WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 9 April 1925, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

WEDNESDAY, APRIL Bth

The Council met at 2 p.m. Present: Messrs E. A. Wells (County Chairman), T. W. Duff, M. Keenan, W. .Searle, J. Donovan, B. Ward, W. JcfJ'rics, T. It. Chestennan, J. A. Murdoch.

The minutes were coiiiirnied and outward correspondence approved. In connection with the application of Kokatahi SawnifH Company for permission to erect a gate across White road leading to their mill, which had been adjourned at last meeting for public notice by advertisement to he given. This had been done. Air W. .Johnson waited on the Council asking that the gate be erected so a,.s to give him access to his gates on his frontage. Otherwise he had no objection Permission granted for gate to lie erected subject to location to meet Air .Johnson’s wishes. i>; wa 111> culuies poxni:xc k. i'Tum Treasure, notifying accrued

revenue.—- Received. from Acting-Premier, thanking Chairman for telegram sent on behalf of people of Westland in connection with the Prime Afmister's illness.—’Received.

From .Minister of Public "Works, stating Waimea Creek Bridge at Stafford, is on the Inangtthua Junction to Waiho Main Highway, and the question of its erection is now in the hands of the Alain Highways Board.—Received.

From same, acknowledging letter in regard to construction of road by Alahinapua Creek Reserve, .stating matter was having careful consideration. —- Received.

From Public Works Department, forwarding circular as to maintenance ol metalled roads.—Received. From Public Works Department, re Hood damage South Westland and stating Overseer Carroll lias been instructed to report on same. Received.

From same, in regard to Richardson Road, and advising that the work was delayed by legalisation of the road which has been completed now, and Overseer Fitzgerald instructed to put lormation in hand. Received. From Public Works Department, Wellington, forwarding proclamation land as a road and road closed in Block IV Wataroa Survey District.--Received. From Commissioner of Crown Bands, with reference to Reserve 170 (Cemetery Site) Karangarua S. I). and stating that ilia reserve has now been formally set aside and slops may now lie taken to arrange for the control of the cemetery.- Received. From .Minister of liiternM Affairs, in connection with .Motor Vehicle"- Act.— Received. From Internal Affairs Department, asking what action the Council desires to take relative to formation of the area of Hoiitli Hokitika into a new Riding, or inclusion thereof in an existing Riding. Received.- It was resolved that the area l e in Bided in the Central Riding.

From same regarding illicit shooting of deer and taking of opossums in the vieitiifv of Bake Kanieri, and lorwarding copy of letter received from the Westland Acclimatisation Society.—Received.

From Alines Department referring to boring at Matianui. and with relercnce to amount of fib IBs (id, demanded by Department, asking if the Council would reconsider the matter again. Received: Air Ward moved that the application be refused. Seconded by M: Jeil’rici and carried.

From Conservator of Forests. Hokitika, respecting road to State Nursery, stating lie would he agreeable to meet wishes of the residents in any reasonable way, and arrange an amicable seUlcuent in the matter. -Received. The Chairman moved that a letter of thanks he forwarded to the Conservator for meet ing, the v. i lie of those inicri'M-d. Se meled by Mr K",.,,,,,,

Front same, forwarding pari ieiilars ol royally rn Si 'ito Fores Ik. Received. Air Murdoch moved the payment wlion il cmnos In' accepted 11 nt!_■ !• protest, the «. oiinril holding they were entitled to the gross, not the net reeei| is. Seconded hy Air W’iiril and carried. From Treasury, stating State Forest Department was nnaliie to pay the amount due at present. Deceived. I'Yoni Inspector of Health, CYoymoulli, forwarding a report on tv.u infectious disease i rises.- Deceived. From Toivii Clerk, llokiliha, advising that the Council decided to co-operate with the Westland County Council in the direction of bringing about a continuous service at the local Telephone Exchange. Received. It was resolved to ask the Borough Council to send a list round i > subscribers for signature.

I'Yoni Secretary, Canterbury I’rogiess League, Hokitika, thanking Council for grant towards eosl of publishing booklet.- De. civet.. I'Yoni Overland Dairy Coy, Greyniouth, regarding low lying condition of Kohatalii Dead near Whileys. trusting Coined will give the matter 'favourable con side ration.—lie: ci veil. I'Yoni Alalfroy and Coy., regarding action of hauling logs across a road within the County, and staling there is very little traffic on the road owing to its present state of disrepair, and

any damage done would lie attended to

by the company. Rerrivod. Air Alurdoeh moved the letter be sent to the Overseer for prompt attention and action if lie cssary.. Seconded by Air Duff an dcarried.

I'Yoni ,Secretary Arahura School Committee, thanking Council for grant towards cost of drain dug, and asking lor further assistance.—Deceived; referred to Overseer for report. Air L. Afill&rd. Oka.rito, asking if the Three Mile Track could lie cleared and ropai red.—Reccived. I'Yoni Stuart and Chapman, Ltd., Doss, respecting protection work to north bank of Kakapotahi river, and asking for proposals for protection of

bank.—Deceived. .1 From Overseer Ati 11 nor,, forwarding . report as to opening, Petersen’s Hoad "• Extension. —Received. Air Senile said jj the residents -wished the road made on tlio surveyed line and did not use J the road to the river. A 1 r Donovan [ supported this view being given effect to. Tlio Clerk stated that the Clovernment officers refused to make a grant for the road along the surveyed line. From same, in reference to old road fi leading to upper ford crossing Alikonui | River, used by P. Sims, and stating | repairs would cost £l4.—Received. 1 From same, reporting that road rollo or bad damaged culvert on Humphrey’s f road breaking two centre stringers.— ; Received. ! From chairman, Qkuru District Committee, with regard to damage to Turn- | bull Road, and several district matters. —Received. From J. O'Brien, AI.P., promising to urge additional grant for Harris Creek Bridge, Christchurch Road.—Received. From Eugmeer-iii-C'hief, Public AYorks Department forwarding copy of motor regulations. —Received. From Westland Hospital Hoard notifying a levy on local bodies £'2022 as against £2833 the previous year; Wostanil County contribution C 1 •Tib 3s 3d. payable ill nine instalments of £l7l Os Id each.—Received and levy accepted. i From Trustees, 'Wataroa Cemetery, j asking subsidy oil amount expended, t £lO 10s, in improvements at Wataroa 1 Cemetery—Received; deferred, for re- i port, fl

From C. J. Nightingale thanking Council for its effort to secure road access for the residents of Afananui and Alahinapua.—Received. From A. Dale, County Roadman, asking Council to reconsider decision to transfer him to Kokatahi district, as it meant keeping two homes.—Received; referred to Public "Works Committee.

From Roadman Nolan reporting on district works stating an expenditure of £3 was necessary to improve the Wataroa Gorge Track to Black C reek, also £l6 15s to improve AVataroa South Bank track; and that those using Upper Wataroa Gorge track asked for an expenditure of £ls to clear and improve 11 miles of track. —Received; £3 authorised.

From Overseer Alillncr deferring report on cost of fencing cattle rest at Evans Creek till clearing was done; stating Payne and others would complete road at Kuniara Borough for c;>0; stating cost of raising Kokatahi road near Whiloy’s would he £75, hut recommending enlarged water "a.\, bridge and protection at cost of CSOO. —Received; consideration deferred lor a month.

From same forwarding monthly report on district roads and works.—Received.

The Chairman referred to the serious erosion on the Kanieri train road and stating that action had been taken to prevent further damage. Alessrs Stuart and Chapman had put in a large amount of stone that had stopped the erosion, (t would he necessary to take some of the adjoining land tor road purposes. The matter was loft to the Chairman to take the necessary action. From J. D. Alackay. Evans Creek, asking for assistance in protecting river damage at his property.--Re-ceived; referred to Government for assistance. From Afoiorman Robinson lorwarding return for the mouth.— Received. STYX -KANIERI BAKE. Air Chestennan introduced a deputation from Kokatahi and Koiterailgi in connection with the proposed track lii,-m Styx river to Kanieri Lake, consisting of .Messrs J. .McCormack, JK Alonk, and D. Smith. .Messrs F. J. Andrews and W. O'Reilly wore also present. Mr J. ATcCormack said the residents of the Kokatahi district had requested them to wait on the Council on the matter. They had been surprised to hear the charges of illegal poaching and interference with property. Re did not think there w ere any sue h proceedings from the residents ol then district who went to the Bake. They had boon using the track for many years ami never at any time had they committed such... -notions as had been charged. They were there to ask that the track he continued. They were ratepayers ami desired proper access to the Bake. They did not desire to injure the owners in the locality, they asked the Council to open the original load reserves to enable visitors from Kokatahi to reach Dorothy Falls. If the Council did not have enough money to complete the work the settlers wore prepared to assist to enable a proper horse track to be completed. Air IB Alonk said he objected to the attitude of the Council in thinking the Kokatahi residents were guilty of improper action ns alleged hv speaken at a previous meeting. From E. R. Hayes and 10 others requesting the Council to continue the Work of clearing the Styx-Dorothy .Falls track.- Received. From .). .McCormick, and 75 others to similar effect. Received. Air Ward said he would like to know what was the purpr.se for whirl' the track was required P> he opened.

Mr AlcCormack said they had been using the track for years for pienipartic;. Many persons went from Kokatahi.

Mr Want moved that a deputation f the Council visit, the locality and

\ itov the position, and then decide on a fiat action shall bo taken. The Chairman c the nedimi.

I!,, thought it vmiilil cost £.V,I!> to Rli'Kl to put in a proper road, and that was out of the question at present.

Air Alillncr (Overseer) in answer In n question, said the track required was over very rough country. The present track used lev Air Andrews was very rough and hardly fit to allow any cattle even to pass over.

Mr Dutf said if thi; wort; which Mould nisi some £6i!o was tire must urgent work in Kokatahi. then it meant if this particular work worn

carried out then other road works in the district- would have U- suffer. Mr Alonk said all they wanted was CIP to ho spent and that would lie sufficient for what they required, to enable them to get through with their horses.

Air Clieslermau outlined the iuliial stages of the nmvemenl which resulted in the grant of CIO being made. He had moved simply to give access as lar as that iimount would go, knowing that a substantia! amount would he ivaiiii ed to carry uiif the work. He had no intention of inlerl'ering with either Messrs Andrews or O’Reilly. Mr Andrews said lliere was no I imk through to Dorothy Falls through bis property, lie did not think a picnie parly had gone ihrougli l Ins way (o Dorothy Falls. Tho track was wanted j, ,!oer stalking and nothing el e. When any persons were there Hive had a rifle and dogs. Air McCormick denied this was ihe

Air Andrews continuing, outlined many personal observations ol the action of oersons who went into his section engaged in shooting deer, in and out of season, giving many instances of damage done. He urged that the agita Lion was merely to enable deer stalkers to get to the hack of the Lake.

Air Chesteiinan said he had brought forward the proposal for a track in all good faith. -Vow it lays with the Council to take what muon they thoiij-slit fit.

The motiun for the Council to visit the ground was agreed in. AH- .McCormick thanked the Council for the hearing and the deputation withdrew. TENDERS. Tenders for protection work at Kakapotahi Bridge. The Clerk reported that the tender of Air J. Al.anera had previously been received and declined as the amount was over the grant. The tender of if. Gardiner at 2s lor formation and 3s for gravel, a total of C 92 was received and accepted. Tenders for AlcArthur Road were received from A. Jamieson £3Ol Os 0(1. and A. Fleming £l3 sis per chain. Tlio tender of A. Jamieson was neceptFIXAXCE COAIAHTTEK’S REPORT.

Sir and Gentlemen, —Your Committee has the honor to report that the accounts presented for the month of Afareh have been carefully examined and beg to recommend that tbo amount as approved totalling CD _-l 10s dd, be passed for payment. Regarding review of rent on f oerua F.R. your Committee asks for an extension of time to await a report from .T. Alinehan as to the area of the reserve affected by river erosion—Received.

TREASURER'S REPORT (Published Yesterday.)

Received. The Chairman complimented the Treasurer on the excellent position shown and paid a tribute to the general excellent manner in which he had always looked after the best interests of the Council. Members would bo glad to see that it was pro-

posed to bring the general rate down to six farthings. Ho moved the report bo approved and adopted.

Air .Murdoch seconded and endorsed the eulogistic references to the CountyTreasurer. If the Council had received its just dues in connection with timber royalties and other receipts, the Council at the present time should only he striking a three farthing rate instead of a rate reduced to six farthings. Air Ward agreed with the previous speakers that the work of the Treasurer had been the cause of the general improvement in the position of their Finances. The road machinery installed had proved very satisfactory- and their roads were showing great improvement and showed the wisdom of the Council in installing the machinery.

Aljr .SqfUrte approved of the references to the work of the Treasurer, but in regard to the road machinerylie could not endorse the relerenees made, as far as they referred to the South district in any event.

Air Chestennan was glad that recognition was made of the work of the load machinery, which he had always supported. Ife heartily endorsed the appreciation of the Treasurer.

Messrs Keenan and Donovan endorsed the references to the Treasurer the latter expressing his appreciation of the improved financial position of the Council. The motion was agreed to. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved That the accounts presented for the month of .March, 1925, as revised and recommended lor payment by the Finance CominiUee, amounting to L 1721 its sd, he passed for payment. Seconded by Air Chesterinan and carried. The (.hairmau moved:—“That the necessary resolution lie adopted empowering the Council to borrow by way of overdraft from the Rank ol- Now Zealand, a sum not exceeding t'1,500 such overdraft to he secured by revenue outstanding and uncollected as at 31st Alai eh, 11)26.” Seconded by .Mr .Murdoch and carried. The Chairman moved: -“That the li.-t of proposed new works for application for grants, as prepared by Overseer .Milliter now before the Council, he approved, wil.li such additions as may he thought necessary, and application he duly made to the respective Departments for the inclusion ol the works in the annual Public Works Estimates. ’’ Seconded by Mr .Murdoch and carried. The ('hairmaii moved : —“'i hut the report, of the Treasurer as before the Council on the proposed allocation of estimated revenue for tile current financial year, hr now considered and adopted." Seconded by Mr .Murdoch and carried. (Nuiuriiior Donovan moved: - “I hat

Roadman Nolan lie instructed to inspect and report on the condition of the Throe Mile. Five Aide. UaihnOemoeroa, and Gillespie’s Blurt tracks, also the road from Cook’s River Flat to Gillespie's Beach, and give an estimate of the cost to reopen, repair and make those routes safe for trallic.” Seconded hv Mr Soarle and carried. C'r, Doom mi’s motion : “That

plication lie made to the Highways Board to proclaim five miles oi i hi* mad. Forks to Okarilo, a main road under the Highways Act." was amended tu ask lor a grant of L'ldi) lor repair; and was then seconded by Mr Murdoch and carried.

Cr. Donovan moved: ‘'That the attention of the Public Works and Bands Department lie drawn to the serious elusion caused by the Bit lie Wanganui river on the south side above (lie bridge, and on the north side at Burnside's land, where the river threatens to destroy the mads and lands in those localities, and that the Departments concerned ho urged to take steps to prevent the clanger which is now developing." Seconded by .Mr Searle and ca fried. (V. Sea ile Hint'd: -"I ha l a veil e .•f II ", I r ,1111 1101-i sed lor I 1-p.lit •• In Wright's mad leading from the main south road to \\ aitaha river lord. Seconded by Mr. Donovan and carried. (r. Searle moved : "That a vote of till he intihoi'ised fur repairs to AlrBeod's Road. Mikonui." Seconded by Air Donovan and carried. Cr. Ward moved:- “That a' vote of LI2 bo granted for reparing Spencer road. North Arahura.’’ Seconded l,v Mr Murdoch and tarried. Cr. Murdoch moved : “ Thut a vote ol till lie authorised for clearing Old Christchurch Road lruin 1 pper Crossing In Harris Crock, with a view to iho reopening of tin' load." Hec-j ended by Mr Ward ami carried. Cr. Dutf moved “ That. a vote of Llo he passed lor repairing portions of old Christchurch road where nverllowing water has scoured out the road.” Seconded hv Alt' Ward and

carried. Or. Chesli'niian moved: "That application he made lo the Tourist Department for a grant ol Col) to improve the Dorothy falls track', bridges and landings at Lake Kanieri.” Seemuled by Air .Murdoch and carried. The * h-lonian Drived: —" Ilia! pursuant lo clause LA ol the regulations as to l lie Use of motor lorries, the following nelsons, in accordance with the powers cuiiferi'wl under subclause (1) of the aforesaid clause be mid hereby are appointed inspectors lor the purpose of tho regulations referred to within the County ol Westland and upon any Government road or main higliwav within the County of West land :--William Miiluer, County Overseer; John Peake, Assistant County Clerk; Henry Oiderog. County Roadman; Alfred Dale, County Roadman ; Thomas Xdlan. County Roadman ; Joseph Whitiskic, County Roadman.’' Seconded by Air Alurdoch and carried. .

Air Chesteiinan moved that a l urnout. be made on Municipal Road and that a culvert on Xeilson’s Rond lie widened bv the addition of two or tliiee more oiles. lo enable a belter turn to be made. Seconded by Air Keenan and carried. Tho Council rose at 1.30 p.m.