WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1922, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10th, 1022. The Council met at 2 p.m. Present:—Messrs \V. Jeffries (County Chairman) T. W. Duff, L. H. Morel, T. R .CHesterman, B. Ward. AV. H. Chinn, IC. A. Wells, .1. Ritchie and J. A. Murdoch. The minutes were confirmed and out wanl correspondence approved. . INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Treasury, forwarding Goldfields revenue.—Received. From Resident Engineer, .Public Works, advising that in response to representations made by the Council, the Head Oliioo granted £7O at £ for £ for the Arahura river erosion.—Received. It was resolved that the work bet put in hand at once. From same, regretting no provision has been made on the current year’s estimates for the construction of Ku-mara-Awatuna road, as advocated by Mr I.augesen, of Kapitea.—Received. It was resolved to ask for a vote of £SOO on the supplementary estimates. From General Manager, Railways, setting out the improvements needed to the Ross-Waitalm tramline before authority could be given for Government rolling stock being used ; nor could sheep or cattle trucks be loaded on the tramline.— Received. From same, referring to former correspondence as to permit for the Department’s waggons 'running on Stuart and' Chapman Ltd., tramway.—Received .

From Land and Income Tax Depart- | ment, reporting assessments on debenture interest of local authorities was now being undertaken, and asking forms supplied be filled in, giving particulars of loans and interest paid.— Received; attended to. From Department of Internal Affairs, thanking the Council for receipt of return giving information of all motor vehicles registered in Westland under the Motor Regulation Act.— Received. From Andersons Ltd., Christchurch, supplying full particulars as to quotation, freight, etc., for the delivery of stone crushing plant for the County.— Received. From Workers’ Educational Association, acknowledging receipt of donation C 5 os, and heartily thanking councillors for the assistance to the Association.— Received. From residents, settlers and miners, Okarito, giving their reasons for protesting against the ferry across the Three Mile crock being discontinued, contending that it is frequently used and required by travellers. —Received. After a general discussion the Council resolved to adhere to its decision of last meeting to cancel the Three Mile ferrv service.

From J. Evans, Aicken’s, for permission to erect skids temporarily at his bush area alongside the Christchurch road.—Ret cived. From Andersons, Ltd., Christchurch, quoting C 1,290 for stone - crushing plant, or Cl,(100 on deferred terms over ten 0-montldy terms.—Received. .Mr Anderson was present' in support of the quotation. A vote of thanks was passed to Air Anderson for the information supplied From Booth, .Macdonald and Co.. Ltd. quoting £922, or £1,002 i according to size) for stone-crushing plant, payment to be in, three payments extending over 2! months.—RtreivecL Mr Duff moved that the matter l>e referred to the Finance Committor at next meeting. Seconded by Mr Ward and carried. From F. Gunn, Tetabo. urging that a grant be made for draining Rotokino Swamp.— Received From ll'. Lyes, Knilcrangi, asking attention to Wall Road drainage.— Received: referred to Overseer for report. From .1. W. Thomson. Okarito, thanking Council for appointment as ferryman, etc., at Okarito.—Received. From Overseer -Milkier, estimating cost, of fencing approach to Mnliinapua bridge at £ls 11s.—Received: the Borough Council to be asked to find half the cost. From same, reporting T. Ferguson, I lari Mari, was prepared to dispose of fencing round gravel reserve for £s. Received ; timber to be supplied if residents interested provide the labor. From same, stating cost of railing required for Awatuna stock bridge was £l2.—Received. From same, notifying interviews with W .f. Butler regarding road and bridge matters, and deferring question ol strengthening Mikonui bridge till Public Works roads regulations were issued. Received. From same, reporting cost* of culvert approaches required by Ferguson Bros’, at. Hari Mari wa.s t'l. Received. Half cost to be voted. From same, reporting further on cost of approaches required by .). Ferguson at £4 10s.—Received and approved. From same, reporting cost of repairs to La Fontaine road culvert at £ls. Received; to bo attended to. From same, submitting alternative proposals for work to give improved access along Bladiers’ road, Kokutahi, permanent £10; temporary, £l7 IBs. —Received. From same, monthly report, and recommending several district minor works, costing £ls 10s. —Received. From Roadman Nolan, explaining necessity for grading Brandt’s and Sea Byroads; recommending some allowance to C. Anderson, and supplying monthly report.—Received. From Buller County Council, enquiring procedure in regard to composition made with, Government for arrears of timber royalties now being voted by Parliament.—Received. Mr Duff referred to the promise of the Government to hold a. Commission of Enquiry into the question of royalties, but tliis bad not been done. Mr Murdoch* moved that a reply to the letter be sent to the Buller Council and that tlm West Coast local bodies bo asked to join in asking the Premier to appoint the Royal Commission promised bv him to enquire into the question of roynltiiu on timber, rents and reservations. Seconded by Mr Duff and carried.

From Motorman Robinson, reporting work for month, including 30S.J cubic yards of gravel delivered; 22 yards broken metal; \~> loads of stone; 72.1 cubic yards of sfcrippi nfg ; II loads of timber; also quantity of pipes carted, road dragging.—Received. From Overseer Millner, reporting footbridge suggested at Totara Lagoon would cost £(SO, but the value for the us of drovers -was doubtful.—Received. From same, submitting a report from Motorman Robinson, that if the lorry was to be used for transporting long baulk timber the body needed widening with rt/movahle sides and ends.—Received.

From Overseer Millner, promising best attention to care of County plant under Ids charge; reporting culvert near Greenlees’ section on Blue Spur requires renewal; supplying particulars of concrete pipes in stock.—Received. From same, reporting the collapse of a large culvert at Whitcombe Valley road, and the same would he replaced with concrete pipes.—Received. From Roadman Xolnn, recommending an approach road he constructed on the Wuitnngi Loan Block at C for C. as this will enable settlers to supply the dairy factory.—Received.

From Public Works Department, approving proposals for Arahura river protection work.—Received. Front same, authorising tramway crossing, Tvnnieri road, applied for b,v Kanieri Sawmill Coy.—Received.

From J. Kendo, Big Wa ngnmii Ferry, forwarding correspondence with Minister of Lands relative to extended lease of Ferry Reserve. —Received. Mr Hende was present in connection with the matter. Ho said he had spent a lot of money on the area and was prepared to do more if ho was granted a satisfactory tenure. The Council had also agreed to take into consideration the area washed away, and that taken by the Public AVorks Department. The Chairman said the Council had considered this reserve some 10 or 12 months ago when th« reserves of the Council were dealt with. He considered that Air Hondo's trouble was nn extended lease beyond the 14 years lease allowed by the Act, but this the Council could not give. Tn reply to the Chairman. Mr Hende said be' would be satisfied with a 14 years lease subject to the Council ■considering (the area taken, by the Department and that washed away. From Manager Allen Taxis, quoting o-seater Essex and Allen cars for sale. Received; referred to Finance Committee’. DEPUTATIONS. Afr Afunloch introduced Afrs AA’nght of Christchurch Road, who waited on the Council with the request for a road across Harris’ Creek near the Tcremakau. There was a vote of £125 on £ for £ for tho work, and he urged that the work be carried out. The proposed bridge would give access. At the present time the Tcremakau river was not likely to cause damage, as the channel had altered somewhat. Tho Chairman and Air AVard agreed on the necessity of the suggested bridge, but doubted whether there was sufficient money available to make a bridge sufficiently strong to withstand flood waters. TENDERS. Tenders for painting County Office were received as follows: — H. Lynch and Co £55 0 -0 A. Scott and Co £37 15 0 AV. .1. Haselur £63 1° ()

The tender of A. .Scott cud Co. was accepted, Air H. Thompson being appointed Overseer. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Your Committee has the honor to roport that the accounts presented for tho month of September, 1921. have been carefully examined, and beg to recommend that the amount as approved. totalling £1451 18s 2d he passed for payment. —Received. The Treasurer’s report (published vesterdav) wa.s received and con side la—lion deferred to next meeting. ORDER PAPER.

j The Chairman moved:— “I hat the accounts for the month of September, 1922. as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £1451 18s 2d, be passed for payment.” Seconded by Air Dull and carried.

Tho Qiairman moved:— “I bat ; the period for the payment of motor lorry traffic fees expiring this mouth, be extended until such time as a by-law , covering the traffic is in force; and I that the Council now consider the I Treasurer’s statement in respect to | payments made and outstanding, and ’ jiaities or firms in arrears for more ' than one month, be notified their heavy traffic must cease forthwith until such I arrears are made good ; and the office ! lie instructed to take action aecbrdingI ly." Seconded by Air Duff and earI r i°d. | The Chairman moved:— “That ' the Council resolve into Committee of the whole to consider the Treasurer’s ! report in respect to finance as affecting the maintenance and up-keep of Lake i Kanieri road.'’—Held over. Councillor Aforol moved:—“That a vote of £3O lie made in accordance with the Overseer’s report to give improved access for milk cart traffic along Bladier’s road .and the work ho attended to at once.” —Seconded by Air Cliestennan and carried. Councillor Murdoch moved:—“That Overseer Alillner be instructed to prepare proposals for .bridging AVaimea Crock at Harris’ Junction, Christchurch road, to give necessary access for the dairy farmers.”—Seconded by Air Duff and carried. Cr Chinn moved:— “That further representations be made to the Railway Department in respect to the use of rolling stock over the tramway of Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., front Ross to Waitnba, and that the Council arrange for a satisfactory guarantee for the proper usage and safe return of small trucks, (including covered trucks) used on the tramway for the conveyance of live stock (sheep, pigs and cattle) dairy produce and merchandise.”—Seconded l>v Air AVard and carried. C'r Chinn moved:—“That consequential to the above arrangement being made, proposals be prepared for erection of a suitable loading bank and shed accommodation at AV ai t aha Junction for the necessary handling of freight.”—Seconded by the Chairman and carried. Cr Chinn moved:— “That the member for AA’estland be asked to represent to the Public AA'orks Department the necessity of strengthening the small bridges on the Alain South mad in respect to which loading is at present limited to five tons, and it lie pointed out that sueli limit of loading is a serious drawback to the district in using motor transport, upon which so milch of the progress of South AA’estland now depends.” Seconded by Air AVard and carried. Air Morel moved that £5 be spout on AA'all road repairs. Seconded by Air Cbcstenmui and carried. SRKCIAL AIEETING. The Chairman moved:— “That pursuant to the provisions of Section 110 of the Comities -Act, application be made to the Governor-General for an Order-in-Council authorising the Council to make by-laws for the following purposes, namely:— (a) Providing for the licensing of vehicles using any road within the County, and prohibiting the use of vehicles on any such road without a license : di) Appointing fees to lie paid to the County Fund in respect of the licensing of vehicles as aforesaid.”

Seconded bv Mr Buff and carried, '['he Chairman moved:— “That the Council resolve into Committee of the whole to consider the provisions of the proposed by-laws relating to the licensing of motor driven traffic in relation to the foregoing.”—-Seconded hv Mr Duff and carried.

The Council in Committee then received a deputation consisting of:— Messrs (1. Davidson. B. F. l’erham, McMnnnnwny and .1. Simpson representing the Automobile Association in connection with the proposed motor traffic hye-law. Members of the deputation expressed their disapproval at the proposed fee for motor cars in comparison with that suggested for motor lorriro. each giving their views, the general view being that the damage (lone by ordinary motor cars was very small as compared with motor lorries, the ease of particular roads heme; cited. Mr David--.., said they thought 'that the proposal for a toll gate on Kanieri Lake road would prove very

satisfactory. They recognised the necessity for good works, and were of an opinion there was an urgent need for a road-roller to secure good roads. They suggested that a loan be raised and that motor cars and lorries be taxed acieordjfngly. They suggested the motor lorries be taxed so much per load and for distance. It was recognised that a largo sum of money would be necessary to put the roads in good order. The Chairman, Messrs AA’ard, G'hesterman and Alorel discussed the subject at some length and then the deputation withdrew. The Council discussed with Mr Park (Solicitor to the Council) the proposed bye-law, a number of minor alterations being made. It was resolved to make a sliding scale of charges for 'motor ears where there are more than three to be licensed, reducing the second ear by one-half and the third anil others to one third. A proposal to reduce privately owned oars from £3 to £1 10s was not approved. It was resolved that there be included in ; charge’ for four wheeled timber wagons (horse drawn) at £B, and for twowheeled drays at £4. It was further resolved to forward the live-law to All' .J. C. Afartin (Solicitor to the Counties Conference), for approval. CONDOLENCE. The Chairman referred to the ievent death of Airs Ferguson, wife of Air :S. G. Ferguson, a former member ol the Council and moved that the Council convey to Air Ferguson its very deep sympathy in the loss sustained by the death of Airs Ferguson. Air Jeffries paid a tribute to the many kindnesses received at the hands of the deceased lady by the travelling public. Air Duff seconded the motion, which was supported hv Afessrs AA’ard, Alorel, and Ritchie and carried in silence. The Council rose at 6.15 p.m.