COUNTY INSPECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1924, Page 2

COUNTY INSPECTION

On Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Air T. AY. Duff, County Chairman, accompanied by Hon ,1. Grimmoml. AI.E.C. (a member of the Westland County Council) and Air J. ()'lirien A1.1’.. visited the upper portion of the Southern Hiding for tin* purpose of looking into several limiters. The bridges on the Boss road were inspected. Generally these were found to he in an unsatisfactory condition. Ergo lit repairs are required in some cases, and in others, new bridges must, bo everted Fever.)! e-E----verts wore, found al-.o to be in a tad iv,r-. The road w;t.. handed over the Public AA orkr Department to the County Council only a few months ago, and unless material help is given by the Government, the legacy will be a costly one. In the meantime the County authorities have limited the weight crossing the bridges to one ton and a-lialf, thus precluding heavy traffic.

At Little AYaitalm the damaged Kakapotahi bridge was inspected. This bridge had several spans washed away last month in what was an abnormally high flood. The damage to the bridge structure is attributed to the debris from a large slip up-stream, piling upon the bridge till the pressure of trees and water caused the bridge to break away. The flooded river also eroded flic north approach badly, the surrounding country being inundated. A line for a new bridge at right angles to the stream was selected, and Overseer Alillner was instructed to prepare proposals for a bridge about 20011. in length, elevated about three feet- higher than the bridge destroyed. Proposals for river bank protection will require to he taken into consideration later.

At Tlarihari an inspection was made of the route for the extension of Peterson’s road to the river hank to give the settlers improved access. While at Mntainui tho delegation was met by the Lower Wat area settlers with regard to the mailing of that locality. The position was inspected yesterday forenoon. It was fouilo that the Wataroa river was eroding its south hank badly, and had cutaway the road reserve and was now invading the private property—all excellent land with a fine depth ol soil, and growing splendid grass. An arrangement was reached in regard to spending £ 1 tX> grant for Wataroa South bank road satisfactory to the settlers chiefly concerned. Ihe quost ii> ■ of access through to- settle---' land is to he gone into later, hut provisional permission ha- heen given, and the C'onnrissioner of Lands is to he approached in regard t i dedicating a road. A considerable additional expenditure in required for road access further down the stream, and this will be the subject of further application in connection with the Estimates for next financial year. Tilth regard to the river erosion it was found that the stream was now parting and creating a middle stream which if assisted might reduce the immediate danger from further erosion v.mxidi-rably. and Roadman Nolan was deputed to go into tho matter of proposals dealing with the position. The County delegation conferred later. ami Hon Griimnond and Mr O’Brien offered to interview the Hon Minister of Public Work- in regard to a Hood damage grant, and also m respect to the ltoss road bridges. In reply to an enquiry Mr O’Brien was advised Mr Coates would he in Christchurch on the 23rd. inst. and an interview might he arranged then. The two members of the legislature have agreed to cross over for the date named, and if necessary proceed to 'Wellington to meet- Mr Coates and so reach sound finality in regard to the pressing County matters re I erred to.