WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1925, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TCESDAY, FEBRUARY IOtH

Tlio monthly meeting of the Council was held at the County Chambers. The Council sat at 2.5 o’clock. Present:—Messrs ;K. A. Wells (Chairman), B. Ward, J. A. Murdoch, W. Searlo, das. Donovan, AT. Keeuan, T. W. Duff, W. Jeffries. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and outward correspondence a.s scheduled was approved..

The Chairman extended a welcome t> Mr Donovan, re.'ently elected for tlie Southern Hiding, and congratulated Mr Donovan on his return to tho Council after over 20 years’ absence.

Air Ward joined in the welcome. They had Air Donovan’s photo on the wall since the time of his (Air Donovan s) former association with the Council. He wondered why Air Donovan was desirous of coming hack. In forniei years .Mr Donovan had discharged his duty well, and he hoped he would have a pleasant term of office. Air Searle joined in the congratulations to his newly elected colleague. Mr Murdoch endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers. Ho recognised the early councillors with whom Air Donovan had been associated had done good work. They were notable men. and ATr Donovan bad proved an able colleague.

AD Donovan thanked the Council fertile cordial reception after an absence of 27 years. He recalled the work of the earnest and public spirited men with whom lie had sat before. He had learned much from them, and would endeavour to assist now with the finances in the hope that the Council would be able to continue its good work. He noted the County Clerk was still in hi.s place, and he hoped .Mr Evans would lie spared long to remain in the service <s the Council, for which he had done such useful work. IX WA R D COM 11ESl’ONDEX CE, From .Returning Officer, advising that at election held on the 21st January to fill vacancy in Southern Hid-

ing of CoUuty of Westland, James Donovan of Okarito was duly elected to position of Councillor for current term.—Deceived. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue.— Deceived. From Public Works fJepaiTnielnt, forwarding copy ol proclamation proclaiming land as a road and road dosed in lilock XI If Wataroa Survey District.—Deceived. From same, regarding Main Highway Accounts which had been referred to Chairman, but no authority had been received for payment of same. • Deceived. The Clerk explained the Chairman of the Highways Council had agreed to telegraph for a •settlement.

From same, advising that the matter of improvement of Highway roads would he brought up at next meeting of Highways Council.—Deceived. I lie Clerk explained dangerous corners were to l.e cleared by the .surfacemen as opportunity offered. From Conservator of Forests in reiercnce to “ Filths ” of State .Forest Devenue, and advising that the matter was being communicated with the Head Office—Deceived. On the suggestion of Air Afurdoch it was rcxulved to enquire whether fifths were to he of the gross or the net income. From Alines Department, in respect to deviation of Seddon Terrace lloatl, and stating that the -Minister was -prepared to authorise payment of a subsidy up to one-third ol estimated cost, provided the Council and Mining Companies found the other two thirds of cost. -Deceived; Mr Keenan and the Chairman urged attention and it was resolved to vote £193 for the work, one-third of the estimated east-, the balance to he provided |,y the Alines Department, and the liiin-

ing company. From Same forwarding copies of agreement for loan of Department s Hand Placer Drill to Mr H. Jones Received.

From X. Z. Railways, acknowledging receipt of letter re use of rolling stock on Al.essrs Stuart and Chap--I,mini's Tramway Ross, jfiiul stating Lfie matter was being considered.—Received.

From .Minister of Railways, advising that arrangements for use of rolling stock over Stuart and Chapman's Tramway, could not be made, as the track in question was not safe or suitable for Government rolling stock. Received. From Chairman, Railway Hoard, Wellington, stating Stuart and Chapman’s tramway to Waitaha, had been inspected again and the position altered hut slightly since previous inspection ; also adding that Indore the line is suitable to carry the Department’s rolling stock it will require'aligning and surfacing throughout and a large number of rails between O.d chains and ;i miles 70 chains must he renewed.'— Received. It was resolved a copy of the letter he sent to Stum t. and Cliapma'n Ltd. Severivl euiincijlors spoke uu the matter referring to the urgency and the previous promises made. Mr Searle moved that- in view of the Government failing to grant an extension, i.f the railway beyond Ross, the Department lie, asked to assist the company by granting the use of the maintenance gang to bring the line up to the required standard. Mr Donovan seconded. Carried. On the suggestmn of .Mr Jeffries it was further resolved to interview the Minister of Railways when visiting the district in April next. Mr Jeffries mentioned that more fat stock than ever would come out of South Westland this winter for transport h.v rail t i other parts of the Dominion. From Department of Health regarding contribution 'bo Inspector’s Salary. and stating the charge upon tho Council would he the same, as there will he no difference in the amount of work to he performed by the officer. Received, and as one olficer was now doing the duty of two. it. was resolved to reduce the local body subsidy one half. From Automobile Assn, explaining attitude regarding motor taxation and expressing regret if there had been any misunderstanding in the matter.—Received.

From Same with regard to bridging I’aliner’s Creek, Arahura Valley Road. -Received and resolved to include the work in next Kstimatos as an urgent matter.

From Town Clerk, Greymouth, stating Council had carried a resolution protesting against the removal of the Traffic Manager and Railway Workshops from Greyrnouth, and also against importation of coal for use on N.Z. Railways, and asking for co-operation of all local bodies on tho West Coast,; and asking support by communicating with the Minister of Public Works. —Received; the Council to give all assistance possible. From W. Jeffries applying for renewal of auctioneers’ license.—Received and approver!.

From Janies Park, rc Motor Drivers’ Licenses, and forwarding copy of the Regulations proposed.—Received and resolved to write the Department regarding amendment to the regulations. From Same regarding diversion cf municipal road and approval of plan. —Received. From County Chairman, reporting cn visit of inspection-to portions of the Central Riding.—Received. From Overseer Millner, forwarding report of McArthur Road Drainago, with cost for same and completion Wall Rond,—Received.

From Public AVorks Department notice of proclamation of roads in "Wataroa district. —Deceived. From same, asking consent to closing road in AVatnroa district.—Received and approved. From same, authorising works: Kumara-Kapitea Hoad, £20!): Kokatahi bridge protection. £200: Adamson’s mad, £200; Waitangi South bank road £2oo.—Received, works to be put -in hand.

From Westland Progress League asking financial support to distribute booklet advertising holiday resorts in Westland. —Received and on the motion of Afr Jeff lies £lO was voted. From Lands Department asking consent to road through scenic reserve, Waiho.—Deceived and approved. From Automobile Association forwarding .Co for road improvement at Crawfish bend, Lake Kanieri Road.— .Received with thanks. From C. J. Nightingale asking construction of Alahinapua Creek road to Manama might he expedited.—Received. The Clerk stated the matter had been referred to Head Office hv the District Railway Engineer, who had promised an early reply. - From Warren and Feeney asking permission to haul number of logs across Blue Spur Road in vicinity of sawmill.—Received and referred to Overseer Afillner to report, the Council not being favorable to granting the request. From Afotormaii Robinson report regarding work of lorry for mouth of January.—Received. From Roadman Nolan report on roads and works in "W ataroa district.— Received.

From Overseer Alillner, reporting on road drainage works in vicinity of Arahura. State school.—Received, and .£• voted the Arahuru School Committee for drains cut, on the motion of Afr Ward. From same estimating cost of Soddon’s Terrace road deviation at £3OO. —Received. From same stating stop bank protection at Evans Creek would cost £IOO. Received, occupiers of the land to he advised.

From same reporting cost ol gravelling Evans road a further distance of 35 chains and improving drains would cost £l3l ss, towards which W. Berry was prepared to contribute £3o.—Received and grant to be applied for. From same monthly report on district works.—H ece i v ed. OVERSEER All LEXER'S MONTHLY DEPOItT. 1 bare to report upon the progress of works during lho month of January. CI'.XTRAL HIDING. Lower Kokatabi Hoad Drainage, £l5O grant, was continued towards Laug Road, the small balance remaining from the grant will bo expended early in February. Lake Kanieri Hoad Widening, £350 grant. Fairly good progress lias been inaiiit',lined on this work, although frequent siipis and extra attention was required iu keeping the road open lor heavy Traffic. 'The whole ol the work will lie completed by Feb. I.lth. Cropp’s Hoad Culvert at the intersection ui Cropp' and Wall Roads being delective ami 100 small to carry the increased drainage, was removed, and reconstructed, aim the original waterway of four feat increased to twelve feet in width.

Kanieri River Bridge, Lower Kokntalii Hoad, was rendered sale for heavy traffic by the renewal of three lailllv stringers, railing, and a quantity ol decking. Halt Creek Bridge was strengthened by the erection ol a temporary trestle, under the northern span, the whole of handrailing (which was defective), was renewed with I x 1 timber, ami traffic planking placed in I position for thirty |\\o inches iu width on each side, and for the full length of the bridge. The noli lieru and southern approaches also were metalled to raise the .surface level with the traffic plunking. White’s Creek Bridge, Lower Kokatabi Hoad, which was becoming shaky under heavy traffic, was strengthened" by placing a 1 resile under the stringers between the northern nbutI ment and stream pier. Detective back-lining was removed and renewed in ll.mis Clerk Bridge. Keitel a iigi Head, and band-railing painted mi Harris Creek Bridge, ('repp's Head. ITgent repairs were effected to Harris Creek Bridge, .McArthur's Head, and trestles erected under the stringers, between the stream pier and eastern and western abutments. Defective decking was renewed on. several bridges and culverts in Koiteraugi district, and two stringers renewed in Smith Creek Culvert, All-Arthur Hoad. .Motor-worn boles were repaired with gravel, and ruts raked on Lower Kokatabi, Koiternngi, Cropp’s, .McArthur, Hokitika Flat, and Whitcumbe Valley Hoads, and a cnlveit. repaired. Also a detective culvert renewed with concrete pipes on Whitcombe Valley Road, beyond Doughboy Hoad. Water-tables were cleaned and overhanging scrub cleared oil flokitika-Hau Han. Blue Spur, Adair’s and Arthurstown Hoads. Concrete pipe construction was continued at the vard, Kanieri. NORTHERN RIDING. Ergent repairs were effected with gravel to badly worn portions of Awatuua Hoad, ruts raked, and stone broken "on (lillam’s dully Hoad. A detective Imx culvert was renewed with 12in. diameter concrete pipes on Awatiina Road, and a portion of Stafford drain cleaned between Fourth Terrace 1 rack and Rafferty’s Creek. A quantity of gravel was carted out with two motor lorries for repairs to One Alile, Arahuru Valley, and I liiniplirey’s Roads. The Roadman attended to repairs on A rail urn Valiev and One Alile Roads, also to decking of Palmer’s Creek. Bridge. SOUTHERN RIDING. Lower Kakapolahi Bridge construction lias advanced rapidly during the month under the direction of Bridge Foreman II .Reynolds, practically all the main portion of the understrurtlire being in position, and the decking temporarily laid to carry small stock traffic. The formation of the northern ami southern approaches is also being pushed forward during the fine weather. La Fontaine Creek Clearing. This work lias been almost completed during the past month. Hie main diversion channel of (iOO links in length being finished. The Roadman attended to repairs on Petersen’s, Haddocks, and Wanganui Flat Roads keeping ilie County horse and dray employed in the cartage of material for repairs to the several roads in the district.

The Overseer’s suggestion to dispense with running planks on Kakapotalii bridge was approved. A vote of £l2. was passed F. J. Andrews for repairs to Dorothy road and track, Lake Kanieri. Regarding the drain at Stafford, the Chairman explained the position. The work in sight- would cost about £IOO. The Resident Engineer was to make a survey and would recommend a grant. ATeantime work was suspended. The difficulty in regard to the drainage appeared to he caused by a block below the Stafford Courthouse. It was resolved to await the- further investigation by the Resident Engineer, before incurring further expenditure. On the motion of Afr Afurdoch, seconded by Air Ward, it was resolved to ask the Overseer to report on a possible deviation of the main road beyond Stafford [lost office. 11. L. Morel, Koietrangi, offered an acre of land for a gravel reserve for £530, two acres for £SO, or Jive acres for £loo.—Received. It was resolved

not to take any action in the matter. A plan was submitted of the proposed road diversion at Lower AYataroa, to give access from Adamson road to both Wataroa Gorge and Waitangi rivers. About 1,3 acres of land were involved. It was resolved to comer with Air Adamson the next day, the Chairman and Southern members being empowered to act up to a. reasonable amount. Air Senile asked for the use of the 1 County .scoop and drag, and the assistance of Roadman Whitiskie to clear . creek affording water supply to InterWanganui dairy factory. Agreed to. Air Searle’ asked for an estimate of , the cost of fencing a sheep rest near Lake lanthc, It was decided the Overseer inspect and report. , On the suggestion of Air Searle it was resolved the Highways Council be asked to improve tlie approach at Totaho post office. FIN A NCR COA! MITT EE’S REPORT. I,—Your Committee lias the honor to report that the aicounts presented for . tlie month of January, 1925, have been I carefully examined and beg to recommend that the amount a.s approved, totalling £1328 7.s (id lie passed for pavp ment.

2. -The Council’s motor licensing bylaw which came into force in August, 1923, has returned to the Council in fees £738 10s. Seventeen persons have paid a second years motor license which is now overlapped by the Government Tax. It is recommended for the consideration of the Council that refunds be allowed in such cases for nine months as an equitable, concession The amount involved in this repayment is £3:l 15s. 3. —lt is desirable to press tor tlio recovery of all outstanding rates, and the Hate Collector should be instructed accordingly.—Received. Clauses I and 3 were adopted. Clause 2 was held over, it being stated sonic of those affected bad appealed to the Government for permission to allow local body licenses to run out. pending another license from the Government. DEPUTATION. .Messrs Andrews and O’Reilly were introduced by .Mr Jeff l ies as a deputation to protest against expenditure of opening up a track at the head ol Lake Kanieri. Air Jeffries said the members of the deputation bad freehold land, which was being trespassed oil continually by those deer stalking or taking opossums. It was stated considerable damage bad been done to

the properly, buildings being ransacked and damaged, while sheep and cattle had been shot. There seemed to be a good deal of indiscriminate shooting at limes.

Mr Andrews explained the property we, fenced. Imt fences had been broken ami gates left open, causing loss ol stock at times. Liberties were taken with the buildings and property generally. There was no objection to access over the paddocks provided no limiting was done and guns were not carried. Alter bearing the deputation as to the want'll destruction done, Air Alurde li mo'ed that |w\rinKsinn be given to iv.cind lb" pi ei ems resolution aullni-i-11«_r t;11• expenditure ot £l9 lo improve track access. Mr Murdoch said it appeared to him the track would open the back'door to poaching. 'I he Chairman se: omled the motion which was earned. Air Jeffries moved the former resolution he rescinded and the expenditure sl'ii Ipiel. Air Rea lie (seconded. Afr Ward sympathised with the deputation. It scorned a (use for police protection. All- Dull' said it was evident the £l9 would be useless for legitimate access, and should be slopped. The motion was agreed to. Air Jeffries moved further that the attention of the .Minister ot Internal Affairs be drawn to the illicit poaching going on in the Lake Kanieri district, and ask that steps be taken to abate it. Mr Murdoch seconded, pointing out the locality was a scenic reserve, and it- was illegal to carry a gun in tlie vicinity of (lie bike. The motion was carried. The deputation thanked the Council for the consideration and withdrew. order paper. The Chairman moved:- ‘‘That (lie accounts presented for the month of January 1925, as revised and recommended for payment by the Einaiico Committee, amounting to £1328 7s (id he passed for payment.” Atr Duff seconded. Carried. The Chairman moved: ‘‘l bat Cr. Donovan l.e appointed to the vacancy on the Alining Committee.”—Air Murdoch seconded. Carried.

The Chairman moved:— “'iliat Cr. Dull' lie appointed to the vacancy on the Public Works Committee.”—Mr Murdoch seconded. Carried. The Chairman moved:- "’lliat the Public Works Committee, in view of tho loss of revenue from motor vehicle licenses, report on the reorganisation of the road maintenance staff with a view to establishing for the coining financial year a more economical system, introducing permanent surfacemen where considered suitable in lieu of casual labor; and proposing such other charges as may lie considered advisable.”—Mr Duff seconded. Carried. It was resolved the committee meet next- Tuesday night at 7.130 o’clock.

Cr Duff moved:— “That urgent representations he made to the Public Works Department to proceed with the re-erection of Wainien Creek bridge, Stafford, with the least possible del;,y ” Mr Murdoch seconded. Carried. The Council rose at 4.20 p.m.