WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1922, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, FEB. 14. ORDINARY MEETING. The Council sat at 2.5 p.m. Present: Messrs Bernard Ward (Comity Chairman), T. W. Duff, W. H. Chinn, E. Wolls, J. Ritchie, H. L. Morel, J. A. Murdoch, T. R. Chesterman, W: Jeffries. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. The outward correspondence was approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

, From Treasury, forwarding revenue accrued. —Received. 1 From Hen Minister of Health, regretting no change in the system of subsidy contribution to hospitals can be made this session.—Received. From Commissioner of Taxes, supplying particulars of amended 1 legislation dealing with collection of Income Tax on debentures issued.—Received. From Commissioner of State Forests, acknowledging receipt of recommendsions for afforestation in Westland and! same will be borne in mind when considering future activities of the State Forest Service. —Received. From same, intimating the matter of recompensing the Council for loss of revenue under the Forests Act, is now under consideration of the Government. Received. From Land Drainage Engineer, stating plans and report of La Fontaine— Hari Hari Swamp Lands are now being examined and question of supplying a copy of the report will be decided later. —Received. From Minister of Public Works through Mr Seddon advising he cannot authorise expenditure on Evans’ road in view of prevailing financial conditions as the works are not of extreme uigency.—Received, Clerk to reply to statement as to the condition of the road.

From T. E. Y. Seddon. M.P., submitting letter from Customs Department intimating as the Tariff has passed into law no remission of duty can be made on cement imported for local bodies. —Received.

From Commissioner of Crown Lands, advising he is obtaining a report on the proposed reserve for public purposes for tramway station at Kakapotahi.— Received.

From same .referring to application for gravel reserve on Bold Head road and stating the site is on Provisional State Forest reserve No 1630, arrangements will be made to have the area set a-i le as desired.—Received. From Genera] Manager Railways, promising consideration to request for rolling stock on steam tramway of Stuart and Chapman Ltd., from Ross to the Waitaha terminus of their tramway line.—Received.

From Resident Engineer, Public Works, asking for plan showing location of Stuart and Chapman’s tram line, proposed Waitaha station etc., in connection with issue of license to carry goods and stock between."Waitaha and Ross.—Received ; information supplied and resolved to ask the Minister of Public Works to go over the route on the occasion of his early visit to the district.

From Rt Hon. W. F. Massey, telegraphing representations made regarding amendment to Forestry Bill by legislative Council had been placed before the Minister in charge of the measure for consideration.—Received. From Hon. J. Grimtnond, M.L.C. regretting he was at a.n Education Board meeting at Christchurch when the Forestry Act was passed by thei Legislative Council.—Received.

From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., reporting he had tnbled*two amendments to the Forestry legislation and signature to the Bill was held pending insertion of necessaiy amendments.—Received. TIMBER RIGHTS AND ROYALTIES.

Arising out of tlie reception of the foregoing correspondence, Mr Murdoch said lie did not want to lie accused at this stage of making another political speech. But he wanted to compliment the- Chairman on- the success attending the representations made by the Council: The Council had done more than it' had set out to do.and deserved the thanks of the community for attending so successfully to its own business. He (Mr Murdoch) noticed the Hon Grimmond had opposed the latest amendments brought down from the GovernorGeneral, but the Hon Sir l l '. D. Bell to his credit had admitted that a rank injustice would bo done if the amendment affecting timber reservations and Warden’s jurisdiction bad not been carried. The amendment was satisfactory and their thanks were due accordingly. As to the revenue side of the question a large amount of money accruing to the Council in the future was involved. A Commission was to be set up to go .11 to the matter, and the Council should watch the position. The Commission under the act Was limited to the 1 esent legislation, but the Commission should be entitled to go back at Ice'-t to 1914 to see what the local bodhs bad lost in the past as well as safeguarding the future. However the Council’s prompt action and intervention bad resulted in preventing an injustice being done, and'tlie way opened up for the local bodies to receive a portion of the local revenues, which otherwise would be lost to them.

The County Chairman while viewing with satisfaction the action resulting from the latest development, said it was largely due to the Clerk and Mr Murdoch that the interests of the local bodies and the sawmillers were being conserved. Those gentlemen ha-1 watched the position closely and had helped materially to secure tne remedy now being provided. No credit was duo to himself personally, but he wished to give credit where credit was due in this matter.

The Clerk explained the valuable assistance given by Mr Seddon M.P., in securing the amendments, and despite the lateness of the session, seeing that they went through in accordance with the Ministerial promises to the Member for Westland.

KAKAPOTAHI BRIDGE CONTRACT. Messrs Gardiner and Mitchell, contractors, wrote in pointing out the difficulty in driving silver pine piles below 10 or 11 feet, and Mr F. Mitchell waited on the Council to ask direction as to what could be done. Overseer Millner suggested the position would he met if the remaining three piers of the bridge an upstream hardwood pile he driven in lieu of the specified silver pine- After discussion, Mr

Murdoch moved that the matter be left to the Chairman and Overseer to arrange, any alteration to the contract to be-signed by the parties, and'submitted to the next meeting of the Council for ratification. Mr Wells seconded the motion, which was carried. The Overseer was directed to enquire about hardwood piles at once. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED. From Borough of Hokitika, in reference to deposit of rubbish on the north sea, beach and to obviate further complaints it was resolved to establish ‘ a rubbish dump: on the- Publio- Park reserve.—Received.

From Waimea County Counoil, Nelson, asking co-operation in furthering the following resoluion:—“That Government be urged to amend the Rating Act by giving a rebate of five per centum on prompt payment of rates.”

Received and resolved to support proposal. From Park and Murdoch for Stuari and Chapman Limited, applying for consent to a. grant of a Tramway commencing at Bold Head road to applicants sawmill area near Lake lanthe. Received and request granted. From Kokatahi Timber Company Ltd. requesting permission to lay a tramline along White Road from their sawmill site to the main road.—Received and request granted on terms to be submitted in writing.

From Stopforth, Wall and Lyes, Koiterangi, drawing attention to the blocked state of Wall drain and asking that it he cleaned out and enlarged.—Received and Overseer to report. From Advisory Committee, Bruce Bay, suggesting a vote of £ls he spent in repairing in, track at Mahitahi as suggested by the mail contractor. —Received and work authorised.

From John Condon, Mahitahi, applying for renewal of the leases over ferry reserves at Paringa and Mahitahi for fourteen years under new conditions imposed.—Received and agreed to. From P. J. Walsh, Waikowhai, agreeing to renew lease over ferry reserve at Gillespies.—Received and agreed to. From A. E. Sharpe, Ferguson’s asking for consent of the Council to the transfer of the Waitaha Ferry lease to Mrs M. A. Rossenbeck. —Received and agreed to.

From Wm. Berry, He repo, applying for renewal of lease over Wataron ferry reserve, enclosing rent and stressing necessity for repairs to Evans’ Road, Mount Bonar district.—Received and agreed to. From James Minehan, Mount Hercules, referring to damage caused to education reserve by river erosion, and asking roadway to his section to Petersen Road.—Received. Mr Chinn reported lie had made a personal inspection of the position and said there was a danger of further river erosion. The ferry reserve was in imminent danger, ami it looked as if the next flood or two would go right through the area, and endanger the sawmill and other improvements. He suggested'the question of a new lease for the ferry reserve he deferred for a year to watch the effect of the river on the land. It was decided to act ns suggested and to remit rates on land destroyed, but to claim the loan rate due. It was finally resolved to ask the Minister of Public Works to view the position of the river said to be contributory to in a great measure by the Departmental works higher up stream turning the river from another threatened point. From W. Thomson, Stock Ranger, reporting owners of stock allowing animals to wander on County roads for January month.—Received and list to be handed to the County Solicitor. From Overseer Millner, reporting the recent flood caused damage to the short span of Municipal bridge, Koiterangi; the erection of a temporary timber structure on Tramway road for crossing washout in large gully; completion of traffic bridge at Chesterfield ; on repairs to Browning Pass track by Tiinpson and McQuillrin, estimating a grant of £IOO is needed for repairs between Milltown and Styx saddle; giving particulars of damage by a lorry and recommending motor owners lie compelled to place registered numbers oil their machines in conspicuous position.—Received and lorry damage account to l>e charged to FI ackell and Coy. From Okura Advisory Committee, ask ing for the retention of monkey and pile driving gear for works of a public nature in the far south and recommending payment of £lO for repairs to Turnbull track.—Received and agreed to. From Minister of Health, again urging fullest anti-plague precautions, and urging a general clean up, as the plague is a dirt disease.—Received and resolved to act accordingly.

From Mines Department, suggesting rents due by Win McClUggage should he remitted.—Received and resolved toi 1 recommend remission of rent.

From Valuer-General, stating the Northern and Central Hidings we:e revalued and tlie district Valuer had been instructed to complete in .Southern Riding in time for the new rating year. —Received; Councillors expressed 1 surprise that they hail not seen the Valuer in his rounds.

From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., replying that Petersen Rond and Waihingi bridge and other matters, including resolutions from the Bocal Bodies Conference had been brought under the notice of the Minis'ers concei ned.-- Received with thanks.

From Hokitika Harbor Board, asking the Council to consent to the collection of the Harbor rate over the County portion of the Harbor district in conformity with the provisions of the Rating At.—Received and referred to the Finance Committee to report. From Roberts and Howard, Golds* borough, asking for remission of rent on mining rights which were not workable during the war period.—Received and resolved to recommend the rent ho remitted. From Jus. W. Thomson, Okarito, complaining drainage work authorised by the Chairman on last visit to tlie township, had not been carried out, and stating the matter had been laid liclore Mr Chinn.-—Received.

From Roadman Nolan, replying that the timber for the work in the foregoing was ordered, and the work would be completed as time permitted.—Received. Tlie Chairman said the delay was not warranted.—Resolved work lie done at once.

From Kenneth Ross, prospector, regretting there had been a misunderstanding regarding work done on Taipo tracks, and stating prospecting operations were to be resumed.—Received.

From W. Robinson, reporting opera-;i tions of the motor lorry for the* month; Kokatahi Road, 14 days, 412$ yards of, gravel; 25 yards' of broken metal, I load of planks; Kanieri Lake road, 10 ! days', 322$ yards of gravel, 4 loads! planks; also 5 loads soil to' racecourse j total mileage for period, 950 miles; cost of benzine and oil £33 17s. Up to! 40 cub. yards of gravel had been put out on some days by the lorry, and the* greatest distance run in a day just over 50 miles.—Received as very satisfac-j tory.

From Roadman Nolan, reporting on: district works, stating the Three Mila track had attention; also reporting J 1 Mcßride declined to agree to creek fall being; cut out on his land owing 1 prospective damage.—Received, matter of missing chains to be put in the hands! of the police. The question of drainage asked for by J. Donovan was ap? proved. Mr Nolan was granted leave for the races.

From Overseer Millner, reporting rer commendation regarding Donnelly’s Creek ford improvement with a low manuka scrub and stone bank; that £250 was required to bridge Pigeon creek, and £IOO for protection; stating heavy lorry traffic on Kokatahi roads was damaging the light decking to the bridges; that £75 is required to improve swamp land drainage below Murray road into White creek; giving particulars of works done, and small works required.—Received. A manuka scrub and stone bank was approved at Donnelly’s creek ford. It was resolved to apply for £IOO for road protection at Pigeon Creek. It was decided to grant a subsidy of £lO towards Murray creek drainage, the settlers interested to spend a similar amount. The small works mentioned in the Overseer’s rer port were approved. From W. Scott, Inspector of Stock, recommending foxglove Ik* declared a noxious weed.—Received and agreed to. From W. M. Routhan, Coldsborough, asking attention to drainage down right-of-way.—Received. Overseer Millner said the work would be attended to this week.

From Hokitika Prospecting Association per J. J. Mclntosh, asking subsidy for two men being sent out to the Upper, Arahura. —Received and agreed to recommend. From J. C. Hende, Hende’s Ferry, asking the Council to deal fairly with him in regard to rental for ferry reserve, and suggesting the lease be auctioned with a loading of £2,600 lor improvements.—Received. The Chairman said no injustice would be done Mr Hondo when the lease expired. Mr Jeffries said the Council could not go beyond the decision reached already. Mr Murdoch concurred. Messrs Ritchie and Chinn thought the rental charge should be reviewed. Mr Jeffries said if the lease were put up to auction it would bring more than the price fixed by the Council. The matter was left in abeyance.

From F. C. Marshall, Kokatahi, asking subsidy to clear gorse and blackberry from bis road frontage,—Received ; the Overseer to report cost involved.

From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., reporting votes for Supplementary Estimates. —Received with satisfaction, regret being expressed there was no provision for Kanieri Lake road. From Wataron Sale Yards Committee, asking attention to road approach to yards.—Received and the Roadman authorised to put in two days’ work. FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. Your Committee have the honour to report that the accounts presented for the month of January have been carefully examined and beg to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling £1452 16s Bd, be passed for payment on the County Fund Account, and £520 on Kakapotahi bridge loan account.

Regarding retrenchment the Treasurer has issued a memorandum to Councillors which sets out very fully the position of the Council. It is satisfactory to find’that the finances of the Council arc on the whole in a sound state, and that the position to-day may be regarded as no worse at this time of the year than at any other period in previous years.

With regard to road expenditure and particularly in respect to Kanieri Lake road, it is suggested Overseer Millner prepare proposals for the ini-, piovement of the road, and an improvement scheme he brought before the Minister of Public Works on his early visit.

It is suggested that the Clerk’s salary lie reduced Cl per week, in lieu of £1 l()s mentioned in the Treasurer’s report. ft is not desirable to curtail the expenditure on literary soieties, but the following rodueions in ferry subsidies are suggested Okarito river ferry to he reduced from £ls to £5 per annum.

Karangarua ferry to be reduced from £25 to £7 lGs per annum for the flagging of the ford. Three Mile creek ferry, that a bridge be erected at a cost of £2OO, thus effecting a saving of £SO a year subside.

Roadmen. —That the salaries remain as at present. With regard to the southern Roadman he be instructed not to- employ extra labor without the authority of the Chairman or local members.

Wages.—That it is not desirable at present to reduce labourers’ wages.

Satisfaction was expressed at tlie very satisfactory working of the motor tipping lorry.—Received.

A discussion ensued on the report in conjunction with the Treasurer’s report which had been circulated among members previously. The Chairman said it was creditable to the Council that the position was what it was. A great deal of the credit was due to the Treasurer who had recommended a reduction in his own salary to meet the demands for retrenchment. Mr Duff approved that the report was a good one, though lie did not think salaries should he cut down. Mr Ritchie appreciated the clear .statement of the Council’s position circulated by the Treasurer. Mr Jeffries favored deferring consideration of tlie economy proposals for a month, and this was agreed to. APPOINTMENT OF SOUTHERN ROADMAN. The following applied for the position of Roadman in the Totara-Waitalia district:—John MeGinty, Ross; Herbert C. C. Hende, Ross; Wm. Wright, PiP kekura; Wallis Martvn, Blue Spur; John Bergman, Knnieri; Jas. Mauera,

Ross; John J. Heveldt, Ross ; J .D. MeQuilkin, Hail Hnu; Percy E. Chaplin, Wataroa ; John Delaney, Hokitika, John Staines, Hokit ika. The following were the ballots taken: First-ballot,' Heveldt 8, Wright 7, Maiiera 6, Bergman 5,' IlAndc, Martyn, •Delaney and ' Staines 4 ; MeQuilkin 2 ; McGinty l.< ’ ■ Second ballot, Mnnora .7; Wright and Heveldt 6, Bergman 5, Martyn 3. Third ballot, HAveldt 7, Wright 5, ’Manera 4v ! Final ballot,- Wright 5, Heveldt 4.. Mr W. Wright of Pnkekura, was then declared dulty elected.' j ORDER PAPER. I Tlie Chairman moved:— “That the accounts for the month' of January 1922, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £1452 16s 8d- on general , account and' £520, loan account, be passed for payment.”-Mr Duff seconded. Carried. | The Chairman moved:— luar: the Finance Committee, with Or Duff as Chairman, be a sub-committee on doch, as Chairman, be a sub-committee ( to watch the Council’s interests in regard to the proposed Commission to bo set up by the Government to deal with timber royalties.”—Mr Murdoch seconded. Carried. The Chairman referred to the approacliing marriage of the Member for Westland, and moved the Council heartily congratulate Mr Seddon on the step, and with him every happiness and all good health. Mr Ward tributed Mr ' Seddon’s personal qualities very highly. Mr Duff seconded the motion with great pleasure. Mr Jeffries gave cordial support, and Mr Murdoch heartily approved of the step being taken by the most important public body in i r . e don’s electorate. -. The motion was agreed to unanimously. Air Jeffries reported further work was not necessary in regard to river protection at the Waitangi loan block road. The meeting concluded at 5 p.m.