WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1922, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, NOV. 14th. The Council met at 2.10 p.m. Present:—Messrs \V. Jeffries (County ■Chairman), 11. Ward, W. H. Chinn, T. W. Duff, L. 11. .Morel, J. A. Murdoch, E. A. Wells, T. R. Chcsterman. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. MOTION OF SYMPATHY. The Chairman referred to the sudden death last Tuesday of the Government Auditor, Mr Ralston, and moved that the Council convey to Mrs Ralston the deep sympathy of the Council in her sad bereavement. The motion was carried in silence, the Council standing. MIKONUI BRIDGE.

Mr W. J. Butler waited on the Council in reference to matters in connection with Mikonui bridge agreement. The Chairman referred to the matter at some length, pointing out the matter, had been before the Council at the last meeting.

Mr Butler submitted a report on the subject of the safe load and strain lor the bridge. The greatest safe load when the lorries were running outside one rail was about 4.J tons, ll they ran astride of both rails then the structure would be sufficiently strong. To strengthen the bridge by additional stringers would cost about £SOO, while a proposed guard rail that would prevent a lorry running on the outside of a rail, that would be sufficient, and would cost about £3(5.

The proposals were discussed at some length, the Council approving, and it was resolved to deal with the matter forthwith. Mr Ward moved that the Council accord its appreciation of the services rendered by Mr Butler.—Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. The Chairman moved that the Council approved of the scheme outlined by Mr Butler, and that the Overseer be instructed to carry out the proposed guard rail for one span on each cud. —Seconded bv Mr Ward and carried. Mr Butler agreed on the suggestion of Mr Ward to confer with the Overseer, expressing his willingness to assist the Council in any possible way. The Council expressed its appreciation of Mr Butler’s kind offer of assistance. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE.

From S. G. Ferguson, thanking Councillors for condolence and expressions of sympathy in his recent sad bereavement. —Received. From Treasury. Wellington, forwarding revenue accrued.—Received.

From Rt Hon W. F. Massey, noting representations made for appointment of a Commission to enquire into loss of revenue suffered by local bodies from operations of the Forestry Act and promising consideration—Receiv-

Froni T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., reply from Railway Department intimating soon as the Ross-Waitaha tramway line is strengthened further inspection will he made and if satisfactory authority given for running railway rolling stock thereon.— Received. From Same, advising the Minister of Public Works will carefully consider the request fur improving the carrying capacity of the small bridges in the main south road.—Received. From Same, stating representations to the Public Works Department to make a grant for construction of Petersen’s road would have attention. —Received.

F'rom Eugineer-in-Chief Public Works, giving permission to remove kittle Waitaha footbridge to the Hokitika River Gorge.—Received. From Resident. Engineer, approving of the acceptance of a tender to erect protection works at the Arahura river. —Received.

From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., asking opinion of the Council in reference to repealing clause 10 of the Fencing Act.—Received ; action of Chairman in asking for consideration being deferred to next session was approved.

From Medical Officer of Health, Christchurch, requesting under Section 27 of the Health Act, 1920, notice be served upon a resident of Kokatnhi to improve defective drainage.—Received; referred to Overseer.

From Hokitika Borough Council, declining to contribute half cost of erecting fencing guarding approaches to the Mnhinapua creek bridge.—Received ; referred to Overseer, From Kanieri Electric Ltd., asking for consent to extension of their power line in portion of the County. —Received; it was resolved to make further representation. From A. Scott, asking for further time in which to carry out his contract to paint the County buildings. Received; request granted.

From John Bradley, Arahura, stating a recent flood damaged protection works near Malfroy bridge and offering to procure manuka scrub if the Council will complete the work.—Received; referred to Overseer to inspect and attend to. From A. M. Schumacher, Christchurch, drawing attention to the overgrown state of the Taipo track and asking it he put in order for traffic. —Received ; referred to Roadman to attend to.

From J. C. Christiansen, Okarito, applying for subsidy to assist in constructing a tail race to an alluvial flat up the Oemeorua river.-—Receiv-ed ; to be sent on to the Mines Department for favorable consideration; further particulars to be asked of the track reqinring repairing.

From D. F. Dcnnehy, Matainui, pointing out danger of the Waitangi river cutting into an old channel causing serious damage and asking assistance in protection.—Received ; Roadman Nolan to report. From residents of Okarito, protests ing against their petition in favor of continuing tlie ferry over th-e TJirec Milo creek was not entertained and referring to the difficulties experienced by travellers in crossing this stream.—Received. Tho Chairman said lie could not suggest any action to settle tho constant complaints from the district. Mr Chinn suggested the erection of an endless rope and a chair over the stream. He moved the Roadman report on the proposal.—Seconded I by Mr Ritchie and carried. J From P. J. Purcell, Wataroa, re-

questing an allowance for work done near his homestead in filling holes and levelling on the 'road reserve.Received; it was resolved that £2 he voted.

From W. T. Cropp, Koiterangi, asking for formation of road adjacent to Ins property.—Received ; referred to Overseer Millner to report.

From J, C. Malfroy and Coy., forwarding £2O contribution towards cost of erecting protective works at the Arahura river.—Received with thanks. From Overseer Millner, reporting on the river erosion near sawmill at Waitangi river and recommendations for coping with tlie trouble. —Received. From Same, reporting the retaining wall along'Waimen creek near Stafford is leaking and allowing silt to filter through which will eventually cause serious damage to' property in the township; the need for clearing gorso from the Stafford cemetery road.—Receiver. Mr Duff moved that the Roads Department be asked to give attention to the retaining wall.—Seconded by Mr Ward and carried.

From Roadman Wright, acknowledging receipt of report covering County property and promising attention to duties, —Received. From Park and Murdoch, applying on behalf of Malfroy and Coy., for the formal consent of the Council to the assignment of the easement hold by the firm in respect to Malfrov’s bridge. —Received and agreed to.

From Stuart and Chapman Ltd., stating the firm bad been asked to carry cream supplies from Waitaha to Ross station, and application bad been made to the Minister for permission to do so; also enclosing schedule of rates on a par with Government charges; and stating the plant for “M” waggons to carry stock was on order and would ho due by first available steamer.—Received ; proposals approved.—

From same drawing attention to a report current that the firm bad endeavoured to block the Ferngr*vc saw- , mill using Mjkonui bridge and asking ' the Council to clear up the matter authoritatively.—Received. Mr Ward said in fairness to Stuart and Chapman Ltd., that at last meeting great generosity had been shown by that firm through Mr Butler, and lie felt very grateful for the manner in which the (inn had assisted in every possible way to keep Mikonui bridge open for traffic. Mr Duff endorsed stating that Messrs Stuart and Chapman had given the Council every possible assistance and had treated them very fairly. It was only due to the request of Mr Butler that action had not been taken against those who had Broken the byelaws affecting the bridge. Messrs Chinn and Ritchie endorsed the remarks made. i The Chairman moved that Council i

place on record its appreciation of the | assistance rendered bv Stuart and (

Chapman Ltd., in connection with the

Mikonui bridge; and further that the | Council was aware that Messrs Stuart and Chapman had not in any particu- j lar attempted to interfere with the j carrying operations of any other firm using Mikonui bridge; and that this Council as the controlling body of this bridge ask the Prime Minister for a copy of the evidence submitted to the ; Mines Committee affecting the bridge, which the Council felt it could .easily

rein to.—; carried.

From W. White and J. W. Hnicourt applying for prospecting subsidy in the Blue Spur-Uumphreys country to pick up the Arahura Flat run of gold.—Received ; referred to Mines Department. From T. P. O’Neil, Kokatnhi, applying to purchase four concrete pipes at cost price.—Receiv'd ; Overseer to report.

From Wm. Houston, dairyman, Arthurstowii, asking for assistance in respect to river erosion at South Hokitika.—Received. Mr Wells moved that the Overseer he authorised to expend up to £ls on £ for £.—Seconded by Mr Chesterman and carried. From W. Millner, County Overseer, monthly report oil district works.—Received. From Roadman Nolan reporting on district works.—Received. It was re-, solved to draw the attention of the Roadman that a mini her of matters authorised, which had not received attention.

From Motonnan Robinson repoiting transport of 2871 cub. yds. gravel, 37} cub. yds. of broken metal, 38 loads stone and strippings; also dragging and

carting several loads of timber, sand, gravel and cement; benzine consumed 1-14 gals.—Received. From Houston and Co., asking permission to dispose of the lease of ferry reserve at Big Wanganui now held by Mr J. C. llende.—Received ; tlie Council to offer no objection. From G. and D. Davidson, offering a steam wagon for sale at £4so.—Received ; deferred for report by Overseer Millner.

FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. 1. —Your Committed lias tlie honor to report that the accounts presented for the month of October, 1922, have been carefully examined, and beg to •ecoinrnend that the amount as approved. totalling £1307 18s 3d be passed for payment! 2. —With regard to the purchase or otherwise of a stone crushing plant, your Committee has not available yet tho full information required as to the alternative use of steam instead of a motor driven power, and ask, accordingly that the report and recommendation on the subject l*c- deferred for a month,—Received and adopted. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved:—“That accounts presented for the month of October, 1922, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee amounting to £1307 18s 8d bo passed for payment.” Seconded by Air Dull' and carried.

'Tlw Ghafrnrnn/’fi motion :—“That j the Council resolve with Committee of i the Whole to consider the Treasurer’s ! report in respect to the maintenance ! and upkeep of Lake Kanieri road, dc«- ' ferred from last Council meeting,” was deferred. 1 Tho Chairman’'s motion:—“That ’ while in Committee of the Whole, the j Council consider the Overseer’s report I in respect to acquiring a portable j stone crushing plant for use on the j County roads,” was deferred. j The Chairman moved:— “That. John Peake be appointed Valuer of i mining property for the County ot J Westland for tho ensuing year on the j same terms and conditions as previous- j lv.” Seconded by Mr Ward and car- ! ried. j Cr. Chinn moved:—“That representations lx* made to the Value- ! tion Department to complete the re* i valuation of the County omitted recently, namely the area south of the : Waiho river, such revaluation to he available for next year’s rating pro- i pcsnls.” Speaking to tho motion Mr Chinn said it was very unfair that 1 only ono half had been valued and had , to pay increased rates as a result. ; There was also a desire for the valua- J tion as it had been mooted, that - t would he advisable to rate on the unimproved values. The Chairman se-

eonded the motion which was carried. Or, Weils moved:—“That repairs to lower Adair’s Road be authorised ; cost (including re-opening of pit) about £19.” Seconded by Mr Chesterman and carried. Or. Wells movcld:—“That necessary repairs be carried out to Back Creek road,; cost about £l2.!’ Seconded by the Chairman and carricnl. Mr Chinn referred to the charges for produce through the Arthur’s Pass tunnel. Ho moved that application be made to the Government to draw up workable conditions for the carriage of produce through Arthur’s Pass tunnel at a reasonable charge. The County Clerk stated that there had apparently been a misunderstanding between the Railway Department and Public Works Department over tho first consignment that had gone through the tunnel owing to the Railway Department not having been advised of the arrangements made by the Public Works Department, with the result there was a deadlock. This bad since been attended to and there I was now a scale- of charges for tho through service being drawn up. The Chairman seconded the motion, ! which was agreed to. I Mr Chinn asked for the attention of the Roadman to the Hari Hari ■ roads, now that Petersen road exten- | sion was completed. This was agreed to. I A request for repairs to Toaroha Track referred to by -Mr Morel, was re- ■ fcrretl to the Overseer and Mr Morel to attend to. I Mr Ward moved that repairs be effected to potholes on One Mile road. Seconded bv the Chairman and carried. Mr Duff moved that the Overseer be 1 instructed to see that the railing on Malfroy’s bridge he placed in position at once. Seconded by Mr \) nrd and carried. | SPECIAL MEETING. The Chairman's motion:—“That the Council proceed to pass by special order, a by-law as beioro the meeting for consideration, providing for

thci licensing of vehicles using and road within the County, and prohibiting the use of vehicles oil such roads without a license; and appointing fees to be paid to the County Fund in respect to the licensing of vehicles as aforesaid,” was adjourned to next meeting. The Council rose at 4.50 p.m.