WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1922, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, SEPT 12th. The Council met "at 2 p.m. Present:—Messrs W. Jeffries (County Chairman), T. AA’. Duff, L. TI. Morel, T. IT. Chestermnn, B. AA’ard, E. A. Wells and .J. Ritchie. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence ’was approved. TNAA’ARD CORRESPOXDENCE. From Treasury Department, notifying revenue accrued. —Received. From Minister of Marine, stating that he conferred with Captain Rollons as to providing a suitable boat landing at Bruce Bay and it was decided to make a connection between Lhe road on the shore and Flower Pot Rock, and erecting a crane. Financial provision will be provided for same on this year’s estimates. —Received From Railway Department, stating after inspection ot was found the RossAA’aitaha tramway is unsuitable for railway rolling stock and the waggons will not be permitted to be taken on the tramway till the track and stmctimes have been brought up to the required standard.—Received. From Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., Ross, expressing regret at the decision regarding running rolling stock on their tramway and asking to he supplied with a copy of the Engineer’s report to ascertain requirements of the Government standard.—Received. From Minister of Public AA’orks, intimating there are no funds at present available to make a grant of £3OO to further widen portions of tiie Lake Kanieri Road.—Received. •From Same, replying the matter of making provision for the extension of La Fontaine road must stand over till the estimates had been compiled.— Received. It was resolved to make application for a grant on the supplcimenta ry .estimates. From Same, regretting the issue of authority to-anticipate a vote which appeared on last year's appropriations for widening the Lower Kokatahi road could not ho approved.—Received. From Same, reporting 40,000 feet of timber cut for the AA'aikukupa bridge and in connection with vote of £1,200 the provision for erection of the structure will receive further consideration. —Received. From Same, contending that the construction of the Ruatapu-Alahina-pua road should stand over for the present owing to limitation of funds available.—Received From Engineer-in-C'hief, Public AA’orks Department, stating as the Rotnkino swamp is apparently held by private owners who should undertake any improvements in drainage.—Re-

ceived. From Health Officer, Christchurch, notifying his intention of visiting Westland and lie would discuss contribution towards Inspector’s salary.— Received.

I’rum Native Trust Office, referring to erection of a groyne in the Arahura liver in order to prevent river erosion to lands.—Received. .Hr Ward referred to the urgent necessity of attending to the protection of the river hank. He moved that the position be explained to tin- Public Trustee. Seconded by .Air Duff mid carried. From A’aluer General, forwarding lc’ asses- incut rolls lor the tliuce ridings to be opened for iiispoclh n by the ratepayeis at the County Chambers. —Received.

From .Secretary AYorkers’ Educational Association, applying for assistance to enable the good work already inaugurated on the West Coast being furthi'r advanced.— Received. The Chairman said the AY.E.A. had done an immense amount of good in the district by ,their endeavours. Air Ward supported the work of the Society. Air Morel also supported. Mr Ritellie did not- object but lie pointed out that the far south settlers did no get the benefit of tlio lectures. Tim Chairman moved £5 os be voted. Seconded by Air Ward and ci-rri-'d. l'rom Park and Alni-docli, enclosing cheque £55 .'ls (M. being amount obtained for damages to the County lorry caused in Wellington.—Received; as very satisfactory. From A. Ff. Paterson, Grevnioulli,

asking to be supplied with conditions imposed in connection with special mining claims sluicing in the vicinity ol County reads.—Received.

I-nun Same, regarding application of

J. S. Robertson for special claim at ( allngbans and i\ questing to know if anv objection would be made thereto. Received; no objection, subject to usual conditions being given effect to. From Ashley County Council, Bohum. advocating immediate action in alteration of method in calculating levies by hospital Boards and asking support by tbe Council and mcniber for the: AVestland electorate.—Received; referred to Chairman to take any necessary action.

From Win. Rilehie, Bruce Bay, resignation of bis position as a member of tbe local Advisory Committee as lie is leaving tho Southern district.-—Re-ceived; with regret, a vote of thanks being passed for past services.

From Kanieri .Sawmill Coy., advising that repairs have been effected to tbe broken down portion of culvert oil the tramway road.—Received.

From Co-operative Dairy Factory Coy., Kokatalii, urging (lie construction of means of access so that a settler oil Bladier’s read reserve can convey milk product to the factory. —Received ; overseer to report. From A\’. C. Wells, Afatainui, applying for the construction of an approach lo bis bolding to enable him to supply the dairy factory this season.—Received. From Clements .Motors, Ltd., drawing attention to the- prevalence of wandering st -ck on the Alain South road especially between Waitaha-Lnke Iniitlie-Pukekura section, and sub--stantial 'damage done to motor car through this nuisance and hoping measures will be taken lo abate the menace to traffic.-—Received; owners to he written to and failing action, animals to be impounded. From J. A. Cuttance, Okuru, supplying particulars of proposed prospecting operations for quartz reef in the Bold hill locality about lo miles north of the Haast rver.—Received; referred to District Advisory Committee for enquiry. From Win. AfcCluggage, Okarito, applying for the position of AATiarfinger at the goods shed and Ferryman on the river.—Received. From E. Tynan and others, Okarito, stating they had * requested AV. AlcCTuggage to apply for the wharf and ferry vacancy as being capable and always on the snot they wore sure be would give satisfaction.—Received.

From Overseer Millner, reporting leave of absence granted to Roadman AVright: the completion of Lower Kakapotalii bridge and approach; also the success attending efforts made to divert the river into former course. -—Received.

From Same, estimating it will cost* £342 to erect a. bridge across the Timm Mile creek bel'oty . Okarito, providing for a structure covering IPO fed, and £25 for an approach.--Received. From Same, reporting a defective stringer in Duck creek bridge ; the difficulty in obtaining suitable timber for repairs to the Kokntahi bridge and requesting authority to order where arrangements can be made.—Received, , I

Front Roadman Olderog, stating he had received Council’s report appertaining to duties and plant and would give his best attention to the instructions.—Received. From Advisory Committee, Bruce Bay, recommending that the Mannkaiau bridge be repaired as it is urgently required.—Received; work authorised.

From Roadman Nolan, recommending the question of erecting a bridge over the Three Alile creek be. deferred

for the present and it would be unwise to discontinue the ferry; reporting repairs carried out to Docherty creek road and other works for the past month; action taken in allowing time fo*’ 'work performed on the A\ ataroa north hank track.—Received. From Advisory Committee, Okuru, reporting the constant damage to the AVliarf road and proposing a new route leading to and lront the wharf at an approximate cost of £8. —Received. From Internal Affairs Department, forwarding copy of Local Bodies Loans Act Amendment, 1922, passed last mouth, giving power to local bodies to borrow money for the relief of unemployment nml the raising of money outside New Zealand for liquidating antecedent liabilities.--Re-ceived. From X.Z. Railways, promising further reply in regard to use of Department’s rolling stock on RossAVaitaha tramway.—Received. From AA'estiand A. and P. Associa-

tion, conveying resolution asking guide posts or lines be placed along Kokatalii road to refine the highway in flood time in the vicinity of Kanitri Sawmill Syndicate.—Received ;

Overseer to report. From AA’estiand Chamber of Coinirercc. notifying local bodies’ conference on 27th inst at 7..‘10 o’clock when question of contributing to prospecting scheme would come up and lasking that representatives to the conference might he instructed in the matter.—Received. Mr Duff moved that the Council was prepared to find £2OO, if other local bodies find another £lO9. Seconded by Air AA’ells and carried. From IT. .Michel an:l eleven other

Koiterangi residents applying for license to authorise the issue of a private telephone line branching from the Koiterangi telephone office.—Received. Air Morel moved the request bo granted. Seconded by Air Chester-

inan and carried. From Gardiner and .Mitchell, asking consideration in respect to extras on Kakapotahi bridge contract. —Received. The Chairman moved that £9 12s be allowed. Seconded by Air Duff and carried.

From Curtain and party, asking support to application for assistance in regard to constructing tramway from AVaitangi sawmill to Main south

road—Received; to be supported to the Department. From Overseer Millncr, reporting collapsed culvert on Lake Kanieri road to lie replaced with concrete pipes.— Received. From Same, estimating cost of proposed Three Alile creek horse bridge at £342.—Received.

From Same, stating tbe road and bridge connections on tbe DongtioyKndowmoir* road route would cost, about £1.200 to complete.—Received. From Same, suggesting the Chairman and Cr. Chinn look into P. Clare’s request for road access off Totara road.—Received. From Same, proposing a concrete roller of about -l.j tons should be made; also adding that longitudinal traffic planking on tbe bridges was proving a success. —Received; It was resolved to have a 5-ton roller made. From Same, intimating that eight turnouts on the Lake ivanit’ri road would cost about £3 each.—Received and work authorised. From Same, reporting that the con-

strneti-iii of the eastern extension of AlcAi'lli'.ir road, Koiterangi, would cost about £4oo.—Received. From Same, estimating the cost of ii light traffic liridgo over I’igeon Civek, Koiterangi, at £193 12s 9.1. —Received. It was resolved an open crossing be made at cost of £25.

From Same, notifying cost of repairing bridge on .McArthur road would cost £lO 10s.— Received and authorised.

From Same, monthly report ol works done in the three Ridings of the County.—Received. It was resolved to discontinue the Three Mile Ferry from the cmd of the month. It was resolved to authorise plank repairs to Five Mile bridge, nt cost of £l. From Alotorman Robinson, reporting 421 i yards of gravel, • .>2} yds of broken metal and 13 loads of stone, delivered on the County roads; also road grading and dragging done, and limber and other material carted during the period of 28 days.—Received. From Roadman Dale acknowledging circular in reference to terms of employment- and holidays.—Received. From \Y. Ritchie, verbal message offering to contribute £2O in cash or labor for upper Kokatalii river protection, or to fill in the gap at the pi escort break in tbe protection, if the Council and settlers would carry out the protection work necessary nt a point higher up the stream.--Re-ceived; left to decision of settlors affected. , DEPUTATION. Air J. Butler waited on "the Council on behalf of Messrs Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., ill reference to Government action in connection with the Department’s refusal to allow their rolling stock to be used on the firm’s tramway below Boss. Tbe General Af.iutager’s letter was as follows:

With reference to your representations in regard to the question of using this Department’s rolling stock on .Messrs Stuart ami Chapman’s tramway, I have the honor to inform you that tbe tramway lias been inspected and is found to fie unsuitable for the Railway Department’s wagon € stock. Most of the bridges provide little more than half tbe strength we consider necessary for loaded wagons and in addition a considerable amount of relaying and surfacing is required to make the track suitable for our stocks. Tbe Department cannot permit its rolling stock to be taken on to the tramway niitil tho track and structures have been brought up to tbe required standard. This will no doubt involve a considerable expanse which the Company may be indisposed to incur. I am advised that the intention of .Messrs Stuart and Chapman was to convey the traffic in converted mill wagons and tranship into railway wagons at Ross station. The Company did not apparently contemplate tho running of Government wagons oil their line when tbe agreement was entered into with your - Council. The Company’s plans are returned herewith.

AFessrs Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., replied as follows: “\Vc duly received your letter of the 17th Inst enclosing copy of letter from tbe General Afanager, N.Z. Railways.

The decision of tbe Railway Department is a disappointment although, in anticipation of it, we had discussed the possibility of converting some of our wagons for the carriage of general goods. It was hoped however, to avoid the double handling by running the Government stock right through. We recognise that Mr McVill.v is acting only in a manner prompted by due

caution. A\ r e may say here that we have now in course of construction a powerful petrol-driven vehicle which we propose to use to run goods. This machine should be ready for work before tiie end of the year and goods could be taken front and delivered to a temporary landing stage at the end of the Bold Head road near the County bridge until such time as the necessary ! road connection is made behind the proposed AA’aitalm Junction station. I Reverting to the condition of the ' line you will remember that the first (i miles were laid during the most j stringent period of the war, some of : the rails then used were only laid [ down because nothing else could he obtained. Since the war conditions I have lifted only new rails have been j used in the extension of the main tram \ ■ line from the Mikonui mill to the AVai-j | tuba river. AA r e have already relaid; some short lengths of the first section j jof the line and expect eventually to have to relay in all about 2 miles. j i IT is impossible for us under the eon- j dilions obtained to undertake this I work immediately, but we hope to’ <1 > so in the course of a year or two. i After the relaying is completed we have every confidence that an applica- ! tion to use certain classes of rolling . stock such as L’s cattle and sheep . trucks’ and Other 4 wheeled waggons j would he successful. In this connection we would be glad , if you would endeavour to obtain a ropy of the report prepared by the local District Engineer for Air McViily’s information so that we would he able to judge more nearly the expense which would be incurred in t bringing the' line up to the required Government standard. Regarding live stock, the equipment necessary for transporting live stock between AA’aitaha Junction and Ross railway would he somewhat more costly than that required for transporting goods and it would he a question whether there would he a sufficient traffic offering to justify the cost. Tf the Council ■ would appoint .some members to confer with us on this matter we will prepare estimates of the cost of the equipment mentioned. There i> also the question of yards and loading arrangements at each end.” Air Butler said as soon as they knew what the Government required, the firm would be prepared to carefully consider the requirements with a view to giving effect to them. A committee of the Council consist, ing of the Chairman, Messrs Duff’, and Chinn was appointed to meet the firm, when the particulars runic to hand. AIIKONUI BRIDGE. A further deputation waited on the Council in connection with Alikonui bridge. The Chairman explained the position at some length, stating with Overseer Milliter he had made an exhaustive examination with a view to the strengthening of the structure. Air Millncr said an examination showed that if the traffic straddled the rails there would lie no damage, but by running one wheel between the rails and, one on tbe outside too much weight was put on the outside stringers which were not equal to carry more than 4 tons with salT'ty. Air AV. J. H.ntlor read the following letter from .Messrs Stuart and Chapman. Ltd : ’ “From the communications that have passed between your Council and this Company, there seems to be a desire on the part of the Council for some modification of the byelaws governing tbe traffic over the Alikonui bridge. It does not appear, however, that such desire proceeds from any conviction, on the part of the Councii, "that such byelaws are in any manner I defective, or that the restrictive pro- | visions of the said byelaws,' in respect ' to weight and speed of road vehicles, i are more severe than is necessary for i the safety of flic structures and tin-' travelling public. Moreover, we arc I not conscious of any such defect in | tlu* byelaws. The Council’s desire far ■ same modification appears t i proceed from no sounder reason than l!n- li- ! inclination of the Council lo administer its own byelaws. j As the byelaws, in question, are part ! of an agreement mid -r which Stu.iil j and Chapman Ltd., banded over the bridge to the County, i! follows that j only by a modification of tbe eondi- j tions of that agreement could the bye-j laws he altered; and the (.pinion of | this Company has been sought re- I spading its willingness to agiea i - such alteration. j AA’e think it is most regretl abb that , events should have boon permitted to I have reached this stage, and we IV‘d bound to cypress the opinion tint l‘ Council lias acted unfairly in p i-iiiit- I ting this Company to be put into such j an odious position as it now finds itself.

It is known that tbe chief transgressor in respect to any hrearli of tbe byelaws is the contractor for the i iivoymice of timber from the Fern Grove sawmills, and it has been freely staled that our Company is only actuated by business jealously in bringing under the notice of the Council the matter of excessive overloading, ft is purely on account of our knowledge that any action on our part would be misconstrued. that wo have not pressed tin*

matter as we know we ought to have done as a matter of public- concern. It is on this account, too. that the action, Or inaction, of the Council in neglecting to live up to its agreement with this Company, and in attempting to throw upon the Company the onus of barring certain traffic, is so distinctly objectionable. AVlint lias the Company done that it should he subjected to the public- abuse which is heaped upon it in respect to the Alikonui bridge ?' If the provision of a road traffic bridge over one of the worst rivers on the A,lain South road, at n cost to the Comity of less than 25% of its value—if the handing over to the County of four or five, thousand pounds worth of property, to be used in the public in-i-eiests —if the bridging of the Alikonui river without Government assistance, thus hastening the bridging of other rivers further south—are actions tie serving of condemnation, then we admit gross culpability and that we have indeed richly ’ deserved the abuse that has been our portion ; and we are prepared to grant full redress by agreeing to the cancellation of the agreements whereby tlic bridge was linmicu to the County. AA’e will agree to take back and use the bridge for the ptir-pn-c only which it was primarily constructed.

If, on tho other hand, the Council are satisfied that the best interests ol the public- are served by retaining tho bridge ,and protecting it from abuse—if the Company has not been guilty, ! by its actions in respect to the Alikomii bridge, of any transgressions against the public interests, such as, has been made to appear—if in agree-j ing to dedicate that bridge for public use. it is coiic-od "d that there was tbe necessity for regulating the traffic over such bridge, not only in the Company's own interests but in the interests ol the travelling public, then we ha -e nothing 'further to say on this point, beyond expressing the opinion that the Council should have nothing to ask of

The position is that certain faci'iti-rs were provided, -largely by this Company, for ordinary road traffic crossing tlre Alikonui river, and the conditions under' which such facilities were

available were distinctly made known to those intending to use them. If the face of this, arrangements were trade by the intending users which in- | volved an abuse <:f those facilities —j who is to blame, and wlmt is the remedy ?

This Company should not be ashed to express an opinion on tbe point, but should rather lie shielded from the imputation that it lias been actuated in this-matter by any moLive other tlien a desire for public welfare and safety.” The Chairman said the Council was laced wi'o-’i the position that they must bo prepared to carry out tbe terms of the conditions in connection with the bridge As far as Stuart and Chapman were concerned it was recognised tluU the firm were benefactors of the district generally.

Air AA’ard said lie had the pleasure as chairman to open the bridge. He thought as far ns Stuart and Chapman were com atued that they wire taking the complaints made too seriously. The only fault the Council had was that ol extreme leniency to the general public. Mr 'Chinn said Stuart- and Chapman had reason to complain to a certain extent, but he thought they should not put more difficulties in the way of those using the bridge than could bo helped.

Air Duff asked if lhe lorries straddled tlio rails would they be prevented from carrying oil their work in a payable nature, lie recognised ITnt they must abide by the agreement <-u-

ieiod into. Mr AA’ells said they must at all times respect the deed drawn up with Stuart- and Chapman. There was no gainsaying that their lights must he protected. Air Aiorel said the Council

had to see that tho bridge was not damaged, aU( I they should -e.'i that the b.ve-laws were given eficcL to.

Air butler said he would blush to he in. tile positen taken up b.v the Council tin : the Conmany were the complainants It was a very unfair position to pine.* the Company in. There win no nere-i.siiy for a modification of the conditions. Wiiat they apparently required was a modification of the bridge.

Tile. Chairman moved that the Council having due regard to the agreement with Stuart and Chapman take immediate steps to enforce Clause 6 of the agreement. Seconded by Air Chinn. He would like to see some arrangements made for the strengthening of the bridge to enable heavier loads to he carried. The motion was agreed to on the voices.

-Mr Cinnn moved mat a round table conference be held with Stuart and Chapman with a viuw to strengthening the Alikomii bridge with a view to the carrying of heavier traffic. Seconded bv Mr Morel and carried.

Mr Butler suggested that the advice of the Public Works Engineer or (trey County Engineer with n view to the strengthening of tho bridge, lie obtained.

This suggestion was not approved, and it was resolved that Overseer Alillner report on the best means of strengthening the structure to carry heavier traffic.

Air F. Orr, who with Air Allan had been invited to be present to bear the discussion in connection with Alikonui bridge, stated that his lorry at any time had not been driven over the liridgo without straddling . the iails. This was a definite instruction to his.drivers. The pace of 10 miles allowed was far more than a lorry could travel as there were sharp bends at each end and it was not possible to tiavel more, than five miles an hour. Air Allan referred to the subject at length pointing out the bridge was in perfect order after G months use by the lorry and only last week Stuart and Chapman had taken a load of 20 tons over tho bridge without any ill effect.

Ths Chairman in closing the discussion asid lie was glad to have had the opportunity for all pnrti.cn to be present to hear the discussion. Air Butler said that pending some further advice as to the necessity o strengthening tho bridge, on the tindertaking that the lorry owners would limit tho speed as stated he would ask that tit rC'iuncil do not take any action to enforce tho bve-laws. Air Ward moved that the request be granted, eulogising the suggestion as u very generous and fair one. .Seconded hr Air Jeffries and carried. AVHABFIXOER AT OKARITO.

Application- were received from Wm AlcClugrage and J. W. Thomson. it was resolved that Air J. AV. Thomson he appointed to the position, flic Chairman stating that the position had been offered to Air Thomson n.iiar to calling applications and lie had then declined the offer. FINANCE COAIAIITTEE’S REPORT.

Your Cnnoiiiiee has tlfc honour to report that the accounts presented for the month of August. 1922 have been carefully examined and beg to m onimend that the amount as approved. totalling £1,908 18s 6d be passed for payment.-—Received and adopted.

EV EX INC SITTING. Tim Conn: il adjourned at A. 4.1 p.m and resumed at 7 p.m. ORDER PAPER.

1. Chairman moved :—“That lie arc mnts fur the month of August, !!;22, ns rovis.’d and mv.-iamrtitl-ed for payment by I in* Finance Committee. amounting t . £1909 18- fid, lie passed for payment.”—Seconded by Mr Ciicsterinan and carried. 2. Tho Chairman moved:—“That iV Council make and levy pursuant

' to the provisions of Sections 48-55 of the Rating Act, 1808, and its amend- ! incuts and sections 120-121 of the I Counties’ Act, 1920, a General Rate ! as follows:

(a) Eight farthings in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property in tho Northern Riding of the County of Westland.

(ii) Eight farthings in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property in the Central Riding of the County of Westland.

(c) Eight farthings in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property in the Southern Riding of the County of Westland. Snell General Rate to be for the period commenced on the Ist day of April 1922, and ending on the 31st day of March, 1923, and'to become due and payable in one sum on the 13th day of September, 1922, at the office of thi? County Council, Hokitika.

: Jii' moving the motion Afr Jeffries read the following report submitted by the Treasurer:— A! BAR) RE COUNTY RATING. COMPARISON OF VALUATIONS lli ding. Old New Increase

Northern 92,782 12,9.678 27,896 | Central 296,412 273,026 66,614 Southern 304,152 381,982 77,830 003,346 775,686 172,340 Northern: Old rate at 2id £B7O. 15s lOd; new rate at 2d, £IOOS 13s Od; increase £134 17s 2d. Central: Old rate at 2Jd, £1936 10s 4d; new rate at 2d, £2,275, '4s 4d ; increase £338 14s Od. Southern: Old rate at 25d, £2,852 11s 3d; new rate at 2d, £3,183 3s Gd; increase £330 12s od. Old rate at 2pi, £5659 17s od; new rate at 2d, £6,464 Is 0d; increase, £BO4 3s 7d. ' : " MIXING RATE. Old valuation, £93,870 at 21d, £BBO 2s lOd. New valuation, £77,388 at 2d, £644 18s Od. Decrease Alining Rate, £235 4s lOd. Net increase in rates £568 18s 9d. In view of tlie curtailment of Government grants and the fact that at tho 31st March' next tlie Council must not be overdrawn beyond the amount of revenue actually outstanding and uncollected at that date, the increase indicated will bo fully required to ensure a safe financial position. The Chairman also read the following telegram he had received from Messrs Hareourt, Jamieson, Fleming, and Levitt of Kokatahi:—

“Representative meeting Koka-tahi-Koiterangi settlers last evening strongly protesting against eight farthings in tho £ rate, in' view of greatly increased valuation re previous promise of Council to revert back to previous rate of six farthings in tha £ at this new valuation.” Air Ward seconded the motion. As

a Councillor lie found they had to look at the position from more than one point of view. He recognised that each Councillor was doing . his best for the welfare of tlie ratepayers and the Treasurer perhaps was doing more in their interest than the Councillors individually. He thought the proposed rate was a very fair one.

Air Morel stated that he had hoped they would have been able to reduce the rate this year, but in view of the many calls on the Council lie did not soe how the rate could be reduced further than tho proposed sum.

Air Duff said he did not see how a further reduction could be made. Very heavy expenditure was in sight, and lie did not seei how they could carry on with a smaller rate. Air Chesterman did not see how tlie rate could he rpdueed. He hoped it .would he possible to reduce it next year. Tlie fact was they had not sufficient funds for all works they desired to have carried out.

. Afessrs Ritchie, AVells and Chinn also supported the motion, feeling that in its present position there was no possible hope of making a further reduction than that proposed.

The Chairman mentioned that the Grey County rate this year was 11 farthings as against eight proposed by Westland.

The motion #fcs then agreed to. 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, and tlie 'provisions of the Local Bodies Loans Act. 1913, and its amendments, special rates lis follows:

fa) A special rate of one penny and fifteen-sixteenths of a penny in the £ (annually recurring) for the special Inter-AVanganui rating district affecting tlie loan of £750 for Petersen’s Road Extension.

(b) A special rate of one penny and three sixteenths of a penny in tlie £ (annually recurring) for the special Inter-AVanganui rating district affecting the loan of £450 for Petersen’s Road Further Extension.

(o) A special rate of seven-six-teenths of a penny in tho £ (annually recurring) for the special Inter-AA ranganui rating district affecting the loan of £405 for La Fontaine Creek Clearing. (d) A special rate of seven-thirty seconds of a penny in tlie £ (annually recurring) for the special southern rating district affecting the loan of £1,500 for Kakapotahi Bridge erection.

Such special rates to be-for the period commenced on the Ist day of April 1922 and ending on the 31st day of March, 192.3 and to become due and payable in one sum of tlie' 13th, September, 1922, at tho office of the Westland County Council, Hokitika. —Seconded by Mr AVard and carried.

Tlie Chairman moved:— “That the Council consider making a bylaw on the following lines: • G) To limit loading and speed of motor lorries.

(2) To fix annual and half yearly foes for lorries.

(3) To license drivers of all lorries with a view to penalising drivers where speed or loading exceeded.

4) To limit speed of motor cars. ' (5) To' fix annual and half yearly fees (a) for commercially used motor cars; (l>) for privately used . motor

(6) To license drivers of public motor cars used for hire or commercial purposes. (7) To empower tiie local body to ’lose reads or bridges to motor lorry traffic. (S) To stipulate application by motor lorry proprietors to ply on roads at certain periods of the year when roads may he Hosed to motor lorry traffic. 19) Generally, to exorcise control and direction in regard to motor traffic in the County, including: _

(a) Granting permit to visiting private motor car owners to tour district. . . ... (b) Fixing fee for visiting public motor ear proprietors for occasional visits to district.

(c) Fixing annual fee for motor cycles (1) owners domiciled within County, (2j owners domiciled without County. (d) Considering any other matter in respect to the motor driven traffic. And that the Council resolve into Committee of .the Whole to determine rate of speed, limit of loading, and fees to be charged in respect to the foregoing.—Seconded by Mr Duff and carried; and the Council resolved into committee.

Cr. Ritchie moved:—“That the Overseer report as to the cost of a footbridge across Totara Lagoon ford.” —Seconded by Mr Wells and carried.

Cr. Ritchie moved:—“That the Overseer attend to repairs necessary to the hand-railing on Mahinapua Creek bridge and approaches, for the safety of stock.”—Seconded by Air Chestcrman and carried.

By leave Air AVells moved:—“That repairs be effected to Ruatapu Road, £s.”—Seconded by Air Duff and carried.

By leave Air Wells moved:—“That enquiry be made as to the cost and the terms on which arrangements for payments can be made, of a suitable meiohaniqal stone crusher for use within the County”—Seconded by the Chairman and carried. : The Council in committee discussed the making of a bye-law to govern motor traffic, and decided that the speed of lorries should :be limited to 10 miles an hour and total loading to

8 tons; the speed of motor cars to be

limited to 25 miles an hour, and 'a scale of fees to be charged for motor lorries, motor-cars and motor cycles. The Council rose at 9 p.m.