MAIN HIGHWAYS COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1925, Page 2

MAIN HIGHWAYS COUNCIL

MFETIXO AT CREYMOUTH

The Council for Xo Ik' district of the Main Highways Board met at the Public Works Office, Creymouth, last evening. There were present Messrs A. H. WatUinson (resident engineer), in the chair. 3. Higgins (Grey County), |, .) Bell (I inngahua County), a«»d H. .) Kvans 'Westland County). The Conned considered the estimates for the year relating to maintenance

and construction. The total amount applied lor for maintenance for the district was £35,3 and for construction. gTo.HUO, a grand total of 1111.103. The following are the estimates for the Westland (oiinlv:MA IX IT.X ANTE WOl! KM Tcren-'-kin to Boss road. *2 miles ... 2.520 , Boss to Waiho road, GO miles 4,140 Kiimnm to Arthur’s Pass, 44 miles 2,(540 Terei»iaU;ui to lvutpnrsi June*., w felon in «£ ami draining ... 250 Clare’s Crook bridge, Ross road IdO Tarring and bridge repairs, Westland 500 Taipo bridge repairs ••• Fencing approaches South brilljies Six llun-e nipe culverts South i . 105 rout Total Westland Maintenance vote ... ...£11,045 CONSTBUCITOX WORKS. Waimea Creek bridge, Stafford 1.112 Frosty Creek bridge. Boss road 0(>0 Mirror Creek bridge. Boss road 000 Horse Shoe Bend bridge, Boss road 'I 00 Kokatahi Track Bridge, Boss road Totora River bridge 1,000 |)rv Creek bridge, Jetaho ... 2,40!*) Wataroa bridge and deviation 1,000 /alas bridge. South mad ... f ' or> - - McDonald’s Creek bridge, Waiho road 4.030 Bridges, Chch. road '-■> Railway Crossing, Aiekens ‘-’nO £13,827 On the motion of Mr Twins it was resolved to invite Mr .1, D. Bruce, Counties’ representative on the Highways Board, to visit tin- district, and jiisnect the requirements for the year. It was decided to enquire from the Highways Council relative to the col-

lection of motor license fees covering the main highways, and to suggest to local bodies a conference at Greymouth on June sth in regard to the matter. It was resolved the Chairman and Mr Higgins draw tip a letter to the Board placing iln* position as affecting tecs covering heavy traffic on the main highwavs. and suggest a ruling in regard to the allocation of the fees where tho trallie uses also local body roads. Mr WatUinson consented to attend (ho eonferneee on behalf of the Highways Council when the meeting takes place. Regarding tho question of classification of roads. Mr Kvans stated a report in regard to those in "Westland was being prenared and would he submitted shortly.

Respecting an estimate covering the maintenance ol the main highway in. the Borough of Hokitika., it was promised that the particulars would ho supplied early in the coming week so ns to he included in this year’s proposals.

The Hi a inn au, in dealing with the salary of the Secretary (Miss Ashton), said that llnller ami lnangnhua Councils had declined lo assist, while Westland Council r-plied stating it was willing to assist up to a reasonable figure. Mr Higgins said the Grey Coum-I would decide the matter next Wednesday. It was decided that tho salary ho £25 per annum, and that the four Councils he recommended to contribute !'(> 5s each. Dir Hell said he would not support the motion as he thought the Main Highways Board should (ind the amount, and he failed In see what benefit the local bodies were deriving from, the Board. The Chairman pointed out the Secretary was doing extra work after hours without payment, and he would not expect the position to continue without tho extra, remtiueralion.

Mr Bell reported that the mile of tar-sealed road between Reefton Railwav station and the town had cost £132 Os 3d to lay down and £2O to maintain during the last two years, that outlay w;as exclusive of plant. In a general statement Mr Bell contended that the Board should spend a great deal more money on the West Coast to attract population and increase the revenue of local bodies. .Mr Watkinson said that the Council was asking the Board for £lll,OOO for

maintenance and construction this year and the four West Coast County Councils were contributing only about £ISOO per annum. The meet concluded at 0.15 o'clock.