WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1924, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, JULY 1. The Council met at. 2.10 p.m. Present—. Messrs K. A. Wells (County Chairman), W. JelTries, 13. Ward, T. W. Duff, .M. Keenan. J. A. .Murdoch, 'l'. I(. Chestermnn. The minutes uvro eonlirmed and out-

ward eoiie-pundence approved. VOTE OF CONDOLENCE. The Chairman referred in feeling terms to the death of Mrs Wells, wife of ..Ir 1C Wells, a former member of the Council. He moved shat- the Council convey to Mr Wells ae.d la'i'.fly their sincere sympathy and otilUlnlcfieiin their bereavement. - Secohded by .Mr Ward and carried in. silence. INWARD CORK ESP<)NJ)ENCE.

From M. Houston and Co., "reporting that an agreement had been come to between M.essrs 11 elide and llerlihy in connection with the lease of the ferry reserve At the Big Wanganui, and askii'K that a new lease he issued on the terms offered by the Council at (Mb per annum.— Received. Mr Houston wailed on the Council in support. The Chairman said lie was glad that an arrangement had been come to by the liarties, though Air Hondo had been very foolish in his previous action. He moved tlniL the new lease be issued as requested.—Seconded by Mr Keenan and carried. It was resolved io refer the new lease to the County Solicitor to attend to. From Treasury, notifying revenue accrued to the County Fund Account. Received. From Postmaster-General. informing the Council that arrangements have been made for a twice-weekly mail service between Ross-Wailio (Jorge.— Re-

ceived as satisfactory. From Minister of Mines, stating that rentals owing bv Ml. Greenland Gold Quarts Mining Cov., Would be treated as irrecoverable.—Received. From Internal Affairs "Department, notifying re certain graves in South Westland, that the matter would have immediate consideration. —Received. From Same, enclosing a warrant authorising the removal oi the graves, and re-interment of tin* bodies in Okarito cemetery. Received : referred to Chairman to make enquiries and take the necessary action.

From Same, in reply to resolution passed h.v ill - Council, stating matter would receive consideration.- —Received. From .las. O'Rrien. M.P., Greymouth. regarding bridge crossing at Harris's. Christchurch Road, regretting cost was so high. —Received. From lion 11. 1.. Michel. M.1..C.. re change in Comity Amendment, and stating lie would as-ist in every way

to bring about the necessary amendment.— Received.

From Department of Slock, notifying that slaughter house licenses would receive consideration. Received. From Medical Officer of Health, stat-

ing that the Local Authority's Sanitary Inspector would furnish reports direct to his local authority, and that local authority directions Iron! Head Oilin' would now cea-e. Received.

From Same, notifying works to be carried nut by •). V. Finch, Aralmra, at his premises.—Received. From Commissioner of Crown Lands, stating the- Department had agreed to conirihtile towards the completion of river protection works at Wataroa.— Received.

Front Same, re Petersen Road Extension, and stating the Department could not alter its decision.—Received. From Post and Telegraph Department. asking permission I rum Council to oi ace Post Office at Jacksons on road vested in the Westland ( oiinty Council.—Received : request granted. From County Clerk, Tauniuntimi. thanking Council tor Prime Minister s reply re Timber Royalties. Received. From Waitomo County Council, enclosing letter to Minister ol finance, on subject of loan to Local Bodies.— Received.

From Hokitika Savings Bank, stating letter re extension McArthur road would lie placed lielore the Trustees at their next meeting. Received. Air Jeffries reported that as a result of a conference arrangements were being made for the work to he carried out the County to find l’7b and the panics affected the balance of £32b.—Resolved the work he carried out when the amottnls are paid into the County fund.

From Guinness and Kiichinghain. asking that rent in respect to Extended Claim No. 151)1. at Callaghans, be t rented as nonrooiivorablo. — Received : agreed io recommend, subject to the right being surrendered. From Park and Altirdnoh, asking Council to agree to rent on Amalgamated Claim No. 31(11), at Rinm being treated as ncnreenverable. —Received

and request granted. From Kniterniigi Timber Coy., ask

ing permission to cross Croup Boat with a tramline. Received : it was resolved (hat a mining title he appliei for, live Council’s conditions to he endorsed thereon. From A. If. Larsen, asking Cniinci' to grant a tramline on 1 tokitika-Rus? road.—Received. It was resolved that a mining title he obtained, the Council's conditions to be endorsed thereon. From 11. -I. Lovett, Kokutahi, slating he had a concrete mixer, and agreeing to sell same at L'2b. Received.

From Eric E. .James, Hokitika, asking assistance for clearing out the Wliitcniube Valiev track.—.Kerrivod. ft was resolved in view of the heavy cost involved (2100(1) the Council could not

consider it. From Charles Smith. Okuru, refuting report regarding use ol Okttru lorry.— Received. Mr Cull mice waited on the Council expressing surprise that lie should have been accused of having taken ferry money that lie had not earned, and giving particulars of the ferry work carried out. From C. Al. Harris, lluhtika. protesting against ferry at Okuru being taken up river.—Received.

From Advisorv Committee, Okuru

urging the Council to grant further expenditure for re-opening the 'lackson's Bay port road.—Received.

From James Fitzgerald. Wnihiniliini, applying for a slaughter house license : renewal.—Received. From M,. .1, Ciittance, forwarding statement of [.ihniry Account at Okuru. —Received. t From Okuru Advisory Committee, stating after consultation with Messrs Carroll and Cowan, it was decided not to close ferry at Okuru. and supplying particulars of expenditure under grants from Council for local works.—. Received: Mr .Jelfries moved that the previous resolution lie. rescinded, and that the old terms he continued for the Okuru ferry as formerly.—Seconded by Mr Chesterman and carried. From Overseer Millncr, reports on district works.—Received. From Grey mouth Motors. I.td., offering Ford motor cars: two sealer e 17A; five sealer L'l9o. complete with electric light, self-starter and spare rim and tyre. —Received. From Secretary Arahura Farmers’ Union, drawing attention to wandering cattle nuisance on One .Mile road. Received: Roadman to he instrneted to report all wandering cattle. From Harris Bros., Iluhuka, suggesting expenditure on upper portion of Turnbull Road, about :10 chains of gravelling being necessary.—Received ; referred to Chairman.

From Executrix late \Y. Passmore, applying for transfer of slaughter house license at Kumara; also for renewal of license.—Received and agreed to.

From Overseer Milliter, stating no objection to erection of post office on Jackson road reserve.—Received.

From Same, promising to report later in regard to concrete mixer offered by Lovett Pros.—Received.

From Same, reporting cost of bridle track on south bank of Whitconibe river to Friend’s creek, four miles would be not less than £I,OOO. — Received.

From Roadman Nolan, reporting small Works attended to, Slatiilg repairs to Galway track and Teal road need mil lie costly as the traffic was nut heavy. Received.

Froth A. R. Green, estimating value of F.W.1)., second hand motor lorry was about tIOOO, and stating C'-’OO would require to be spent on overhaul, and installing hydraulic tip.—Receiv-

From F.W.I). Coy.. London, cabling four ton motor lorry, hand-tipper, was 13-175; and a three way hydraulic tipper £5lO, free on board, London.—Received.

From W. Robinson, forwarding report of work of County lorry.—Received. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Your Committee lias the honor to report that the accounts presented for the mouth of June 1024, have been examined with care, and begs to recommend that the amount as approved. totalling 21773 tbs bd, he passed for payment. Your Commirtee hogs to draw Hie Council's attention to the fact that during the last four months nocounis to the. amount of 2!),18!) .Ms 2d have been passed for payment. \\ ith tile present income it is not possible to maintain the high rate of expenditure. The exnendit lire on roads for the upkeep of the heavy traffic has been very heavy of late, and unless there is some extra income derived by license fees nr increased royalties immediately, it will be necessary to take steps under the Public Works Act to stop all heavy traffic on the roads up to the end of .September, ami to disperse with the extra horse and dray work now employed for urgent repairs on several roads.

Your Committee recommends that the Chairman lie empowered to enforce the law prohibiting heavy traffic it there is not any immediate financial relief in sight by the I Ith inst., and i hat all extra drays etc. oil the roads be dispensed with after that date, and •ill possible economies in administration be introduced where practicable.— Received i! lit I adopted. OVERSEER’S REPORT.

Sir.—l have the honor to report upon the following works completed during the month of June. NORTHERN RIDING. Waimea Creek Bridge Protection, 22b!) grant was continued when the weather was favourable ami the mailt retaining wall 11(1!) links above tiiu bridge, completed tin* specified distance. The .second stop hank of manuka scrub and stone 21X) links below the retaining wall, was completed nearly double the distance specilied. and the formation and metalling of the southern road approach intended to raise the present road above high llond level was satisfactorily completed a distance ol 27b links.

Kttmara to Kapiea Road Cleari;.'.',. ■£b(), was completed over the last icn chains.

Kttmara to Kapiton Road Extension, balance of £11)!!:) grant. The contractors for this work tire making good progress notwithstanding the very had weather experienced during the month. The work completed on this amounted to ten chains of formation.

Main Highways Repairs were <• intituled oil the Kttmara section extending from Callaghans Road to Kumara Junction, and Waimea-Stnllord Section extending fi;om tallaglians to Aralmra Railway Bridge: also Hokitika Section to Hokitika Borough. The work on all sections consisted ul stripping gravel pits, repairing motor worn holes, and low places on the road surface, /(leaning road drains, watertables. (leairng gor.se. and blackberry from the road side, and renewing defective decking on Kapiton Creek and Waimea Creek Bridges. Two horses and drays were employed on the first and H'-nnd set lions assisted hv the County .Motor,’which was used in haulage over tile long distances, especially between Flowery Creek and Hokitika. The continued wet weather prevented rapid progress being made with the work oi repairs and on some ol the sections very little improvement, wits nnticcablo at. the end of the month.

Three .Mile Creek Bridge repairs wen commenced and completed as lar a? practicable under the direction ol Bridge Foreman li. Reynolds, and tin following limber was removed and re placed 12 x 12—1 33. I 10: C. x (>-- 10-10. 1 12: J2 x If—‘2/20; IH x !) I 20; !) x I) -3, IO: !) x li--5'22. -I IS 8 x 3 -lb. 10, b IS: (i x 4—B IC. ; 4 x '- -12 -18. 2/ Iti: 8 x (i—24; 1(1. Old lint her redressed and used t! x li— 20 b (> N 4—b IC.: 5 x 4 —l3 10.

Aralmra Valley Road was repaired ill the worst places between Agnew'.s Curlier and Alalfroy’s tramway crossing; Watertahles: and drains cleaned, and growth cleared trom the roail.-ide in readiness lor grader work on Blue Spur to .Aralmra Road. Scrub cleaned. waler-taldes (leaned on Callaghan's Ruud. Water-in hies cleaned and holes renairc! on Larrikin's l.nopline. and a subsided culvert, on Kumnra Load Read removed and filled in with .stone. Awatuna Road was cut un a good deal with heavy traffic during the wet weather and was repaired ill the worst places with gravel.

CENTRAL RIDIN'G. Wall Road .Metalling £lsll. The contractors for this work have made good progress having completed clearing, draining, fasciuing. and formation, in readiness for metalling which has been delayed for a week owing to wet weather.

Kokt'.tahi River Protection. £211!) grant. The balance of work to exhaust the vote of £2(1!) was commenced, hut had to he abandoned owing to the river being ten high to allow the placing of lower fascines. The work u in hand to-day. 2!)th. and will he completed by July sth. Alain Highways Repairs were effected to had holes on the road surface, watertahles cleaned oil the hills nml in Kmiieri Street, and overhanging scrub cut in several places in the llokitikaKanicri Section. Motor worn holes were repaired. watertahles cleaned, and l/2lft. by I2in. diameter concrete pipe drain constructed on Rinm flill in the Woodstock section. Water-tables were cleaned in several places on tin* Ahuii Highway in the Rimu section between Rinm and the Forestry holding.

Slip- Hill Repairs. £7-1. A retaining wall of silver pine posts with 8 x I planking, .surmounted by a stone wall 70 feet in length and 7 feet in height, was constructed to prevent further subsidence of the roadway. Lake Kanieri Road was repaired with gravel between Slip llill ami Stoney Creek, and culvert beyond Boucher's 1 rack partly renewed. I.owcr Kokatahi, T pper Kokatahi. Municipal. Weir’s. Koitcrangi. McArthur’s. Ilokitika-flau Hall. Robinson's and Back Creek Roads were repaired with gravel, forkings and broken metal and 1 ISft. by 12in. diameter pine drain constructed on Lower Kokatahi Road; 118 ft. by 12in. diameter concrete pine drain on Municipal Road: and 1/18 ft. by 12iu. diameter concrete pipe drains on McArthur Road. "Defective decking was renewed on Kanieri River and Puck Creek bridges, and two culverts ' at Tvoiterangi. Portions of Lower Kokatahi. Ifau Hau and Blue Spur roads were partly cleaned with the large road grader drawn by the F.W .1). Motor, which was also used in carting pipes, timber etc. to Kokatahi. Ross Bond, etc., aKo heavy gear from Kokatahi Bridge and Kanieri and from Three Mile Creek Bridge to Malfroy'x Bridge. This machine has proved very valuable in relieving the County Motor of cart-

ago of timber, pipes etc. during the jiumtli.

Diedrieh’s Creek Bridge Protection, £ls vote was completed and should prove effective in checking further erosion.

Concrete Pipe Construction was continued at Kmiieri under the direction of Mr F. Selby, the. following number of pipes being completed 38/lHiti.. 3b/12in., and 18/£>ili> SOUTHERN RIDING.

Main lligliwltys. Ross Section.—Repairs wero effected to a very had section of road surface near lajekington's old mill, motor holes were patched in various places between 1 ottira Bridge and Donnelly's Creek Bridge; watertables and drains were cleared for bO chains in length between South Creek ad Horse Shoo Bond Bridge. Jut Fontaine Road Extension. £3OO grant has not progressed very rapidly during the month owing to the < ontiutied rainfall which prevented the drays from being used on the formation for more than a week. During that time five chains of metalling wore completed. . , . . Little Wanganui 1 tael; Widening. £lbo. This work was commenced and the cnntraol signed, but wet weather delayed any material progress.

Ferguson’s Road and drains wendeared of scrub and blackberry growth for a distance of 30 chains, an excellent. job being made throughout. Wanganui Flat Road was repaired with gravel and metal broken in various places; Robinson's Road was also attended to iiy the Rnadhlan. metal being broken in several places. Evans’ Road Drainage was completed a distance of 13 chains, and the whole of the work will !>e completed during the month of July. Waitaha Settlement Read was attended to, the new gravel being raked and stone broken in the ruts. WILLIAM All LEXER.

REPORT RE MAIN HIGHWAYS COUNCIL. Sir and Gentlemen —1. have the honor to report tfiat one or two matters of special interest to the Council cropped up at last week’s meeting ol the Highway’s Council at Groymouth. Originally idle Highways Council recommended the Highways Board to declare the Karamea to Itaasl as a mam highway. The Board has declared the main highway from Karamea to Waihn liver. The question of the portion from Wailio to 1 limit is to he reviewed in a year's time. This will not he unsatisfactory if. as at present. Public Works continues to maintain that- section of main road. Mr Gillies stressed the point that the Wailio bridge to ho constructed shortly should he included in the main highway. Probably this ion he arranged for. and it is proposed to discuss the matter with the Executive Officer of the Highways Board at Wellington next week.

The other matter is more immediately important to the louncil. In March last local bodies with highways in their districts were asked by circular letter to control the highways pending the issue,of the gazette notice, and upkeep same at a standard equal to the then condition. It was indicated the Government would take over the highways immediately, though the circular stated payment would he made from the time of the gazette notice. An affirmative reply was sent in time to get in witii the Ist. April, when it was understood generally the roads would lie taken over by the Highways Board. For some reason the roads were not gazetted till .lone !)th.. and the Board has declined payment for about ten weeks' work |>crforiiioil in good faith by the Council. The amount, so expended was. £37!) J.s 3d. Other Councils are similarly placed and it was resolved the Executive at Greyinouth should frame a reply to the Board. Ponding an answer on the subject it is intended, also, to discuss the matter at Wellington with the Executive officer next week.

I). J. EVANS. Countv Clerk

ORDER PAPER

The Chairman moved:—"That the accounts for the month of June. 11)21, as revised ami recommended for payment by-the Finance Committee, amounting to L‘177,‘3 lbs sd, ho passed for payment.”—Seconded by Mr .Murdoch and carried. The Chairman moved :—” That the Council make and levy, pursuant In the provisions of Sections IS—55 of ‘ The Rating Act, l!H)S,” and its amendments, and Sections 120—121 of "I he Counties’ Act, 11)2(1,” it general rate as follows—

(a) Seven farthings in the C oil the capital value of all rateable property in the Northern Riding of the County of Westland.

(hi Seven farthings in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property in the Central Riding of the County of Westland.

(e) Seven farthings in the 2 oil the capital value of all rateable property in the .Southern Riding of 1 lie County of Westland.

i Such general rate to he for the period commenced on the Ist day of April. 1924, and ending on the .list day of .March, ]B2"i, and to become due and payable in one sum on the Isi day of duly, 192-1, at the office of Ihe Westland County Council, Hokitika."—Seconded by Mr .JclFries and carried. The Chairman moved:—"That the Council make and levy pursuant tii the provisions of Sections IS —ii of "The Rating Act, PillS," and its amendments, and the provisions of “The Local Bodies Loans Act, 1!)US,” and its amendments, special rates as follows: (a) A special rate of one penny and live-fourteenths of a penny in the ii (annually recurring) for tile special Inter-Wanganui rating district, for the loan of L'?."ill for the Petersen’s road extension. (b) A special rate of one penny and sevoiitccn-twentyfirsts of a penny ill the - (annually recurring) for the .special Inter-Wanganui rating district, affecting the loan of IMoO for Petersen’s road further extension. (o) A special rate of six-seven-teenths of a penny in the, C (auniially 1 recurring) for the special inter-Wan-ganui rating district, alfecting the hum of (MOo for Lit Fontaine creek clearing. Cl) A special rate of six-thirtysoo-onds of a penny in the C (annually recurring) for the special Southern rating district alfecting the loan of C 1.70(1 for Kakapotahi bridge erection. Such special rates to be for the period commenced on the Ist day of April, HUM. and ending on the .'list day of March, 192." i, and to become due and payable in one sum on tho Ist day of July, 1921, at the office of the Westland County Council, Hokitika."—Seconded by ..ir Ward and carried.

The Chairman moved:—"That pursuant io the provisions of Section :i. Mih-seetion (2) of "The Rating Amendment Act, 1922,” the Council decides to allow to every ratepayer a rebate not exceeding o°„ on so much of the amount of the rates payable by him in respect to t lie foregoing General and Special rates as is paid before the expiration of thirty days after the due date thereof, viz: by the loth August, 192-1, and in pursuance of this resolution the allowance of the rebate he publicly notified accordingly.”—.Seconded by Mr Ward and iar-j rieil.

The Chairman moved:—"That the Overseer report as to the advisability of opening Station road, Kuiternngi, for the convenience of increasing settlement in preference to the extension of Doughboy road, as asked for on tin*, road estimates applied for.” —Seconded by Mr Murdoch and carried. Tile Chairman mnvecl: —" That the Overseer report as to the cost and necessity of placing a platform culvert oit Noilseh’s road, Koiterangi, adjacent to Godfrey’s homestead.” —Seconded by Mr Murdoch and carried. Reference was made to the fact that

tile bridgemen at Arnhura bridge were held up owing 10 the absence of sufficient timber for the work. It was resolved that enquiry he made and strong representations he made to the Overseer and millers with a view to future prevention of the complaint. Leave of absence was granted lor two week, to the County Clerk. The next meeting was fixed for Tuesday, August f.tli. t The Council rose at l.d n.ht.