WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1921, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14th

The Council met at 2.5 p.m. Present:—Messrs B. Ward (Connty Chairman), L. IT. Morel, J. Ritchie, E. A. Wells, W. H. Chinn, W. Jeffries, T. W. Duff and T. R. Chesterman.

The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From Treasury, Wellington, forwarding amount of revenue accrued.—Received.

From Tourist Department, advising proposals submitted for grant of £3OO to construct Mahinapua creek falls road had been deferred For six months. Received.

From Same, approving of specifications submitted for widening Lake Kanieri road with slight modification, but authority must stand over pro tern as decided by Cabinet. —Received. From District Engineer Railways, intimating the Kumara station road at south-east corner be removed outside the railway reserve and suggesting a suitable position, the Council to carrj out the work.—Received. After discussion the Chairman moved that the position be held over pending the Council’s attitude being placed before the Minister of Railways, and to ask the support of the Minister of Mines thereto, to whom the proposals of the Railway Department had been explained on his recent visit, and who expressed approval of the Council’s views as against the very heavy expenditure proposed by the Department, which the Council was not in accord with, owing to the heavy cost involved. From Minister of Public Works, stating arrangements have been made for an assistant engineer to carry out some urgent works in South Westland. Received. It was decided to point out that the letter was written under a misapprehension of the facts and that the Council was prepared to carry out the works if authorised by the Department.

From Resident Engineer, PublicWorks, regretting the Kanieri bridge could not be kept open for two wheel traffic as it had been found impossible to prevent heavy vehicles passing over the bridge.—Received. The clerk stated that arrangements had been made to open tlio bridge that day for light traffic."

It was resolved to forward the thanks of the Council for the action to the Minister of Mines, Mr Gillies (Resident Engineer) and Mr Fitzgerald (Overseer) . From Minister of Public Works, re-

porting the small bridges for Dry creek McCullough crock, ami McDonald’ crock would not lie erected till tli larger rivers ltad been bridged frou Ross to 'Wailio, owing to the linancia stringency limiting expenditure to ui gout and essential works.—Received.

From Resident Engineer, slating the cleaning of the outfall drain in Bruce Bay locality was a matter for the owners of tin* properties through which it runs.—Received. It was resolved to inform the Resident Engineer that if the culvert were cleaned out tli 0 complaint would be remedied. From Same, referring to proposal for erecting Waimea creek bridge, Christchurch road, and as soon as instructions were received from the bead office the Council would be advised.— Received ; copy of letter to la* sent to \\ right Bros.

From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., enclosing letter from Minister of Public Works, notifying the engineer bad completed arrangements for timber supply for the Little Wanganui bridge, and expected to proceed with erection at its early dale. He was of the opinion there is no necessity to construct the low level bridge. —Received. From Same, enclosure from Postmaster General intimating the twiceweekly postal service between Hari Hari and Wailio Gorge would not commence earlier than November as the revenue is small and regretting request lor more frequent service cannot be granted.— Received.

From Same, advising the Public Works Department are preparing survey and plans for works at Bruce Bay, Slippery Face, and Wailm river, and when finances allow works will he put in hand.— Received. From Counties’ Association, forwarding summary of business transacted by the Executive Committee and copy of last year’s balance sheet.—Received. From Same, asking the Council to forward a remit to lie considered at October Conference covering amendment desired in the Countries Act, 1920.--Re-ceived and adopted. From Manager Rank of New Zealand, notifying minimum rate of interest chargeable on the ordinary current account is to.be seven per centum. Received. .From Westland Chamber of Commerce, applying for £ls contribution towards upkeep ol the Hokitika-Otira motor mail service, and soliciting support in order to -rcMhi the service.— Received. Mr Jeii'ries said the mail that they were siilwidi.sing, was not always arriving till the next day. 'Phis has occurred on t\vk) occasions this month already. Me did not know who was to lilame for the omission, whether the Railway Department or who. H<> suggested the matter be brought under the notice of the member for the district to ask him to bring it before, tho Postmaster-General, with a request that the delay be rectified. It was then resolved that tho subsidy be voted, on the motion of Messrs Morel and Jeffries. From New Zealand Committee of tho British Engineering Standards Association, dealing with engineering standards in civil, steel and electrical contrivances, and assisting trade within the Empire.—Received.

From Canterbury Progress League, circular invitation to the annual meeting and luncheon to ho held on Wednesday, June 15th.—Received. Tt was resolved to ask Mr Murdoch who is in Christchurch to represent the Council. From Westland Committee, Progress League, in the interests of the settlers at Koiterangi, urging the early completion of McArthur road.—Received. Tt was stated that the work was held up owing to the financial stringency. From Westland Rraneh, Automobile Association, enclosing letter from District Engineer of Railways in reference to constructing turnouts on the Hokitika railway bridge, and asking views of the Council. —Received. The Chair-

man said he felt the expense of turnouts was not warranted and there would be a grave danger for accidents. Mr Chesterman was opposed to turnouts) but considered that the bridge required planking. Mr Duff moved that the Council, in view of the danger and expense involved, could not appitove of the erection of turnouts. Seconded-by Mr Chesterman and carried. From Gillams Gully Sawmilling Coy., forwarding cheque £3O towards repairs to Gillams Gully road, and urging furtheir attention to the thoroughfare. —Received.

From W. Wall, Herepo, calling attention to the need for gravelling La Fontaine road as the holes in places make vehicle traffic very difficult.; —Received; to be written to pointing out refusal of Government to authorise promised grant at present. From Redmond G. Honey, stating a syndicate is prepared to take over special claims 1118 and 1591, Callaghans, which are encumbered by mortgage, and asking for remission of rent and rates due, and withdrawal of summons issued for rates. —Received ; rents to bo recommended for remission, if rates were paid. From W. Thomson, Stock Ranger,

reporting for May month, cases of stock at large on County roads, together with names of owners.—Received. From Robinson and Sons, making offer of accommodation for purchase of Nash Quod motor truck at bank rate for interest.—Received. From Inglis Biros., Wellington, enquiring if further particulars are need-, od in connection with acquiring an A.E.C. motor truck. —Received. From A. J. Wagner, on behalf of Hawlot and Coy., quoting' £1,150 for the delivery of Guy motor truck at Christolm rch. —Received.

From South Island Motor Union, notification of matters dealt with concerning traffic and' requesting cooperation in dealing with fencing growth, sharp turnings, and to exercise powers under Section 13 of the Public Works Amendment Act. —Received. From A. J). Riley and Co., Wellington. information of recent importations of Albion motors, and notice of second band 2 and 4 ton trucks in stock.— Received.

From International Harvester Coy., giving information of the utility and capacity of their motor trucks in comparison with other designs.—Received. From Advisory Committee, Okuru, supplying particulars of changes in the control of the ferry services in that locality etc., and asking for the speedy setting up and gazetting of reserves for ferry purposes in the far South.—Received.

From Jas. Fitzgerald, John Manera, John Stewart and G. P. Rea, enclosing fees, and applying for a renewal of slaughterhouse licenses.—Received and recommended for issue.

From Overseer Milkier, reporting two gravel pits require stripping in readiness for repairs to the Hokitika-Hau Man road; the Styx river track will need an expenditure of £3O for labour and explosives to make it passable for traffic; contrasting the work performed by different motor trucks and information concerning the recent domonstra-

lion on White road; reporting defective culverts and bridges on Arthurstown and Bake Kanieri road; estimating cost

of repairs to Arthurstown road at £45 IDs; urging steps being taken to control heavy traffic oil County roads and speed limit be adopted ; damage by

motor truck to Raft creek bridge decking and need of other requirements; also monthly report on grants and other

expenditure throughout the County - Received.

From W. Passmore, Kumara Road, applying for renewal ol slaughter house license.—Received ; to be recommended. From P. Clare, Totara, complaining of costs added to line for stock wandering on road.—Received ; enquiry to bo made and information asked for supplied. From S. Havill, Koiterangi, asking £ for 1‘ grant to construct track along Max road.—Received ; Overseer Millner

to report. From Jas. Fleming, Kokatahi, claiming assistance for cutting blacklierry off road reserve.—Received. From Overseer Millner, reporting on foregoing; recommending C 7 10s J. McLeod to afford outlet drainage along .Murray road, Kokatahi; recommending £ls to repair .McLeod’s road, Mikonui; stating repairs to Kokatahi road to cope with motor traffic will cost 0100 —Received and approved. Discussing Overseer Millner’s monthly report, the Chairman said it seemed the Council must move drastically in connection with excessive loads and speeds of motor vehicles, which were doing an enormous amount of damage. Mr Chestomian said there was no doubt that the loads carried were too heavy for the strength of the bridges and culverts. Mr Duff said the Public Works Committee had drawn up a stringent report. The Overseer should he asked to report on what was a fair load to carry and the restriction on the speed travelled. If the loads were not restricted they would have to revert hack to dray traffic. Mr Wells said Overseer Millner had given a good warning, and unless the County took action there would he a serious accident. They must do something to stop the excessive speed and loads. The Chairman said as C’r. Duff had pointed out the Public Works Committee had drawn up regulations as to excess traffic, those responsible to have to pay the cost involved by the extra wear and tear. After a general discussion Mr Duff moved that the Overseer he directed to apply for half the cost of the repairs caused by the excessive traffic.—Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. From Roadman Nolan, approving expenditure for Gibb Bros on Council grant; suggesting £ for £ subsidy to assist in protecting Potter’s crook erosion near Waiho; stating about £3O extra was required for Dooherty’s road to cope with rock cutting.—Received. From Kokatahi Timber Coy., Hokitika, stating they were carting timber j on White’s road, and that with a view j to putting the road in order, they proposed putting on a horse, man and dray continuously to repair the road and asking Council to find half the cost.— Received and referred to Overseer Millner to report. From Hokitika Borough Council, stating the Public Works Committee had been authorised to effect repairs

up to £2O on Arthurstown-Hokitikft road.—Received.

From Westland Hospital Board, declining to grant conference asked for, the levy previously made to stand, payable in twelve monthly instalments.— Received. The Chairman moved that the letter be received with regret. Mr Chinn said the main cau'se of the high levy, he thought, was due to the high capital expenditure. He thought it was very unsatisfactory, after the large amount of work the members of the Board were carrying out, without any recompense, but receiving hard knocks instead. He was sorry that the Board would not meet the Council, as probably good would have resulted. Mr Morel said the inclement weather had prevented him being present at the Board meeting last evening. No good would now accrue from further discussion. Mr Ritchie regretted that the two Boards bad not met and discussed matters.

Mr Jeffries said be was convinced more than ever that there • was full room for substantial reductions in the expenditure of the Board. If they had had' a conference Tie would have pointed out where the savings could have been made. The County had to find more than half of the levy. Had the conference been held lie was satisfied that £2OOO to £3OOO could have been raised at a less charge for interest than they had been prepared to give the Savings

Bank. Instead of a reduction the ratepayers bad now to face the whole of the

burden at a time when there was extra reasons for economy and better business methods. He regretted that the keeping up of the rate had'been forced on the Council by the action of the Charitable Aid Board. He repeated that he could have got the Board £3OOO at a very low rate of interest. The Chairman moved that the levy be accepted under protest.—Seconded by Mr Jeffries. ‘ Mr Wells thought it a great pity the Board did not meet them in a round table conference. The Chairman said they had been quite justified in their endeavour to reduce the levy, in view that they had to strike their rate that day. Duff said he was afraid that all they could do at present was to accept the levy under protest. Mr Ritchie regretted the necessity also. The motion was then agreed to. From Park and Murdoch, forwarding draft agreement with Stuart and Chapman Ltd., in reference to tram .ray along Bold Head road.—Received and approved, with additions agreed to

DEPUTATION. Mr Jeffries introduced Mr Trembatli of Waitaba who waited on the Conned asking for use of pile driving apparatus, to enable himself and brother who would find timber and labour to carry out necessary protection from river encroachment neat their residence, Waitaba. The Council agreed to grant the use of the plant required, Overseer Milliter to inspect and arrange for the supply. FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. Your Committee have the honor to

report that the accounts presented for the month of May, 1921, have been carefully examined and beg to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling £1359 5s sd, be passed for payment.

Regarding the allocation of a vote for the County libraries, it is pleasing to lie able to report that the returns show all the institutions are in credit. Your Committee recommend that a grant of £2O he made, allocated as follows:—Stafford and Rimu £4 each, Waitaha, Wataron, Okarito, Weheka, Bruce Bay and Okurit £2 each.—-Re-ceived and adopted. FERRY RESERVES’ COMMITTEE. Your Committee has the honor to report that tlie question of renewal of ferry reserve leases was further considered to-day, when members had the benefit of a report and valuation of the areas prepared by Mr C. Mafcarlane, Crown Land Ranger, after a personal inspection of the reserves. Conformable with the report as to unimproved values of the land, your Committee begs to recommend that rents he increased as follows as from the expiry of the present leases: — Little Wanganui (J. Minehan) from L'(i 5s to £l2; Waitaha (AY. AA’right,) from £1 to £5; Hendes Ferry (Hondo Bros) from £1 to £SO; Waiho (J. M. Gibb) from £5 5s to £8; Lake Kanieri (R. Parkinson) from 10s to 01; Cooks River (P. AA’alsh) to stand at £2; Taipo (A. Griffen) 10s to stand ; Maintain (Comlon Bros) from £1 to £10; Paringa (Condon Bros) from £1 to £2; Little Waitaha (A. Sharpe) from £1 Is to £1 10s; AA’ataroa (W. Berry) from C 5 to £l2 10s; Kanieri (A. O’Donnell) £1 to stand; Lower Wataron (J. Donovan) from 10s to 15s ; Mikonui (J. Mitchell) from £1 to £1 ss; Christchurch Rond (AVright Bros) 10s to stand; AA’ataroa road (J. Friend) 15s to stand. The term of the leases to he I<l years in accordance with the provision in the Counties Act, 1920; the leases to be prepared at the cost of the lessee.—Received and adopted. PUBLIC AVORKS COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

Your Committee has the honor to report that at a meeting held on the 25th ult., to consider the question of reporting on the purchase of a motor tipping lorry, opinion was divided as to a course of action. One suggestion was to procure two tip drays for the Council’s permanent work, and another was in favour of a four wheel drive motor lorry. Ultimately a decision was deferred to await a further trial by local machines. The trial was not satisfactory, and it it doubtful if a demonstration by a four wheel drive tipping lorry can be obtained. Meantime a four wheel drive ordinary motor lorry was used for road grading purposes, and Overseer Millner reports it is the only type of machine equal to the requirements of the Council. The matter is therefore one for the Council to decide upon, either by negotiating for the purchase of the machine recommended or for taking such other actions as members may determine.- —Received. Mr Duff moved that the Council take steps to purchase a four wheel drive motor lorry and that the purchase of same he left to the Chairman, Chair-

man of Public Works and Overseer. — Seconded bv Mr Chestermnn.

Mr Morel suggested that the purchase he deferred for a period. Mr Wells was in favour of a lorry being obtained, but would move that consideration bo deferred for six months when there would no doubt be a drop in price.

Mr Ritchie seconded the amendment, which was supported by Messrs Jeffries and Chinn and the Chairman, in view of the present financial stringency. The amendment was -put and carried. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved:— “That the accounts presented for the month of May, 1921, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to. £1359 5s sd, be passed for payment.”—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:— “That all existing Committees be discharged, and the Council proceed to the appointment of fresh Committees as follows: — (a) Finance Committee: Crs Murdoch (Chairman), Chinn, Morel and Chesterman. (b) Public Works Committee: Crs Jeffries (Chairman), Duff, Wells and Ritchie. (c) Mining Committee: Crs Duff (Chairman), Morel, Murdoch and Wells. (d) 'Committees to sign cheques etc: The Chairman, Crs Murdoch, Jeffries and Duff.

Seconded by Mr Chesterman. Mr Jeffries moved as an amendment that the Finance Committee consist of all members of the Council. He said it was the practice with most local bodies for the Finance Committee to be of tho whole, and they could fix the quorum at 3 or 4, to save any trouble or delay. He was of the opinion that every member should be on the Finance Committee, and would move to that effect, Mr Murdoch to be Chairman. The Chairman seconded pro forma. He had no objection to ■ the amendment, but felt it would be ponderous, and unwieldy. The present method was he felt, the better way. He was quite sure Mr Jeffries was conscientious in bis proposal. Mr Duff thought a small Finance Comniittc e was the better as it ensured more method in getting through the work. Personally lie had served for two years on the Finance Committee and he was glad to have a rest off it as it was often inconvenient to attend the meetings at 11 o’clock in the morning. Mr Ritchie was against the whole of the Council being on the Finance Com-

mittee. Mr Jeffries said his reasons for tho amendment were that on 11th April a bonus was voted by the Finance Committee to the Treasurer of 100 guineas, and four members of the Council knew nothing about it. He was not present at the meeting when it was passed. The passing of such an amount should be in the hands of the whole Council. Mr Duff said as Chairman of the Finance Committee lie was quite ready to explain the matter. All members were aware that during last year certain payments had been made by the Council in connection with expenditure incurred with the mining and forestry conferences and entertainment of Ministers. These payments had always been passed by the Audit Office previously, but this year the audit office bad put tags on the balance sheet. Personally lie thought the Council’s payments were lawful and fair, but to save litigation with the Audit Department the Treasurer had made payment of the amounts objected to, and to recoup the Treasurer the amount had been voted to him, but not for his personal gain, ns he did not benefit by the vote. The Chairman thanked Mr Duff for bis explanation which was an entirely satisfactory one. Of course all members bad the opportunity of inspecting toll pay sheets that were always laid on the table for the information of members. Mr Ritchie was satisfied that their Treasurer derived no benefit from the bonus.

Mr Chesterman said he had noticed tli,. amount on the paysheet, but had not asked for particulars. Mr Jeffries said lie was of a different opinion to other members. He held

that the principle was not sound and that the procedure was improper. He did not suggest for a m'oment that the Treasurer got any Benefit. Tf he had then he would not have said anything ns he recognised the good work of the Clerk.

Mp Chinn said he had not known any thing about it till told by Mr .Teffries tha day, but thought it should have come before the open Council. He knew the surcharges had been made but he did not know how they had been overcome. Tt was mentioned that Mr .Teffries had been at the March meeting of the Finance Committee when the matter had been fully discussed, though lie had not been present when the amount was passed in April. Mr Jeffries then asked leave to withdraw his amendment. The Chairman’s motion for the appointment of Committees was then agreed to. The Chairman moved: “That public notice he given of the intention of the Council to make and levy a general rate separately in each Riding of the County of Westland, of nine farth-

ings in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property, in accordance with sections 120 and 121 of the Counties Act, 1020; the said rate to be payable

fourteen days after being struck.” The Chairman said lie regretted owing to the increased expenses and shortage of revenue that it was necessary to keep the rate at this high amount, but he saw no alternative. Seconded by M r Chestcrmah and after a general discussion agreed to. Or Chinn moved:—“That the necessary preliminary steps he taken for authority to raise a loan of about £ISOO for the construction of Ivakapotalii bridge and the road approaches to connect the main south road with Bold Head road at the Little Waitaha junction ; and that a loan poll he taken over the district served, namely between the Mikonui and Waitangi rivers; the period of the loan to be 15 years.” Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. Cr. Morel moved: “That the Mining Committee report as to the best means to be followed to encourage gold prospecting in Westland County.” —Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. Cr. Morel moved: “That the Council authorise the necessary work at Doughboy creek, Koiterangi, for the protection of the district road, in accordance with the report of Overseer j Millner.”--Seconded by Mr Jeffries and j carried, the Lands Department to be j asked to find half the cost. I Cr Morel moved: —“That application to t.h e Lands Department for the engineer’s report on draining the

swamp lands of Westland at Kokatahi, j Koiterangi and South Westland be renewed, and the Government be urged to give this important matter affecting the future of the localities affected, urgent attention.” —Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. Cr Ritchie moved:—“That Roadman Nolan be instructed to attend to repairs necessary to the Forks-Okarito road.”— Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried. Or Ritchie moved “ That the District Committee, at Bruce Bay be asked to improve the landing and loading for cargo near the Flower Pot, and clear slips on approach road; cost about £s.”—Seconded by the Chairman and carried. Mr Chinn by leave moved that the Overseer be asked to report on cost of repairs to the Pukekura-Waitaha track. Seconded by the Chairman and carried.

Mr Duff Inoveid that Government be asked for a grant for £250 for protective work on the northern side of AraImra rive,, near Bradley’s. Seconded I,v Mr Ward and carried.

’ Mr Wells moved that the Council assist the Diggers’ Sawmill Coy. to provide access to their timber skids. Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. The next meeting was fixed for the first Tuesday in July. Tho Council roso at 5.30 p.m.