WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 5 July 1922, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, JULY 4tli

Tin' Council held the usual monthly, meeting at 2 p.m. Present Messrs \V Jeffries (County Chairman); J. Ritchie, T. W. Dud', B. Ward, L.H. Morel, T. R. £ hesterman, AV. H. Chinn, E. A. Wells and J. A. Murdoch. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. INWA RD CORR ESPONBENCE. From Treasury, forwarding revenue accrued.—Received. From Rt Hon W. Massey, intimating it is impossible for the Government to arrange for the repayment of the indebtedness of the Local Bodies by means of a State loan and the £5,000,000 recently raised was for specific purposes.—Received. From Department of Internal Affairs, recording the election of Km Jeffries Esq., as County Chairman for the current year.—Received. From Commissioner of Crown Lands, notifying the Okarito cemetery has been duly gazetted and warrant published vesting it in the Council in trust for a public eepietory.—Received. From Native Trust Office, consenting to 50 yards of stone being removed from the beach in the ■Araluira Native Reserve near Havill’s.—Received. From Department of Health, Christchurch, requesting notices to effect repairs to a number of hotels as specified by the Inspector, be served to the parties concerned.—Received. From State Forest Service, supplying copy of a business schedule dealing with contractors and builders operations, in the County, and asking that information be supplied.—Received. From Minister of Public Works, staling after investigation it is estimated it will cost £7BO to deviate Slippery Face and as liis engineers prefer to reconstruct the track at the existing Slip, authority to expend £SOO has been issued.—Received. Mr Ritchie said he thought the proposal a foolish one. They might repair it, hut ultimately the road would have to go round the back way that had been surveyed. Mr Chinn said it was required to open out traffic. The Chairman said he thought that ultimately the road would have to he taken at another plate. No action was taken by the Council. From Same, through T. E. Y. Scddon M.P., in reference to representations made by settlors for a grant to repair Hunt’s beach road stating the question is one of maintenance and should be dealt with by the Council.—Received. From Resident Engineer, acknowledgin" b:ink receipt for L'oO towards repairs to llaast Pass track for which arrangements are being made to spend £3411. Received.

From Same, advising the offer bv Curtain and paity to supply timber required for the erection of Waitangi Teona bridge lias been submitted Ivo1 v o the Fngineer-in-Cliief for consideration. Received.

From Same, returning duplicated

amended proposals for the construction of Bladier’s Road, Kokatahi, as it is not proposed to issue the £l5O provider! for this road.— Received. From Same, in connection with ferry services enquiring what arrangements have been made for the ferry across the Karangarna river.- - Received. From Same approving of the expenditure of £2(X) in the formation ami gravelling of Evans road in accordance with plans and specifications submitted and on receipt of monetary authority Llie works may he put in hand. —Received.

From Mines Department, regarding estimates for roads on goldfields and asking applications for roads, bridge construction etc., ho made not later than 4th July and shown on a litho-graph.--Received.

From T. E. Y. Scddon, M.P.. forwarding reply from Minister of Public Works granting £SO tu put the Copeland track in-order tinder the authority of the Resident Engineer.—Received. From Valuer-Geneinl, telegraphing that he is making every effort to forward valuation rolls next month.—Received ; left to Clerk to take necessary net ion.

From Westland Hospital Board, conveying thank’s for the co-operation of the County delegates in making representations to the Hon Minister of Health on the question of the increase in subsidies to Hospital Hoards.—Received.

From Waimea County Council, submitting following resolution : —“That in justice to the ml ('papers and tyre taxpayers of the Dominions, the lyre tax should lie equitably allocated between all Counties and Road Boards (where the Counties' Act is not in force) and made available for repair and control ol main roads used fur motor traffic.” — Received ; to he supported. From Borough of Thames, urging the quest inn of tho Government floating a loan for the payment of the Local Bodies antecedent liabilities be brougliL up when Parliament, re-assoinblos and (lie respective M.P’s asked to support this proposal. Received.

From County of Taieri. Mosgiel. expressing strong dissatisfaction with present taxation in maintenance of hospitals and system of levy on the rateable

value and resolving the Government la urged to make the cost a charge on the Consolidated Fund.—Received.

From Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., noting the suggestion that the byelaws should he altered to suit heavy loads now being carried over the Mikonui bridge, and asking wliat action it is proposed to take to see the regulations observed.—Received. Mr Chinn said there was no excuse for the breaking of the bye-laws. The (. hairinan stated the limit of weight to he taken over the bridge was 3 tons. Mr Chinn said that ■ the lord at .Mikonui could be used (luring ordinary times. Mr Ward moved that the Mikonui b.ve-laws be enforced. —Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried. From J. J. Mclntosh for Mining Syndicate. asking recommendation to Minister of Mines for prospecting subsidy to assist in driving a tunnel at Upper Aralrura to test an alluvial terrace in good -conntry. Received. From Ritchie‘Bros.. Bruce Bay, applying for a grant of £5 on subsidy of ,£ fo"£ to clear the Ohiucmaka track. Received and request granted. From Sullivan and Staines, Slalfuid. offering the sum of os per year for the right to graze stock over the old Star Road reserve. — Receive,']; request granted. From das. Donovan, Okarito, drawing attention to the necessity for opening up the road up the south.bank of the Walaroa river.—Received ; to be advised that no funds were available. From Andersons Ltd., Christchurch, advising the early arrival of an 8 ton lnvicta steam roller, which will he demonstrated as to its merits to intending clients.—Received. From J.’Burns and Coy., Christchurch intimating they can supply road rollers from 0 to 10 tons and any information will he supplied on application.—Received. From Library Committees submitting balance sheds for the past year and particulars of stock of literature on band.—Received.

From W. 11. Passmore, J. Manera, G. P. Rea, John Stewart and John Mundy, asking for the renewal of licenses to slaughter stock an their premises under the Government regulations. —Received; to be recommended, j From Motorman Robinson, giving * monthly report of tho works performed

by the motor lorry in the carriage of. material for roads and bridges, 603 cubic ' yards gravel delivered on 15 working days; arid 10 days other work performed for March.—Received. From Overseer Milliter, reporting the outlet to Lang’s road drainage blocked with growth ; the need for new pit on Two Mile road for gravel for the A rail ura Valley road, cost £10; on the Ara-liura-Awatuna road £2O will bo spent in construction work.—Received. From Advisory Committee, Bruce Buy recommending the sum of £5 on £ for £ subsidy bo granted to clear the overgrowth from Oincmaka track.—Received.

From Same, reporting trouble experienced in putting gravel on AVall and Cropp roads ; recommending purchase of land at Flowery creek for "gravel requirements; refusal of owner to allow gravel to be removed from his freehold.—Received and recommendations to be given effect to. From Roadman Nolan, general report of works carried out tor the past month; enclosing letters from C. A. Gibb asking for repairs to Docberty crock road, from R. Green, Tatarc works, from P. Williams for road leading to mill at Weheka.—Received, the first matter was referred tq the Chairman to inspect and no action was taken on the two latter matters.

From Advisory Committee, Okuru, stating a consultation with Overseer Cat roll will take place over the question of repairs ete. to the llaast ferry road; recommending application for Government grants.—Reeeivod. From Same, reporting dray roads in the district in want of attention; and recommending an increase of £lO in the maintenance of the Arawatn and Wainto to river ferries, and payment be made quarterly for the service.—Received. Mr Ritchie moved that Hie ferryman be granted an increase of £lo.—Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried. The Chairman referred to a charge fur a set of harness forwarded by

Roadman Nolan, which bad been deferred by the Finance Committee for consideration. A general discussion followed. Mr Chinn said there was . too mui4i latitude shown by Mr Nolan. Tie should get the consent of the Council lielore making the purchase.

Mr Ward said lie felt that the Roadman was a good workman. A mistake had been made in getting the harness without permission, but lie thought the Coiim il should pay for the harness, as it was used for County work, lie moved that payment be made, but that a warning for the future be ■ given.— Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried. Mr Murdoch moved that special representations be made through the .Moml»cr for tlu* district to the Minister of Public Works urging that the Wititangi bridge be pushed on as speedily as passible.—-Seconded by Mr Ritchie and carried.

From (i. Trippner, and others, asking for a road line to be sot aside to give access to sections at Koitcrangi and offering to pay half cost, stating that Messrs Butler Bros. I.td. tramway line would be the best line.—Received.*M r W. J. Butler waited on the Council in support of the proposal.—Received. It was resolved that the Council give every possible assistance Jo have a tram-line approved, the matter being referred to the Chairman and Overseer Milliter to enquire into. From Minister Publii- Work.-, regretting widening vote lor Kokatahi road could not he authorised at present, the work not being considered urgent. Received. It was resolved to ask for permission to forestall the vote, as the road also required substantial repairs, which could he effectively carried out at the same time.

From .Mines Department, granting £.30 prospecting subsidy to Mclntosh and party, Fpper Araluira river.—Received.

From Same, enquiring what assistance had been rendered to prospecting during the pest live yea is during which £8.330 had been received in goldfields’ revenue ; also asking what financial assistance would he given to a comprehensive prospecting venture under efficient leadership. -Received.

From Puller County Council, regretting a delegate could not he sent to Christchurch, but supporting the action for increased hospital subsidy. Received. From Westland Progress League, applying for financial assistance.—Received. Mr Morel moved that the usual grant he made.—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. From James Park, County Solicitor, reporting in regard to motor lorry accident at Wellington in reference to which an offer to pav half damages had been made.—Received and after <lFrti'.sion the offer was accepted. From Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., asking permission to cross Waitaha beach road with a tramway near J. Mnnera’s. Received.

From A. Jamieson, Koitcrangi, suggesting poisoning; of small birds be enforced. Received. From d. F. Minchan, applying for permission to take a pipe lino across Wnolhouso mail for water supply purpose.-- R; ccii e<| ami request granted. From Same, asking tor temporary use of portion of unused road branching off Woolliouso road.—Received ; request granted at 5s per year. From W. R. Adamson. Matainni, asking for £ for £ subsidy to open drain 7 chains in length along Gunn mail. Received. From T. Cron, Mari Hnri, asking for further subsidy vote to assist in improving roadway across Johnny Walker’s creek.—Received ; ami grant of C!5 on £ for £ basis granted. From Overseer Millner, reporting on exploration ol Pigeon ricek, Koitcrangi, them being no reasonable nay for diversion ol water; advising small expenditure from time to time in clearing outlet channel for Hokitika river to divert main stream near Duck creek; estimating £3(l were required to improve (Yupn and Wall road drainage; supplying monthly progress iopart on works.—Received ; works rceontmended were approved. From Minister of Public Works,' in

reference to Waiho river bridge stating question of making provision on tho coming estimates bad been noted.—Received.

From Overseer Millner, further report on Kaknpotnlii bridge approach.— Received.

From Same, .submitting cost of timber and concrete pipe work at Robinson’s road.—lLeceived and concrete work authorised.

From Same, notifying repairs necessary on Kauieri Lake road.—Received and approved. FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. I .---Your Committee lias the honour to report that the accounts presented for the month of May-. Tune, 1!)2’2, have been carefully ‘examined and beg to recommend that the accounts as approved, totalling £1831) 9s oil, bo passed for payment. 2.—Regarding subsidies to libraries, your Committee recommends subsidies fie paid on the same scale as last year to those committees which have returned satisfactory accounts. ;j.— fn reference to the proposal to take South Hokitika. Borough area into ( the County, your Committee has given llie mallei careful attention, and Legs to report it would not be in Hie interests of the Council to take over the portion referred to. ... • 4,—Your Committee recommends that with a view to expediting the repairs to Kokatahi traffic bridge and other road bridges the Chairman be empowered to arrange that R. Boucher be placed in charge of the bridge works with iull authority to control and direct same. Received and adopted clause by clause. GENERAL.

The Clerk reported that no tenders were leccivd for Evans road contract. —Referred to Chairman and Overseer Millner to deal with.

Mr Chinn said it- was very unsatisfactory and discouraging alter all their efforts to secure a vote, to find no tenders. The application of the Comity t lerl; for a fortnight’s holiday to go to Wellington was granted. A vote of £9 was authorised for repair work on the Kumara-L'iupline road. Action of Mr Chinn in airanging for a grant of £2 towards an approach to Mr Vincent’s premises was approved. Authority given to Mr Corby for repairs to a culvert on Evans load was approved. Some repairs on Wailahn sett lenient road were referred to the Over.-eei to attend to. The Council resolved into committee to discuss matters of interest and resolved to set up a committee consisting of Messrs Duff, Murdoch. Ritchie and ('luiirnuin, report to next Council meeting on tin l subject mailer muter 0011siderntiDii. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved:— "That accounts for Mny-June, 1922, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £183(1 Sis oil. be passed for payment.” —Sconded by Mr Duff and carried.^ T’i ■ (V'nirmau moved : “'l hat all existing Committees lie discharged, and the Council proceed to the appointment of fresh Committees as follows. namely: (a) Finance Committee—Crs Ward, Chairman); Duff. Ritchie and .Mui(lech.

i'!,i Public Works Committee —Crs Morel. Chairman): Chinn. Chesterman. and W ells.

(< ) Mining Committee. Crs Ritchie, (Chairman) ; Duff, Murdoch and Wells. (d) Councillors to sign cheques The Chairman, Crs Duff, Ritchie. Ward and Murdoch.—Seconded by Mr Morel and ■carried. I Mr Morel moved: —"That the Government he urged to formulate i proposals for the drainage of swamp lands in Westland, in accordance with surveys lately made of certain areas in Kokatahi and South Westland dis-tricts.’’-—Seconded by Mr Dull and earlied. Mr Ward moved:—“That authority be given to open a gravel pit at Two Mile road, Araluira Valley, where the motor tipping lorry can work- to bettor advantage, cost not t<> exceed £'lo.” —Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. SPECIAL MEETING. The Chairman moved:— “That pursuant, to public notice duly given, the Council hereby confirms tho undcrjipti'd special order duly made at a special meeting of the Council held (nr the purpose .on Wednesday, 2llh day of May, 1922. namely:— “That tho Council do now by special order resolve to raise a loan of £3,200 at a rate of interest not exceeding six per cent, for the purpose of assisting

to pay off the antecedent liability of the Council as existing on March Slst 1022, as defined by the Local Bodies’ Loans Act, 1021 ; and that pursuant to the provisions of the Local Bodies' Loans Act, 1013, a special rate to secure the aforesaid loan which is to t have a currency of eight years and to bo repayable in sixteen half-yearly in- | stalnients be struck over the whole County, and ho annually ’ recurring as the security rate during the currency of the loan: the said special rate to he one-fifth of a penny in the C on the capital rateable property within the Comity of Westland.”—Seconded liv Mr Dull - and carried. The Council rose at 5.31) p.m.