WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 July 1921, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, JULY 5. The Council met at 2 p.m. Present: Messrs B. Ward (County Chairman), L. H. Morel, J. Ritchie,*W. H. Chinn, W. Jeffries, T. W. Dull', E. A. Wells and J. A. Murdoch. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. DEPUTATION. Mr J. C. Hende with Mr Joyce, waited on- the Council in connection with the increased charge for ferry reserve. Mr .Joyce addressed the Council in support of the request for reconsideration of the amount fixed as rental for the ferry reserve. Mr Joyce said that the whole of the land had been cleared and put into profit, but that the rental should be only on the unimproved value. The Chairman said the revaluation of the property showed the unimproved value was £8 per acre, which at 5% would mean .€7O. The Committee of the Council had gone fully into the whole question of ferry leases and had dealt very leniently with them.

Mr Hende stated the reserve was carrying 100 sheep and 25 young cattle, using also 25 acres of river bed. He put bis improvements at £2500. Mr Chinn said he considered that Mr llende bad been penalised by the rental of £SO as fixed by the Council. ' The Chairman said the Council had to look to obtaining a fair rental and he thought this course had been made by the fixing of tbe rental agreed to. Mr Ritchie said they had to consider the question as a whole and he could not see bis way to make any reduction. In answer to Mr Ward, Mr Hende said he considered 015 would be a fair rental.

Tbe Chairman then moved that tbe rental remain as fixed, £SO per year. Mr Chesterman seconded the motion. He considered he had been well treated in the past, having bad a lease at a pc 'nercorn rental. .or Chinn moved an amendment that the rental be £3O per annum.

Seconded by Mr Morel. The amendment was put and lost. Mr Murdoch moved that the usual course be followed, after tbe deputation bad retired, and that the Council then consider the question and advise the applicant of the decision come to. —Seconded by Mr Jeffries and lost. For—-Messrs .Morel, Murdoch, Ritchie, Chinn. Noes—Messrs Chesterman, Wells, Duff, Jeffries, and Chairman. Tbe motion was then put and carried.—Ayes, Messrs Chesterman, Wells, Jeffries, Duff and Chairman. Noes — Messrs Morel, Murdoch, Ritchie and Chinn.

Mr Joyce thanked tbe Council for the hearing and further asked for consideration of an extended lease of 11 years with tbe right to payment of improvements. ANOTH ER DEP V TATI ON.

Mr G. Linklater waited on the Council in support of a request for road access to their dredging claim at Awatuna, a road of some four chains being required. The Chairman asked the Council to give the request lavourahle consideration in view of the large expenditure the Company proposed to make. He estimated the cost at about £SO. lie suggested tbe Council should find part of the cost.

Mr Murdoch moved that tbe matter be referred to the Chairman and Mr Duff with power to act. — Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. HEAVY TRAFFIC.

Messrs Oil' Bros waited on tbe Council in connection with the question ot limitation of locals of t radio on tbe road, in reply to tbe Chairman, Mr Orr said the lorry weighed 31 tons mid full load 4 tons or up to a full load o I 8 tons. They were prepared to meet tbe Council in any way, provided every other person was treated similarly.

Overseer Millner considered that tbe limit for a lorry should lie 2) toil load, otherwise they would not have a road at all.

The Chairman asked for a suggestion as to tbe course to be pursued. Mr Orr suggested that the Council refer the matter to the Public \sorks Committee to confer with the motor owners. Mr Orr also stated that the mill owners were prepared to supply 8000 leet free of charge and they would cart tbe timber free, from the Kanieri Forks up.

It was ultimately resolved that the lorry owners confer and submit suggestions as to the regulation of the traffic, including the provision ol contributions towards tbe upkeep of the roads and bridges due to tbe heavy traffic, and that the Public Works Committee then meet and consider same and report to tbe next meeting ol tbe Council. GREY HARBOR AREA.

Mr 11. A. Bancke waited on the Council in connection with the Grey Harbor Rating area suggesting a petition, aganst inclusion, be sent round the whole district. The Council resolved to discuss tbe subject later in tbe afternoon.

Mr Jeffries moved that Messrs Duff, Jeffries and Murdoch be appointed to confer with representative of Boroughs of Kumar a, Hokitika and Ross to discuss tbe matter of inclusion in the Grey Harbor district. —Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. INWAR I) CORRESPONDENCE. From Treasury, forwarding revenue. —Received. From Minister of Lands, in reference to further drainage of La Fontaine crock, stating proposals for expending £266 10s bad been referred to tbe chief drainage ongiuecd.—Received.

From Same, advising he is conferring with tbe engineer in the matter of draining swamplands in Westland and promising an early reply.—Received. It was explained that tbe Government Surveyor was now in tbe district and was to go into the position at Lower La Foilt»ino swam]). Tt was resolved to ask the Government to prepare reports on Mikonui and Kokatahi swamp areas.

From Minister of Mines, acknowledging with appreciation letter from the Council conveying thanks in connection with re-opwiing of the Kanieri bridge.—Received. From Mines Department, consenting to tbe remission of rent on mining rights held by Arnerieh, Ahern and Behan.—Received.

From Same, intimating that. appheation for votes for roads and track 1 - amounting to .-Cl,Soft would lie duly considered when the estimates are being prepared.—Received. From Minister of Publi Works, noting representations made in regard to various works in South Westland and

they would have early consideration —Received.

From Same, regretting authority to expend £IOO on McArthur road, ICoiterangi, could not be iksued as the road is not considered a specially urgent work. —Received. It was resolved to make further representations to the Minister.

From Department of Internal Affairs, enclosing extract front the Gazette prescribing the inode of publication of the balance sheet of the Council. —Received.

From Department of Health, submitting regulations for registration by local authorities of premises used as lodging houses, or for the carrying on of offensive trades, or as -cattle saleyards.—Received.

From Department of Agriculture, acknowledging receipt of five applications for renewal pf slaughterhouse licenses in Westland. —Received. From Resident Engineer, announcing issue of authority to carry out the most urgent repairs to the Kailieri bridge and the presence of the repair gang will obviate necessity for a wnt man.—Received. From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., forwarding letter from Minister of Public Works regarding re-opening of tbe Kanieri bridge and granting authority to expend £6OO to renew the structure. —Received.

From New Zealand Counties Association, stating that the request to place remit on the order paper for the next conference had been noted, covering amendment to section 131 of the Counties’ Act, 1920.—Received. From John Mundy, Stafford, applying for the renewal of slaughterhouse license for his premises situated near Stafford.—Received and recommended. From S. W. Richardson, Matainni. asking for improvement to the ford crossing Mcßride creek on Scally road as the channel is very deep in ordinary weather; referred to roadman for atten-

tion. From James C. llende, Pukekura, protesting against large increase in rent and conditions in regard to leasing ferry reserve on the north side of the Big Wanganui ever and asking Councillors to inspect the property.— Received. From Charles Anderson and party, Wataroa, applying for a subsidy to prospect in the Upper Wataroa and Perth valleys for quartz and other minerals. —Received ; to be recommended. From H. Shingles, Hari Hari, resigning his position in charge of the works on the Peterson road extension.—Received and accepted. From M. J. Hovlc. Wclieka, asking summons against him for allowing horses to wander on public highway lie bold over till be can be present to contest tbe charge.—-Received; request granted. From County Clerk, applying lor ten lays leave of absence.—ll - eived ; request granted. From Overseer Millner, reporting 500 feet of decking would be required for Lite Kanieri bridge; the useful work icifurmed by tbe Duplex motor in grading various roads and removing material and timber; advising tenders be invited for supply of 1000 cubic yards of gravel to put tbe badly rutted portions of the Arabtira Valley road in irder; recommending repairs to Duffer's track costing £ls and Little Wanganui track £l2; reporting accident to i workman employed on the Petersen cad and the effect of tile heacy traffic in White road; suggesting all motor lorries lie weighed on weigh bridge and licensed to carry only a limited load on futility roads, as tbe excessive loading >as doing extensive damage at this time of the year to bridges and roads; and generally reporting on works. —Reoived. From Advisory Committee, Okuru, recommending a grant of £lO to open up Jackson Bav Port road ; stating tbe repairs to Collyer’s creek bridge are aider way; and tbe Arawata-Cascade track is now in good order.—-Received. From Minister of Public Works, stating tbe question yf a grant for North Aralmra river erosion was under coniderat ion.—Received. From Tourist Department, acknowledging application for new grants.— Received. From Chesterman and Hackell, applying for permission to ply on County roads with Le.vland lorry, 3t tons, load 5 tons, and combatting claim for damage to Raft crock bridge.—Received ; after discussion an offer to find half cost of tbe actual damage done was accepted. From Thus. Mcßride, Mataitmi, asking Council .to assist in filling gravel pit dangerous to approach to store site. —Received. Mr Chinn moved that the lost bo subsidised £ for £.—-Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. From Ranger Thomson, Ross, reporting 18 bead wandering stock at large for the month.—Received ; action to he taken. Tt was resolved to withdraw a charge in which there wore special circumstances. • From Overseer Millner, reporting Kokatnhi bridge would be closed for repairs; repairs necessary to Wool house mad, £10; Waitnha ferry road, £25; .Johnny Walker road, £2O; platform culvert approach to smithy at Hari Hari. £ls ; notifying Orr Bros’ lorry crossed Kokaiahi and Koiterangi bridges) with load in excess of weights allowed, and staling liability to accident; expressing opinion in regard to lorries on roads an 4 restricting loads ; giving cost of Max mad drain at about £100; general report for month on progress of district works. —Received. From Roadman Nolan, reporting on local works in Wataroa south district, : i)d suggesting horse terry for motor traffic at Waitangi should be established.—Received. From ('. -J. P. Sellers, asking that the rent due on Messrs Brown’s claim at Blue Spur be remitted as tbe claim has not been worked for several years. Received and agreed to. From M. Kelly and party, contractors for Awn tuna road, in reference to bridge in contract.—Received. The use of concrete moulds to be allowed under usual terms. From F. J. Andrews, complaining of state of track at Lake Kanieri leading to bis property, and asking lor repaiis. Received. Mr Chesterman moved that £ls he granted.— Seconded hv Mr Wells and carried. The Chairman and Cr Duff v.ere appointed to sign on behalf of Council applications to take over two sections of land for road works on Awatuna-Junc-tion road line. The Chairman, Crs Chinn find Ritchie were empowered to sign the agreement

with Stuart and Chapman Ltd., a further deed to be drawn up safeguarding the rights of the Council.

FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. Your Committee have the honor to report that the accounts presented for the month of June, 1921, have been carefully examined and beg to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling £1791 11s lid, lie passed for payment.—Received and adopted. It was resolved to hold the next meeting on Tuesday, August 2nd. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved;— “That the accounts presented for the month of June, 1921, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £1791 11s lid, he passed for payment.”—Seconded by Mr Jewries and carried. The Chairman moved;— “That the Council make and levy pursuant to the provisions of Sections 48-55 of the Rating Act, 1908, and its amendments, I and sections 120-121 of the Counties’ I Act, 1920, a General Rate as follows : j Nine farthings in the £on the capital value of all rateable property in the Northern Riding of the County of Westland.

Nine farthings in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property in the Central Riding of tbe County of Westland.

Nine farthings in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property in tbe Southern Riding of the County of Westland. Such General Rate to be for tbe period commenced on the Ist day of April 1921, apnd ending on the 31st day of March, 1922, and to Ik? come due and payable in one sum on the 19th day of

July, 1921, at the office of the Westland County Council, Hokitika.” —Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. Tbe Chairman moved: — “That llie Council make and levy pursuant to ihe provisions of Sections 48-55 of the Rating Act, 1908, and its amendments,

and tlic provisions of the Local Bodies Loan Act, 1913, and its amendments, special rates as lollows: —

A special rate of one penny and fifteen sixteenths of a peiinv in the £ lamtually recurring) for the special In-ter-Wanganui rating district, affecting the loan of £750 for Peterson’s Road Extension.

A special rate ot' one penny and three sixteenths of a penny in the £ (annually recurring) lor the special In-ter-Wanganui rating district affecting the loan of £450 for Petersen’s Road Further Extension.

A special rate of seven-sixteenths of a. penny in the £ (annually recurring) for tbe special Inter-Wanganui rating district affecting the loan of £lO5 for La Fontaine Creek Cleaning. Such special rates to bo for the per-

iod commenced on the Ist day of April 192 L, and ending on the 31st day ol March, 1922, and to become due and payable in one sum on the 19th July

1921, at tbe office of the Westland County Council, Hokitika." - Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. Mr Chinn moved:—“That a vote of £l9 be authorised for tbe repairs to Piikekurn-Waitaba ferry road.”— Seconded by Mr Morel and carried. Mr Ritchie moved:—'‘That a vote of £l9 be authorised for improving

Johnny Walker’s load, Little Wanga nui-.”—Seconded by Mr Chinn and ear ried.

Mr Jcll'iies moved:—“That a vote of £ls be authorised for improving tbe lower portion of Duffers track.”

—Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried. Mr Jeffries moved that £5 be voted to put Thiele’s track, Waikukupa, in order.—-Seconded by Mr Ritchie and carried. Tbe Chairman moved that £9 be authorised for repairs to Two Mile road.

—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. Mi Morel moved that Overseer Milltier report at next meeting on length of

drain cleared by Mr McCloud.—Second ed bv Mr Duff ami carried.

SPECIAL MEETING

Tbe Chairman moved:—“That a special loan of one thousand five hundred pounds stg (£1509) be raised by the County Council of Westland for tbe construction of a bridge and approaches thereto over the Kakapotnhi river at its junction with the Waitaha river to connect tbe main south road with the Bold Head road ; and that the consent of the ratepayers of the special district of tbe County of Westland lying between tlu' Mikonui and Waitangi rivers, named tlu* Kakapotnhi Bridge Bating District, be obtained thereto, mid that all other necessary steps, including the preparation of a valuation roll, be taken for raising the said loan ; and that this resolution be confirmed at a subsequent meeting to be held at Hokitika on the 2nd day of August, 1921.” —Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried. Tbe Council rose at 5.30 p.m.