WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1923, Page 1

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

COUNTY CHAIRMAN’S YISIT TO SOUTH WESTLAND. On the -28 tb ult. accompanied by Councillor Searlo and the Clerk, 1 commenced a visit to the southern districts. Visited the Waitaha Settlement during the forenoon and had an opportunity of meeting several of the settlers, when, local requirements were discussed. The Settlement Road was found in fair order and Roadman Wright was engaged doing useful work clearing up water tables etc. Some small works along the road, particularly at the upper end, are required, and were authorised to be carried out by the Roadman. The settlers urged the necessity of a loading station at Bold Head terminus, and Stuart and Chapman Limited, have been communicated with in regard to the location and the undertaking of the wqrk and *n enquiry has also been made in reference to transport facilities and unloading of settlers’ goods at Ross. It is hoped to have the information regarding those matters before the Council at the present meeting.

Kakapotahi bridge was inspected and the recent protection work put in was found to he holding well. The sideraifing of the structure requires painting and this work was authorised to be carried ot by the Roadman, as also the painting of the receiving shed at the iunotian of Waitaha Settlement and Main Roads.

Proceeding to Evans Road. Mr D. Roberts was met in regard to the question of metalling the extension of the road in question. As it has notbeen possible to obtain a Government grant for the metalling of the road, a suggestion was put to Air Roberts for the settlers to contribute in cash or labour ,£ for C of the amount involved in the work, and -Mr Roberts has agreed to confer with other settlers concerned in regard to this method of carrying the work out. Should (lie settlers Tie disposed to afford the financial assistance suggested, it is recommended that the Council should carry out the work as lli« road is essential for opening the sections on the Flat and will lie useful for future developments with regard to stock raising and dairying. On proceeding to Inter-Wanganui district, an inspection was made of Robertson, Haddock and Inter-Wan-ganui Flat roads. Robertson Road is in need of some little attention and a section of road connecting Robertson and Haddock roads also requires to be improved. The Roadman has been asked to supply an estimate of the cost involved and if the amount is reasonable, the work should he done. Gravel is obtainable quite close to the short section involved, and the work will not he costly, while it will be a great advance for the increasing traffic in that vieinitv.

In the evening some of the settlers met Mr Searlo and myself in regard to local requirements, and an opportunity was also afforded of discussing works with Roadman Whitiskie. The Roadman is to confer with Mr Roarle in regard to improving the more important of the crossings on the Alain Flat Road, and attention was authorised to Peterson road drains. The work of extending the Little Wanganui Gorge track to permit of dray traffic through the Gorge authorised some time ago. was confirmed, and this matter is to he attended to ai a Cost of £25. The lowering of La Fontaine Creek, for which there is a Government subsidy, is to he pul in hand forthwith. Some' minor works as to clearing scrub off the Road Reserve to facilitate slock traffic, and also attention in small repairs, which were detailed, were approved.

Oil the 2!)th nit. the party proceeded to Wataroa district and inspected Scully road extension and the groyne lately put in for protection works covering the Alatainui Loan Block road. The groyne was completed immediately prior to the visit, at a cost of .Col 1 Is, Clo of which was coniributed hv the settlers in labour and Clt! 17s hi in Government subsidy. It is a substantial work and judging by its success during a light Hood just previously encountered, should serva tho purpose intended in protecting Hie approach to the Loan Block road A short extension of Really road on tho river bed was authorised to he clone by the Roadman.

The party then motored over tho AYataroa Flat Road, and inspected the river protection at the lower end. ,Sonic local road inipmvctnonLs wtr# authorised on route, as well ns in the vicinity of the township. Road drainage is to he provided and a filling a*, a !:nv crossing carried out.

At Okarito that afternoon a number of residents were met with regard to district works. The improvement cu the AA'ntnroa and AA’nitangi true:? to cost CIO to facilitate bench route Ira flic was authorised. The Roadman is to attend to Three Alile iracr, <o some repairs to the goods shed ai Okarito, and also to street drainage work. A report has been asked from Roadman Nolan on Okarilo road repairs, including particulars in regard In the strength of the bridge near the Forks, lo carry heavy timber traffic, which is suggested in the near future. A request was made also for re-opeu-ing the Okarito Ferry, and this matter is referred to the Council lor its decision. On the 30th ult., Afessrs Gibb Rros. were mot at Doeherty s road and the position with regard to that work was discussed. Improved means for vehicle traffic is necessary for that lopolity, and Afessrs Gibb Rros. liavo been asked to suggest what they would be prepared to do in tlie matter, and it is suggested that the Council should subsidise any effort- they are prepared to make in improving access for vehicles t 0 their holdings.

On proceeding to AA'eheka, tho weather broke and it was regretted, in consequence of the heavy rainfall, it was not possible to carry out the intention of visiting the Bruce liny district, and in order to escape the rising rivers, a hurried return had to he made to AA’aiho Gorge. AA'hile at.AAeheka, attention was drawn to the condition of Gillespios-Pekanga track, and as the track appears to' be out of order, it is proposed to obtain a report and estimate on the condition of tile work involved, as it is suggested that there is likely to be fresh settlement in the immediate vicinity of Gillespies. Those who have occasion to drive stock to the markets suggest that the southern approaches of the new bridges at Tat are and AYaitangi should have winged railing placed in position, so ns to facilitate the driving of timid stock across tho bridge, and representations with regard to

this matter have been made to the District Engineer. The following day the 'party was held tip at AVaiho by the flooded crocks, the experience suggesting that many of the more important small crossings on the Alain South road also required bridging to cusuro the certainty of motor traffic in all weathers. The following day th<y party returned to Hokitika, stopping at Matainui •at forenoon to meet a deputation ol residents and settlers who urged very eloquently the requirements of the district. A number of minor matters were authorised through the Resident Roadman, the works to l>e attended to

in their order of urgency. A matter of special importance to the district, loading of the lower end of. the settle-

ment between Adamsons and the ocean beach was brought up. Road connection is required for the settlers along the Wnlaron side of the valley,

and road access is also necessary foi those oil the Waitangi side. On the hitter side, a large holding is about to he cut tin into throe or

more sections, and will shortly he on the market, when it is expected additional settlers will be brought into the district. There is a considerable area of land in the whole locality, and the reading should he a matin for special consideration. It appears that it would lie as well for the Public Works and Lands Department to confer in regard to this mat ter, and communications have been sent to the District Engineer and to the Commissioner of Lands suggesting that a joint visit should he made with the object of formulating a report determining the most important work to he undertaken. To give access to the South Bank- of the Waitangi, it is suggested that Gunn Road should be opened, and bv this means, direct access will he given to the land about to he cut up. For the Wataroa South Bank, there is a grant of Clot), and a similar amount also for Cite Wataroa Gorge Road. The location for the expenditure of these could also he looked into by the Government officers above referred to and the best satisfaction given. It will, of course, he necessary to enlist further support from the Government for the loading of the district, and a comprehensive scheme if now promoted, could he provided for as funds permitted. The settlers urged that the matter was one of necessity for the development of the district, and the only way of meeting tile position, should the application lor grants fail, would he by a local loan, but tills suggestion was not favourably received. Tlie bridging of .Mcßride’s Creek on Scully Road was very strognly urged by those present. The strongest reasons for the erection of the bridge its question came from the settler representing the residents on the Loan Block side, and it was suggested that he should submit a statement of the settlers’ desires in writing and signed by all who considered they were affected. This lias been done and the correspondence will lie before the meeting to-day. If (lie bridge is erected, it will require to he done out of County funds, but the Roadman's time can be included, as the work is not a large one, and no doubt could be carried out satisfactorily by Air Nolan. The visit-, made was an interesting one from mam- points of view, and one was pleased to note the steady progressive improvements which manifest themselves all the way south. Since my previous visit, a number ol very line residences have been creeled, and commodious, oul buildings in coiuicctlo* with dairy farms am also built and being built. The' stock generally was looking very well and mobs were on the road i’or the markets. The dairy farmers were looking forward hopefully to the new season, for which more stable and satislactorv pricer were expected. With the improved prices for stock and dairy produce, the period ahead should result in a large inflow of wealth to the district, and one need not begrudge the success ol the settlers whose enterprise in opening no and developing the district, well deserves the reward which it is Imped is in store for them.

As is customary with the southern people, the hospitality extended was in all cases very generous.

Alv only regret is f was not able to proceed lurther south to inspect ilic Bruce Bay district, lliis district, by the erection of flic AYailio bridge and tlie AA’aikukupa bridge in the neat future, will he brought very much closer to the centres, and should make material advancement. The roads

generally motored over were in very fair order indeed, and if it is possible within the next two seasons to have a number of tho smaller crossings bridged, the requirements of South Westland in the matter of roads _ and bridges, should diminish materially, thus permitting greater assistance lo lie extended to the more southern parts of AYesllaml, where there are as great facilities for development under favourable conditions of access.

OVERSEER'S REPORT

CENTRAL RTDTNG. Hokitika river bridge repairs were coni innod under the direction ot Bridge Foreman R. Boucher, very good progress being maintained for the period. The following heart of of limit timber was removed and replaced from July 23r«l to August 31st. Transomes 15 X 10. ft/'IR deck beams It x 6. -1-1/1? decking 8 x 3 150/14. King posts 12 x (i 2/(1. COUNTY AYOTfKS. Repairs wore affected to a portion of Adairs Road, between Fisherman’s creek bridge and tlie dredge, covered by the tramway. The worst portion in tlie tram centre was repaired with stone blinded with gravel, and pit: gravel was used principally on the lower end where tho motor holes were shallow. and not holding water. A portion of Artlmrslown Road was repaired with river beach gravel for about twenty chains in length practically restoring the whole length of the road to a passable condition. Some very bad holes on the Ross road between Frosty Creek and Mananui Tramway Crossing wore partly repaired with roughly broken stone, blinded with fine gravel. This portion of the road is worn through to the formation, and only hurried attention could he given owing to the County motor not wing available for more than two or three days. Future repairs will bo affected by filling ruts and had holes with roughly broken stone, the necessary material will he obtained from the various gravel pits and dumped at the road side in readiness for breaking. Frosty creek bridge was overhauled and several broken transomes deck beams, and a quantity of declang, removed and replaced. Tn addition the lower side truss which was very unsound and not capable of sustaining its own weight, was removed and replaced with 12 x 10 struts and top chord. The truss on the upper side of tlie bridge, also end transomes, and four intermediates are in a very bad condition and will require renewing as

soon as convenient. Several large wind blown trees were removed, decking of culverts repaired and scrub cleaned from Seddon’s Terrace track, and water-tables cleaned at the Rimu end of Adair’s road. Small slips removed from Robinson road drain, and a portion of Lower Kokatalii road drain cleared of blackberry growth. Defective decking was renewed on several bridges on Kokatalii road and broken planking removed and renewed on Afurray creek bridge, and a subsiding culvert temporarily repaired on Municipal road. This culvert requires renewing as soon as possible with 36 inch diameter concrete pipes. Koiterangi road drain on the. eastern side of the road, with an outlet to Murray creek, was cleaned, widened and deepened for a distance Of sixteen chains and encroaching scrub and blackberry cleared from the road between Murray creek and R. Oropp’s residence. Portions of Lake Kanieri road were repaired with broken metal and gravel when the County motor was available tor the work, ruts raked, stone broken in had holes and water-tables cleaned between Kanieri and Coal Creek. The necessary cleaning of water-tables and clearing of overhanging scrub on Hau Han road was attended to, and portions of tables cleaned on Hokitikallaii llaii road. AVator-taides, drains and culvert inlets were cleared and cleaned and encroaching scrub and gorse cut, also a slip removed from Blue Spur road. Afofor worn holes on Hokitika-Kanieri road were repaired with broken metal blinded with gravel. Encroaching gorse at corners was cleared, and damaged handrailing renewed on Shanandonh creek bridge, Alain Road. Hau Hau Lead road between Blue Spur and AVarren’s Mill was repaired with pit gravel. A defective culvert- on Cropp’s road near F. AVall’s was renewed with 7/18 inch diameter pipes. A defective box culvert on the ITokitika-Kumara road near the -Mental Hospital gates requires renewing with 8/12 inch diameter concrete pipes. NORTHERN RTDING.

Decking was renewed on two bridges on Aralnirn A’alley road and loose struts in all the trusses of Alalfroy’s bridge secured firmly in position. A quantity of defective decking was removed and replaced on the bridge near .1. Bradley’s and several small holes repaired on Spencer road. Four stringers and till tho decking were renewed on a ten foot culvert on Two Mile road, motor worn holes repaired on Hokitika-Kumara road between Hokitika and Kumara. A quantity id decking renewed and traffic planking placed on Four Alile creek bridge Defective decking renewed on Three Alile creek bridge. This bridge requires a complete overhaul as a good many of the 8 x (! deck beams are defective, also the handrailing, two or three piles and the greater portion of the decking. One twenty-four foot ami one thirty-six foot box culvert were renewed on the ITokitika-Kumara road, and 18 feet of box culvert renewed behind Stafford township. Defective and broken decking was renewed on AVniniea creek bridge, Awatuna road, AYaimca creek bridges at Stafford. and AVniniea- and Little Kapiton creek bridge Alain Road. German Gully track repairs were completed, and water-tables cleaned along the Hokitika-Kumara road to the foot of Sandy's Hill. .Motor worn holes were repaired with broken metal and gravel on Kumara road between Kumara and Kuniara Junction. Several gravel pits wore cleared ami stripped, and a quant il v of gravel broken down in readiness for repairs at Flowery cteek. Concrete pipes for culvert renewals were carted by the County motor to Spencer road, one culvert between Stafford and AVniniea, and one culvert between the Little Kapiton and Loopline. Concrete pipe culverts were constructed in the following places to replace defective Limber structures:— Spencer road, 3 culverts one 30 inch diameter pipes and two culverts 18 inch diameter pipes. One eighteen inch diameter concrete pipe culvert was constructed on the main road inutiediatc|y beyond Stafford school. Two 3b inch diameter pipe culverts were constructed on Kumara road between the Kuniara Racecourse and Kumara .)unction. Two box culverts were constructed to replace tlie broken culverts that were blocking drainage and the inlets and outlets to both culverts were cleaned on the old road nertr Laninis. Jackson’s road was also repaired with gravel and water-tables cleaned from Jackson’s Hotel to Railway Station.

SOUTHERN RIDING. Portions of choked water-tables were cleared on various parts of Ross road, a f»!(l crossing cleaned and cleared of stone over Totnra river, and northami south approaches to ford metalled. A temporary foot bridge was erected across tho break on lotara rivet bridge. Several of Hie lower chords of this bridge are defective and will require repairing shortly. This class of timber 57 feet 14 x 12 is very hard to obtain in the solid length, hut an offer lias been made to supply four solid chords at a cheaper rate than thi> mills can supply suitable broken lengths of 30 or 3-5 foot. Tn addition the solid chord is more durable and less costly to work. Portions of AA’aitaha road were repaired with broken metal and ruts raked, also one or two defective culverts repaired, also approaches to Kakapotahi bridge. The contractors for gravel supply at luterAA'anganui completed the delivery of 500 cubic yards during the month. Repairs were also effected to Petersen’s road above Robertson road, and box culvert constructed, and the subsided approach to lui Fontaine creek bridge repaired with scrub and stone and banks cut down to allow horse traffic* to cross. The Roadman attended to the spreading of gravel, raking ruts and dragging AA anganui Flat and other roads. The County motor carted 7/18 inch diameter pipes for renewal of a very defective culvert on Tot lira Hill, Ross road.

COUNTY CHAIRMAN’S SUPPLEAIENTARY REPORT.

Tlie matter of the Alain Road bridges has been one of concern for some time. Inspection was made ot the Kanieri bridge during the month, and 1 am pleased to report that teix gratifying progress has been made b> Foreman Boucher already, and it is expected repairs lo this structure wt be so far advanced by tho end of the month that the party may he taken temporarily to more urgent work on other bridges in the district. The restoration of Totnra bridge has been considerably delayed owing to the difficulty in obtaining heart timber of the dimensions required. The repairs are now in hand under the personal supervision of Overseer Alillner who has had to take . timber intended for ether bridges in order to expedite reconstruction. It is hoped to have the bridge open for light traffic, by the end of the week. It will be noted from tlie report of the Overseer Chat Bridge r ~! x ' irs alol1 5

the Alain roads are a matter of considerable urgency. I suggest, for the approval of the Council, that Foreman Boucher',’ as soon as he is free Horn the'Kanieri bridge, should take charge of all the bridges oil the main road and organise a party to effect urgent repairs. This arrangement would leave Overseer Alillner free to attend to road works, in connection with which there will he all extra amount of work immediately, owing to the early arrival of Hie stone crushing and road rolling plant, which is expected here next month, and for which it would be advisable to make preparations with regard to bins and access to suitable stone heaps.

There is a vote of £IOOO available for the main road bridges, and if the suggestion with regard to Foreman Boucher is adopted, lie cottM undertake the expenditure of this amount on the structures requiring most urgent attention.

I might say that in connection with Kanieri and other bridge works handled by Air Boucher, very expeditious work has been done, and the Council could have every confidence in entrusting him with the important work now suggested.

Happy children keep free from worms with AA’ADE’S AY OR AI FTGS. AA’ondcrful worm worriers.