Local Bodies’ Conference

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1922, Page 4

Local Bodies’ Conference

HELD IN TOWN HALL. A conference of representatives of Local Bodies was i held-in the Town Hall last evening under the aucpices of the Westland Chamber of Commerce. There -vas a large- and representative gathering present, -and much interest uas evinced in the proceedings. His Worship the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) pied the chair, and briefly opened the ; proceedings, stating there was a lengthy order paper, which he would ask them- to deal with. Mr Perry said that in reference to the first motion: — “That realising the first importance of the matter to the town, the Conference supports the Hokitika Borough Council in efforts to secure the best results from the water supply, and to that' end l suggests a ! close investigation of the causes for the failure of the supply between the reservoir and the town.”

Mr Perry said he would outline what! had been done. The Borough officials had fully tested the pipeline from the Lake to the reservoir. The reservoir was tested and fonnd quite tight and the line from the reservoir to the racecourse was in good order. On Sunday in two hours some 50 to 60 thousand gallons of water were used. The officers of the Borough were endeavouring to find where the leakage was taking place. He suggested that as action was being taken by the Council that no discussion take place at the present juncture. Mr Davidson said as a member of the Fire Brigade he would like to have the question ventilated. Hon H. L. Michel said there was no doubt as to the efficiency of the original plans, which wore made with a view to giving a population of 5000 people an ample supply. He had been asked as Chairman of the Fire Board, if during the holidays the turncock had left Hokitika and the water was turned off and if a fire occurred no one was there to turn on the water if it were required for fire purposes. He was quite satisfied that the water supply was ample if they found out where the leakages were occurring. Mr Evans asked Mr Perry to explain what was being done with regard to the water supply. Mr Perry said a further test was being made in this part of the town. The indications were that the greater loss was taking place in the southern portion of tlie town. Where the loss was they had not yet discovered. He did not see how the work could ho expedited. Air Gibbons bad instructions to carry it out as expeditiously as possible. Apart from leakage there was considerable waste taking place. He suggested that the discussion be Held over meanwhile. Mr R. Wild said it was not intended that there should be any reflections on members of local bodies, but it was felt that their duties were regulated to a certain extent, but it was felt that it might be advisable to meet the members of the local bodies. Dealing with the water sifpply, even if the leakages were discovered, there was a restriction on the supply of water A There was a'capital arrangement made by the Borough Council for use of a head of water from the Ivanieri Lake race at the Kanieri Forks. He would move:

In the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that the first opportunity offering he taken to take advantage of tlie supply of water from Kanieri Forks, for improving the supply in Hokitika.

Mr Perry said that in the event of thg failure of the water supply, the aspect of Mr AVild’s motion had been considered and if necessary they would have to take the desired action. •Mr Duff seconded the motion. He thought it was the feeling of the townspeople that there was not enough water available for their purpose. The present supply was not sufficient to give all the water that they could make use of. Hie motion was agreed to'.

Mr Gibbons replying to.the statement by Mr Michel, said it was absolutely incorrect. On the day when lie went to Grey there was lAi tof water in the reservoir. The town was not without water that day or night. Hon Mr Michel said he was glad to hear tlie explanation and unreservedly accepted Air Gibbons’ statement. Mr D. J. Evans moved: —

“That- in view of the considerable influx of population and visitors which will follow the opening of the through railway East and AVest, licensed victuallers and others interested be urged to provide as much accommodation as possibe for next season, and that in advance of the period, a committee be set up through the Borough Council to organise an accommodation bureau for the convenience of visitors.” Mr Evans said this meant tlhe looking forward in anticipation of the future, by arranging for the accommodation of outside people. They had to make special arrangements at the time of the jubilee, and something after the same lines would he required when the tunnel was opened to traffic and the rush of visitors came to the Coast.

Mr McGregor Baid he did not think they would get hotel keepers to spend any money while the licensing legislation stood as at present. He would second the motion.

Hon. H L. Miche] said the influx of visitors to this district would only be limited by the amount of accommodation that dajn be given. The only thing that would curb the number of visitors was that of accommodation. The motion was agreed to.

Mr J. A. Murdoch moved: “That the Conference is of opinion measures should be taken to clear up and improve the ocean frontage and that plantations and' seating accommodation (and if funds permit dressing room accommodation for bathers) be provided; and to assist in defraying the cost subscriptions 1 he invited and the Borough Council asked to subsidise the ambunt up to '£so per annum; also that the expenditure be carried out by' a jdint committee of the Council and the Citizens Messrs' S. J. Preeton J. Brocklehilrst and A. H. Keller to be asked 1 to' represent the latter. He asked leave to add to the resoluion that a life line and the necessary gear for same be also provided. He waft satisfied that the beach was one of the safest in the Dominion. He was quite sure they could get the

gear boused in one of the premises t adjacent:' to the beach. If this motion t were carried and energetically carried out it would prove of great advantage to the town. ’ 8 Mr Lawn said he thought the idea was a good one. He thought that > the beach was a dangerous one in t places for bathers. There was no chance of learning tcC swim in the - sea. The baths were the place to learn to swim. ' The motion was agreed to. i Mr A. H. Lawn moved: “That the opinion he expressed that steps"'be taken to equip and open the municipal swimming baths for their legitimate purpose aiid that to take advantage' of’ electric power for pumping purposes the Conference decide how the cost of ! the pumping plant 1 etc. estimated at ’’ £l5O 1 may- be provided and that a small committee be - set up to organise the matter in conjjamdtdon- with the Swimming Club.” He thought it was extremly neces-' sary. When there was Ample supply, of water there were a large number ■oi young people who learnt to swim, and the opportunity should he given to everyone. During the time the baths had been opened a very large number of young people had learnt to swim. Mjr Evans seconded the motion. They had hoped to have settled this nfatter at last October. Last week Air Allen of the Public AVorks Department had looked into the matter and now it was found that the cost would not he more than £75 which the Swimming Club wlere prepared !to carry out. If they had the sympathetic assistance of the meeting and with thatof the Kanieri Power Ltd., per Air Langford, there wag a hope that the work could be carried out in a very short period. Shortly they were to have a noted lady swimmer hefre and if the baths were ready the opportunity would be a good one to raise a substantial sum. Hon. Air Alichel stated if the leakage were stopped in the water supply (there would be sufficient to Supply the baths. Air Coulson refetrod jto the large amount of water being used, and urged support to the motion. The Afayor said the supplementary ■supply by electric power had mjuch to commend it. The motion was agreed to. Air AV. Jeffries moved: “That it bo a suggestion to the Borough Council to consider the advisability of raising a small loan at a low rate of interest for the purpose of carrying out necessary permanent improvements to the streets footpaths and drainage of the town and that those present at the Conference pledge themselves to actively support any .scheme to this end put [before the ratepayers.” The matters already referred to, to have effect given to them, necessitated the raising of a loan. There was no doubt in liis mind thatt the years 1923 and following ones would show a very large and ever increasing influx of; vi.fitoHs. The qflies'tion of cheap money was one they had to consider. They had two possible ways of raising money locally by means of debentures, or by loan from the Hokitika Savings Bank. First and foremost in his own mind was the importance of the water Supply, and the necessity of having repairs effected immediately. Mr If. M. Coulson seconded the motion Tic had moved definitely in the Borough Council for the raising of a loan for permanent public works, on two 'occasions but without sucoetes. The water supply was a most important matter, but it was not the only important matter affecting the Council'. He trusted the Council would be led 'to move in the matter. Hon. H. L. Alichel said as a body the Borough Council was a credit to the town. AVhat they should do was to endeavour to strengthen the finances of the Council. They IghWidd endeavour to borrow a sum of £SOOO which ought to be obtainable at 5J%. They should give the ratepayers the opportunity to vote for or against a loan. Mr Pilkingtbn supported the motion. Thero was a need for local improvements. The citizens recognised i,t and so did the Council but thje latter were diffident 'on the question of finance.. There was no danger of finance causing the Borough a-ny alarm. The support of the motion would, he felt, assist to stiffen tlfe 'backs of the Council in the matter. Mr R. F. Perham said his sympathies were with the motion, and if similar motions had come before the Council lie would have given his hearty 'support. There werflf many improvements required in the town. The water supply required considerable Attention, aricl enlarging its scope 1 considerably. He was ready to support any progressive movement The motion was agreed to The AT ay or moved : “That in view of the growing volume of tourist traffic to the district it be a suggestion to the Borough Council to set up a tourist information bureau at the Public Library and that a committee of Alessrs AA T ood, King, -and Bruce be suggested to direct the proposed bureau.” 'Seconded by Mr S. J. Preston and

carried. Mr Will. Wilson moved: “That having regard to the fact that aviation must develope in the Dominion, and ultimately result in New Zealand and Australia being served by an inter-oolonial service, a small committee be set up to confer with the hospital and other authorities on Sea View Hill as to a clearing which could be used for a temporary landing at a spot very convenient to the town of Hokitika, Messrs Butler, Wild, McIntosh and Wilson to be nominated as the Committee.”

Seconded by Mr Evans. It merely followed tip a previous moive isome two years ago, when Capt. Isitt visited the place and considered it an ideal

landing 'place. It was a very time-

ly occasion to move and get the preliminaries put in hand. The mation wa s agreed to. The Mayor moved: “That the Conference greatly appreciate the work being undertaken by the Hokitika Beautifying Society, and urge that body to extend its operations to the fullest extent of its finance during the year so as to have the town in the best improved condition for next season’s traffic. The work was much appreciated by, the Borough Council. They were toi

h e congratulated on the improvements they had T effected;- in ' the - town. ] Seconded 'by Air Duff' and carried. The Hon, Air Alichel (President) safd 7 the 'Society' wo'uld greatly ’ appreciate the motion and the hearty co-ope-raftioh of the Council. Tn© 'Sjocdety had already' raised £3OO out of the ‘£soo they had -set out to raise each 1 year. He mentioned that the Racing Club had offered to keep the grass 'on Cass ' Square ’ mowed. They had a great asset in Cass Square' that they could greatly improve in the future. 1 • Air B. AVard (County Chairman) moved: ! “That the recent utterances of scientists and others in regard to the mineral deposits of the Dominion artappreciated at this juncture as of special interest to AVestland which is so highly mineralised, and that the Hon Minister of Mines’ attention he drawn to the remarks referred to, and thb ■ Government urged to formulate a progressive policy which will assist to attract capital and lead to the scientific treatment of- known low grade prop'ositions, and that the Government also be “urged to take practical action in 'regard' to' scientific prospecting and mineral research/’ Air AVard' - said he had seemed somewhat hb sea- there tKat night as County' GlMrmia.ii-.' He admired the Mayor- and ’Councillors for the work they had' done in the past. He had a great love for the town of Hokitika and 1 llod pleasure' ill' endorsing tine attitude of those who wished to push the tAwn ahead. The motion- affects the whole County of Westland. They 'knew ' minerals 1 ' exised' in plenty in AVestlaml, but they knew that the Alines Department was doing practically nothing to assist the mining industry. He moved the motion. Seconded by Air J. J.‘ Mclntosh. Ho thought it ’ wa s urgently necessary to urge the Government to extend tlife assistance to prospecting. The motion was' Agreed to. All' it: F. Perham 'moved that the Clouse 10 be deleted. He thought it wbuld take too much' money and much more' enterprise than had been previously ‘ shown in : the district since he had been here,' would be necessary. lion'. 'Mr Alichel seconded the motion pro'bforhia,' He thought that when the- tunnel were' through that the' EaSt Coast timber, would go throu'gh it,’ but there would 1 be a lot of timber to go to the North Island; and there was no reason why some of it should not' go through their port. It was quite a laudable goal to look forward to running one or two vessels to 'trade to the port". The motion was lost on the voices. Air Davidson moved: “That the Conference set up a committee to go into the question of encouraging shipping to and from the port of Hokitika, including the promotion'of an export timber trade from this'port to the North Island and Australia as in times past.” lie did not see Why they should not have craft to visit the port to take away their timber. If suitable boats were available it would.mean a distinct advantage to the place. Mr R. AVild seconded the motion. The bar at present was good. AVhat was required was for the local people to'buy a, boat that was suitable for tip, trade. Boats of 400 tons of certain draft could suitably work the port. Air J. A. Afurdoch supported. If tliey wished (to help shippiing they should personally support the enterprise. He felt sure Mr Perham’s motion was only intended to bring forward some of those at the back of itlie hall who were sitting quietly. The motion was then agreed to. All- B. Ward -(County Chairman) moved: “That the Conference protests to tlie limits of its power at the proposed Forests Act amendment whereby administration of sawmillers’ holdings are to he taken from the public courts and dealt with in the private office of tlie Department, without right of appeal for inequities which are sure to arise, and generally dissents from the restrictions placed upon tlie timber industry which is the principal field of employment and production in AVestland, and which, if persisted in, will hold hack the progress of the district indefinitely by blocking enterprise, retarding development, and driving capital out of the district, thereby reducing very materially the great volume of timber traffic which under normal conditions would pass through the Otira tunnel giving to the railways increased and highly necessary revenue, and to the public a much cheaper timber supply than will now l,e possible under the regime of the expensive Forts, vy Department.” Air AVard anticipated a groat number oi 1 evils from the "Purest 'Act amendments. They had millions of aches of matured 'trees that Avero ready for the market. He was not an advocate of waste. He looked on the policy of the Forestry Department ns very unjust to the district of Westland. They had Waited for an outlet for their timber, but now the Forestry Department would not -afllow them to cut their timber. The district was feeling the injury that was being done to the industry as a whole. Tlie Department was a most expensive one. lie regretted that legislation had' Been passed quite irrespective vf the protests of the people of the

West Coast. Dealing with reafforestation, lie was entirely against planting with native timber. The motion was one that vitally affects the people of Westland. Mr B. Wild seconded the motion. They had taken the formation of Forestry Department as a useful one, but lie regretted such was not the c»Be. The strength of the fanner was behind the Forestry Department and if they desired to advance their interests they must take steps to get the support of the farmers. Mr Murdoch said the members of the County Council wore not against afforestation, hut they were of opinion that there was not any necessiy for a most expensive department to carry out work that could have been dono

by the officials who had carried out the duties in the past. Referring to the new Forestry legislation, he outlined the alterations made to the bill vhibh vitally ' affected 'the rights df sawmillers. He felt that they should protest most strongly on the action taken He objected to the confiscatory legislation, and to the manner ' in which it had been given effect to.' There was nothing in the bi]l that would continue the royalties that the County Councils at present were entitled to.

Hon. Mr Michel said unfortunately he had been on sick leave, but he wanted to say that there was no one in the Legislative Council who would .be more against the confiscation of the rights of the sawmillers than' Sir Francis Bell. He protested a!t the references made in this connection. He felt sure that there was much misapprehension in this district as to the contents of the Forestry regulations. He was of opinion that the Minister woulcl give as much justice as the Wardens would. He held that mo, harm had been done by the forestry legislation to Westland.

Mr Jeffries asked if they were to listen to political addresses and point ed out the hour was getting late.

The motion was then agreed to,

Mr Perry moved : “That this Conference of local bodies resolves to meet sav three times a year for the public discussion

important district matters, and that the meetings ho fixed to lie held on the last Wednesday in January, May, and September of oach year.” Seconded by Mr. Jeffries and carried.

A vote of thanks by tho Mayor for presiding terminated tho meeting at 10 p.m.