrs Jeffries, Ritchie and Murdoch, were deputed to act in regard to any question arising out of tho proceedings. It was decided further to wait on the Hon Minister of Railways when visiting the district next month, and if possible induce Mr Massey to> visit and inspect the route and go into the question of road construction as well as granting of railway facilities which will he required. The meeting then adjourned sine die.

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