WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1923, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, SEPT. 11th. The Council met at 2 p.ni. Present: Messrs T. \V. Duff (County Chairman':, J. A. Murdoch, K. A. Wells, B. Ward, W. Jeffries, M. Keenan, W. Sea lie and T. B. Chesterman. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. VOTES OF CONDOLENCE. The Chairman referred in feeling terms to the death of a former Chairman and Councillor and moved: “That the Council place on record its deep regret at the sudden death of the late Samuel G. Ferguson, a former member of the Council, and convey to the relatives of the deceased the sincere sympathy of members in the sad bereavement sustained.—Seconded by Mr Ward and carried in silence. The Chairman also moved“ That the Council extend to Mr T. W. Bruce, an ex-Council! or, the sympathy of members in the recent herein omont suffered through the death of his sister, Mrs Stewart.—Seconded by Mr Wells and carried in silence. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Hon J. Grimmond, Dannevirke, enquiring if there was any mutter requiring attention in Wellington, Received. Leave of absence win granted Hon Grimmond. From Treasurer, Treasury Depart merit, advice note of revenue.—Receiv

From Under Secretary Mines, form of order directing rent to be treated as irrecoverable for H. A. Baucke 07 7s lid.—Received. From Same, Wellington, acknowledging receipt of application for Baglev Bros., Wchelca, for assistance to prospect upper lints of Cook’s river.— Received. From the Minister 'of Health, "Wellington, re the revaluation of the Hokitika Borough, not considering same necessary.—Received; referred to Finance Committee to report. From Public Works Department, Grcymouth, in respect to reconstruction of bridges and culverts on thoKumarn to Ross road. Also supplying particulars of items in this year’s Esl imutes.—Received. From Same, advising that this Department cannot favourably consider the taking over of portion of the Main South road known as Brandi's aid Wiilaroiv Flat road. —Received. From Same, regarding Kumarn lo Ross road, advising items of C2OO for Kunuira to Hokitika and L‘looo for Kumarn lo Boss bridges and stating that applicaiton lor those amounts lias been forwarded to Head Ofit -e. —Received. From Same, re Arahura river protective works C for C, advising balance of authority. L’d lias been on-(-■lied. Received. From Same, advising particulars of items appearing on this year’s estimates for the County lo expend. -Received. From the .Main Highways Roar], Wellington, re Nelson (No. 11) Highways District, enquiring if this Council would agree to the transfer of Murchison County to Nelson Group. —-Received; action cl Chairman in offering no objection, was approved. From the Native Trust Office, Wellington, referring W. Olderog's temporary tenancy title lo the Council for decision as to cancellation.—Received. From Farmers’ Union, Arahura, recommending that the Council visit Arahura to inspect on the spot the difference between Mr Agnew and Mr Olderog in reference to land held by Mr Olderog.—Received. Mr Wells on behalf of Mr Oldeiv.g referred to the position as affecting him mid Mr Agnew also staled his position at lellglgh. Mr Ward regretted the time ol the Council should he taken up on a trivial matter. The area in quest ion to his mind was not worth .'ill's. The area adjoins Mr Olderog’s section on the liver bed. As long as ho could remember the piece adjoining Olderog's was vacant. New this area is fenced in leaving a roadway to Mr Agnew, with his pig stye. These people should sellle their difference and live peaeofullv together. If the Council moves in the direction of having Olderog's fence removed they would raise a lot of trouble. No advised thnl no action he taken, lie moved that the letter he received and no action he taken. Seconded by Mr Senile. Mr Murdoch moved an amendment. If he thought the position as taken up hv Mr Ward was correct he would support, him, hut he pointed out that the Native Trustee had no right to issue n loa c e, ever a road reserve, and his view was that the lease should he cancelled. Ho moved that the Native Trustee he i»fortnod that Urn Council objects to attc lease existing over any County road reserve.—Seconded by Dir Searlo.—• Supported by Dir Welts. Mr Jeffries thought the Council would he well advised to leave Iho matter alone ns suggested by DTr Ward. It was unfortunate that this neighbour's trouble had eomo before the Council. He knew some of the

statements made were misleading. The amendment was put and earned. Becoming ihe substantive motion it was agreed to. The Council expressed the hope that the disputants would come to an amicable arrangement. From the Department of Lands and Survey, Hokitika, calling attention to the urgency of repairs to Totnra river bridge.—Deceived. From Department of Lands, Hokitika, enclosing plan of area of land recently subdivided for (he purpose of a town at AVailio Gorge.—Deceived. Mr 'Murdoch moved that Ihe plans be approved and that the Council congratulate the Commissioner of Crown Lands on his prompt action in arranging to have the area exempted from the Mining Act and in laying out the township area which would be a great boon to the district. —Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. From Prime Minister, advising ho had forwarded representations to ihe Minister in Charge of Afforestation in reference to forest policy.—Received. Mr Murdoch moyed that the action of the Chairman be approved, lie suggested that in the interests of the district the Council invito Hon Downie Stewart to visit the district. From Secretary X.Z. Counties Association, indicating that he has communicated telegram to President in reference to forest policy proposed.Received. From James O’Brien, M.P., regarding votes for the supplementary eslima tos.—Received. From Waikato County, advising that, the Government intends Highways Board to meet whole interest on constructional cost, including Government's half out of revenue.—Received. From Murchison County Clerk, cn subject of Main Highways Act.—Received. From Clerk, Duller County Council, enquiring if this Council has adopted ; the by-laws recently drawn up by Mr Park.—Received. From Department of Health, Christchurch, regarding premises occupied by S. Yde, Otira, as to nuisance at stables, Otira.—Received. From S. Yde, Otira, on same subject, protesting at notice sent.—R<r ceived. From G. D. Wilson, Greymouth, applying for permission to cross the Kutnara Bench Road with tho Tara- j mnkau Timber Co’s tram at a point below the Kumara Borough Reserve. —Received; request granted on the usual conditions.

I From Booth MacDonald, Ltd., Christchurch, enclosing order for roller | amended showing reduced prices and I asking the Council to sign same and I return at convenience.—Received. ! From It. C. Fcelcs.fi eld and others, Mntainui, pointing out the importance ol' having Mcßride's creek on Scally road extension bridged.—Received. | From W. White and Hargreaves, offering their services as ferryman on the Throe Mile creek for ;C3O per annum.—Received. ; From Christiansen and Watson, ■ Waiho, desiring to prospect hack - ranges in the Ocmoeron region.—lfe- > feived ; to be recommended. • From J. C. Christiansen, Waiho, ' asking for improved access through • from Dochcrty’s creek to Gibb road. : —Received; referred to Overseer Mill- - nor to inspect and report as to best r route and cost. i From W. Milliter, reports re County t works etc.—Received. , From T. Nolan, report re County f works for July-August.—Received, t From Mines Department, deferring s consideration of prospecting applicar tion hy Bagley Bros., Wolieka, pending a decision regarding geological exploration proposed under Westland - prospecting scheme.—Received. From Inspector of Mines, enquiring • in regard to proposed prospecting at s Mananui etc. —Received. From Public Health Office, Cliristchurch, notices re sanitary matters affecting hotels at Otira Gorge and W ataroa, and residenee at Fpper Kokatahi.—Received.

From F. AY. Tirown, South Hokitika, asking lt-avo to place gate 0,1 houndary track.—Received; no objection to he offered. From Staines and Sullivan, Stafford, applying for permission to erect two gateways on Road Hoard road.—-Re-ceived ; request- granted. Fffiiin Molornian Robinson, reporting on work for August.—Received. From Overseer Milliter, reporting cost of drainage at Woodstock main road was C2o.—Received. From Chamber of Commerce, nolilying the annual conference will ho held at the Town Hall on the 2Gth inst. Received. The Chairman and monikers to attend. Krom Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., Ross, stating they would lie pleased to confer with the Council in regard to the provision of suitable loading places in connection with the carriage o. goods on the Mikonui. tramway ; supplying copies ot correspondence villi Minister and forest service.—Received, Mr \Y. .1. Rutler was present to supply further information to the Council on the subject. Mr Murdoch moved that the Southern memhers with the Chairman to watch the interests of the Council and the public and confer with the firm. —Seconded by .Mr Ward. who said ii. was unfortunate that the line \va> not open yet. He believed the linn were doing its best. The motion was agreed to. KINA NCR (OM .MITT KM’S RKRORT. 1. —Your Committee has the honor to report that the accounts presented for the month of August, 1 !'22, have been carelullv examined, ami hog to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling Cl lln ISs Id, he passed for payment. 2. —The Treasurer reported to the Committee that Hie decision to grant rebate on rates paid within the statutory date, operated satisfactorily. About 40 tier cent of the general rate was paid within the stipulated period, involving a rebate of .C Rl-I to the ratepayers who took advantage of the concession. The amount of rates so paid, about C2,5n0, enabled a substantial reduction to he made in the hank overdraft, thus saving the Council interest on that account, so that actually the ratepayers had the benetit of receiving a payment which in. the ordinary fours.> would litre been payable to lha hankers. It is satisfactory to he able to repott to-day that as a result ol the prompt rate payments ami with the addition of other accruing revenue, the County Fund account to-dey -how* a credit balance at ihe hank. 2. -The Committee appointed to report with regard to salaries cl road stall' desires an extension of time, as time to-day was not available to go fully into the matter. It is proposed lo hold a meeting- within a few days to consider the matter.—Received. CHAIRMAN'’* RKRORT. In connect ion with the C hairman's report on bridges, the proposal made placing Mr lioucher in charge tif til: bridges was approved, members voicing appreciation of good work done. Reference was made to the legal position in connection with the aeci- j tlt-nL to Totara bridge, and the Chairman stated thai iuslructions laid been given to have the repairs effected as soon as possible ami then a claim would he made for the damages incur red. It was resolved to notify the owners of the motor lorry who were responsible for the accident that the Council held them responsible for the

cost, of repairs. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved :—“Thai the accounts for the month of Align.-,!, 1 fil’d, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to Cl 1-15 18s Id, be passed for payment.''—Seconded bv Mr Ward ami carried. The Chairman moved :—“That application he made to the Public Works Department, for the expenditure of road and bridge votes within tho County of Westland.”—Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. The Chairman moved :—“That a special meeting of the Finance Committee bo bold within one week from date for the purpose of taking surii action as may lie deemed necessary in respect to the petition lodged with the Hon Minister of Internal Affairs relative to tho inclusion of that portion of the Borough of Hokitika known as •South Hokitika, within the area of ihe County of Westland, and the clerk he instructed to compile all necessary information for the consideration of the Finance Committee.”—Seconded bv Air Choslennan and carried. Next

Monday night was fixed for the meeting. The Chairman moved : —“That tho Finance Cmmittee report in respect to the measure of financial sup- ( port to he granted for W estland Countv Exhibits at the British and Intercolonial Exhibiton to be held at Hokitika, opening loth December next.”— 1 Seconded by -Air Jeffries and carried. Mr Searle moved ' —“That the Public Works Department he urged to proceed forthwith with the erection of Waikukupa bridge, the timber for which is now available, and the need for the structure most urgent.”—Seconded by Mr Murdoch and carried. Mr Searle moved: —“That the Council authorise the bridging of Mcßride’s Creek, Mntainui, the work to be done economically by Hoadmun Nolan and an assistant.”—Seconded by the Chairman. Mr Jeffries said they had a footbridge that crossed the creek. He thought more good could be done with the Council’s money than the spending of about £OO for this bridge. The Chairman said the residents had put their claim very forcibly before him, and he favoured'the work being done if it could he carried out for £4O to £45. Mr Ward felt that till the Pacing Club were prepared to find part of tlie cost lie would not bo able to support the proposal. Mr Murdoch said they should i strengthen the footbridge that crossed the creek if it was not in sufficient good order. He thought there veic other works of more importance held up for want of funds. Mr Searle made an appeal for the ' support of ihe Council, on belialt of the settlers affected. The motion was pul and lost. ’ U was resolved on the motion ol Mr Keenan to have 5-mall repairs ellected near the store at Kokatahi. On the motion oi Mr C'bcslerinan L was resolved that the Overseer report on cost of Hearing track near bake Arthur. Mr Jt'lfries moved that the Clerk report at next meeting on the cost of the motor lorry to Sept. HOtli with amount of work' done. —Seconded by Mr Ward and carried. 1 Tin- Council rose at 5250 p.in.