WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1924, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, DEC. 9th. Tiio Council met at 12 p.in. Present: —Messrs E. A. Wells (County Chairman), T). Ward, W. Jeffries, 'l'. 11. Cheslorman, W. Sonrle, .). A. Murdoch. Af. Keenan. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. MOTION OE CONDOLENCE. Tl le Chairman referred to the demise of Cr. (irimmond and expressed hi.s deep .sorrow at tlie loss of their popular colleague. ATr Crimmond was the fatlier of the Council ;ind for over forty years (had been a, member of the Council. He had filled every public position possible from a member of the School Committee to Parliament. He was very popular with all he came in contact. was ever too much trouble for him to do. He always endeavoured to do his duty and to do it in the most pleasant way possible to the very host of hi.s .ability, Mr Wells moved:

“That the Council express its deep regret at the death of the late Hon. J. Grimmond and tender to Mrs Griminond and relatives deepest sympathy in the sudden bereavement; and further, that there be placed oil record high appreenatlion of tilie late Mr (Irimmoml’s many years of service in the public interests, and in particular his long and useful connection with this Council, dating back to the inception of County Government forty-eight years ago.” Mr “Ward seconded the motion with regret. He was very sorry that their old friend was no more. Tie had left them a good example by his remarkable cheerfulness, his humor and his kindly smile. He had served the public light up to the last moment. Hi.s passing was regretted by all who knew him. lie deeply deplored the less of one whom lie* held in tlie* highest, esteem.

Mr Jeffries supported. lie felt his demise very much. He was one who had gone tin* South trip a fortnight ago, and never anticipated lie would not be present that day. ITe deeply regretted his loss and joined in the motion of sympathy, tributing the splendid record of deceased over such a long period of years. Mr Chcstorman deeply regretted the death of Mr Grimmond. He had also been one of the last party that went south and would always remember his cheery smile and kindly nature. Mr Senrlo joined in the kindly references of one whom they all knew so well and whose sudden demise had caused ihem such a painful shock. Mr Keenan also supported the motion which was carried in silence, the members standing. • EXTRAORDINARY VACANCY. The County Clerk notified that the Act stated an election to fill the vacancy should take place between 21 and 2." days and as this would entail an election in the holidays before January 3rd, lie suggested that an application be made for an Order-in-Council to extend the period to enable nominations to be closed on January 1 1 tli.. and the election to take place on .Janu-

ary 21st. This suggestion was agreed to on the mutiny of Messrs Jeffries and Sen rle. T NAY AHD COR RESI’OXDIvNOE. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue.—Received. from Lord Jellieue, acknowledging telegram of farewell, reciprocating good wishes.— Received. From Mines Department, advising that Department did not object to subsidy to Foley and Lockhead being held in abeyance. Received. From Same, stating if Mr Gilbert would pay costs of judgment entered against him for rent due, the Department would agree to rental outstanding being remitted. —Received. From .Minister of Internal Adairs, advising that the Government could not see its way to amend the law by giving a. Council power to pay its mem-, hers Cl Is a day for attendance at meetings. Received. Mr -Ward ex--111-.111-.I11-. -• 111 flu- opinion Ilia I 111*’ < ’"inn il should bo placed ill a bolter position than they were at present. Now they , were at the mercy of the caprice of the Auditor-General. For forty years the. Auditor-General had allowed reasonable travelling expenses and now a now Auditor comes along and gives a new j

and arbitrary reading to tin* Act. It- | was a very unsatisfactory position. He was sorry Parliament bad not seen its way to clear the air. Other public Indies were receiving higher payments ! that this Council had been receiving and now the members of the •Counel we’re dnhhed as robbers. Tt was a position that ho strongly protested against. Tie would take the first oppor- . tuiiity of retiring from the position he j now held and leave it to some wealthier , person to carry on the business of the Council. The Chairman said lie purposed inter- , viewing the Auditor on his arrival and endeavour to find out what the actual allowance could he made. I Mr Murdoch said that it should ho known that though the ruling on the I Act had been changed the Council was not going to accept that ruling passively the hotter, ft appeared to him that the present position was the result of the charge against the Government of their filching the County revenue. The Council would still oppose the action of the. Government. Mr Searlc said he was ipiitc satisfied that the ratepayer's did not desire the Councillors to servo them without receiving reasonable travelling cx- \ ponses.

From General Manager, Railways, advising that until the tramway constructed by Stuart and Chapman Ltd., Ross, has been brought up to the standard required by the Department, rolling stock could not lie permitted to run on the tramway.—Received. From Public Works Department, in reference to refund for money spentl on maintenance of Kumara-Ross Road, Department advises that the request could not ho granted. Received. From Same approving of closing of unused road at South Hokitika.— Received and approved. From Same,'with regard to erosion at Burnsides, and stating the matter did not seem to he serious.—Received. From Lands and Survey Depart .incur-, asking for assistance towards cleaning drains complained of by Muir Bros., Aralmra.—Received : no action taken. From Department of Health, Christchurch, forwarding regulation under the Health Act. —Received. From County Clerk, Tauinariinui, referring to Timber Royalties, and forwarding ropy of full text of Finance Act dealing with same.—Received. From Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., Ross, acknowledging copy of letter from Minister of Lauds, regarding scenery preservation on Main South Road.—Received. 1 From Same, is referonec to i-iilago of sheep.—Received. From Westland Branch, Automobile Association, Hokitika, forwarding copy of letter written to Public Works Department urging completion of i uinnra

Junction to Kapitea Hoad.—Received, From A. I{. Klcock, Hokitika, nil behalf of .Messrs Wall and Cropp, Iv’oiterangi, with reference to gate across road dividing their properties from that of AY. Diedrichx, aiul stating that Air Diedrichs had not fenced his property adjoining the road, and asking Council to insist upon Air Diedrichs complying with previous notice sent.— Received. In connection with the letter the motion carried at ti recent meeting was rescinded, it being left to the ratepayers affected to take ally action they may so desire. From D. A. Roberts, Evans Creek, drawing the Council’s attention to the dangerous state of Evans Road at bottom end.—Received; referred to Overseer to report. From AV. O’Leary, Okuru, asking for three weeks leave.--Received. From Roadman Dale, AVoodstoek, advising he would carry out wishes of the Council in reference to wandering stock.—Received. From AV. D. Nolan, Okuru, regarding several district works.—Received.

From Public AVorks Department asking consent to opening and closing roads affecting Richardson road and AVatnroa deviation. .South Westland.— Received and approved. From Labor Department advising particulars of Scaffolding Act Amendments.—^Received. From Conservator of Forests inviting continued assistance of County road staff in respect of forest fire prevention.—Received. From J. R. Limlbom with respect to rent on section abandoned at Dillmaustown, asking that the amount he treated as not recoverable.—-Received; to lie recommended. From Overland Dairy Coy Ltd., claiming l"! 19s (id for springs broken on motor lorry on County roads as a set oir against the motor tax. —Received ; no action taken.

From Alotormnn Robinson supplying particulars of work performed by motor lorry during November, and stating extent of repairs recently carried out. —Received. From same stating be bad been offered another position at increased wages, and before accepting left the matter open to the Council for review of rate of payment.—Received, ft was resolved to olfer an increase of salary to £23 per month. From Roadman Dale, reporting abatement in respect to wandering stock in bis district.—Received. From Roadman Nolan reporting on AVatnroa district works, including tlie laying olf of new roads and stating tlie grader bad arrived and was doing good worker.—Received. Front Overseer Alillner reporting on cost of dismantling Alikomii looltbritlgo and removing to Hokitika Gorge; stating last pile hud been driven at Kakapotahi bridge, and asking instructions as to erection of sheep pens; also report on district roads.—Received. From T. Stopfortli asking for drain to lie cut adjoining bis land at Koiterangi.—Received ; referred to Overseer for attention.

From Resident Engineer, Greynmutli, in connection with repairs to Okuru I wharf, stating the Department of Alnrino suggested that the cost of repairs should lie carried out by the Counts Council or settlers affected.—■ Received. FINANCE COAIAIITTEE’S REI’oRT. Your Committee lias Hie honor to report that tlie accounts presented for the month of November. 1921. have been examined carefully, anil begs to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling £2MI> 12s Id he passed for payment.— Received and adopted. ORDER HAPER. 1 The Chairman ' moved: '•That tlie accounts for the inonlli ul November, 1921 as revised and recommended for pavmcnt bv tin* Finance Committee, amounting to £2l 111 12s Id. be passed for payment.” —Seconded by Air Clicstcrnian and carried. 1 ('r. Sea rle moved: “That CIO be imlliorised for expenditure for repairs lo Doelierlv road. AYailin di-. Iroict." Second. -J by Mr Ji-ITric.s and carried. | Cr. Seal'll* moved:—“That a vote of £lu L' for C. be authorised to I!. Ritchie for repairing and improving Makawiho track. Jacob’s River.”-Sec-onded by Air Jeffries and carried.

i Cr. .ielfrics moved: —-'That a 'i vote of £lO C for L\ he authorised to Donnelly Bros, for further improvement to Bird Road, bower Wataroa.”--Sec-onded by Mr Searle and carried. | Cr. Jeffries, moved:—“That the 1 Overseer Ih* authorised to supply at half-cost concrete pipes necessary tor tin* seven open crossings .on the I'erngrove section ot tla* main south road, subject to the Public Murks’ Depnrt- | mont carrying out the work in cun- ; neetion with the covering of the crossings.’’—Seconded by Mr Senile and carried. | Mr Che.stermnn moved that a vote of £1!) he passed for the opening of a track from the cast side of Hike T\nnieri to Dorothy Falls, subject to KnknItnhi residents carrying out the work. Seconded hv Mr Keenan and carried, j Mr Ward moved that the Overseer be asked to repo/t on Hie necessity of some protection works' near Olderogs. Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. Mr Sea rlc moved that Mr Millnor report on the cost of fencing the cattle resting reserve near Evans Creek. It was resolved on Mr Jeffries’ suggestion t<> refer the matter to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for attention. The Chairman extended good wishes for the Christmas season, which were heartily reciprocated by members, and the Council adjourned at 3.3 d p.m.