WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1925, Page 1

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

WEDNESDAY. MAY “7. ANNUAL MEETING. The Council held a speeal meeting at noon to elect a Chairman for the ensuing year. There were present -Messrs E. A. Wells, .J. A. .Murdoch, U. Ward, T. W. Dull. J. Donovan, _M. Keenan, W. Jellries, T. W. Chesterman, and AY. Searle. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT.

<Jontlemon I desire as the time has arrived for m.v retirement from the Chairmanship, to thank the Councillors again for the eontiJnee reposed in me a year ago when elected Chair-ill,-in, and in purlieu In r to thank all .Members for the generous support accorded me during my term of oflit-e. The fact that I was able to rely on help oil all sides gave me the greatest confidence, and I trust that my discharge of the duties has met with your approval.

Following the close of the financial year the Treasurer last month .supplied you with a review of the position of the County. Il is not necessary for me therefore to refer specially to the finances', suffice it to say that the fact that the Council will be in a position to reduce the general rale lo six farthings in the It, the amount of the pre-war levy, confirms the general statement that the financial position uf the Council is not strained unduly. The council had several extraordinary calls upon it during the year for flood damage, so that the position now is the more gratifying. The overdraft is ai a normal amount amply covered by outstanding revenue which is collectable. There is no doubt that the use of machinery lias been helpful in keeping down the volume of the general expenditure. Repairs and emergency works are overtaken much more qttiekly, and the roads have not been allowed to drift unduly. In this connection the road -I oil has been giving faithful service, and wit 1 1 a continuance of the co-operat ion. the same pleasing position should be maintained. The most important matters of administration calling tor altention during my term of oliiee were in ennneelion with the royalties payments :iml ihe motor taxation. I am sorry In sa.v that neither matter is adjusted satisfactorily as yet. In regard to the royalties payments, certain legislation was pa-sed and the promise was made by ihe Acting I'rime Min islet- that Ihe local bodies would he recouped. However, the experience so

far is unite to the contrary, while evr-n the small sum which has accrued is not available, lie* llej-artmellt iilently not being in a position to pay over money yet which it has lmd in hand for four months and more. Respecting the licensing of motor vehicles, the Council succeeded in upholding its by-law. but by the time the legal objections were disposed of the Motor Licensing Act came into force, and the by-law in respect, to motor vehicles was superseded. Ihe administration of the Act is very complex in this County where there is a long range ot main highways, and it is intended lo ad; the Council to consider the matter at to-day’s sitting and determine on a course of action. A conference of local body representative-. cut the matter has been suggested for next Kriduy week, anil it appeals inevitable that there must be soine consultation among the local authorities he lore the levying id thefees under the regulations can become I'ullv effective.

Regarding ihe main highway in the Collin'.. the 10l a I length is 1-Vi "iiles

„|- s,i-u-ri.-iI i-ml. i ■ s■ ■ > t t!t,' yell |* 11 f' IV i '■ i <1! I IS made I'll' maintenance :i! I lu- i':i l e of £0(1 V"' 1 ’ "i il'-. irrespective nl- special votes lor attont ■ 11; i to I. ii ■ 1 -j;> •- in regard i" imiiiij .‘il:i live, ns iil'<> In rger vi it t ss tor ill'' cuiis! rnci ion oi' s-evcial new bridges id,mg tin- mule. The attention to the Main Highway premises to he very t hornugh, and niniiers m respect till* re to ; 111 j i e i ■ r to he progre--i ng •.cry satisfactorily. Reference Mils nunlc above to Mood damage. 9 he most serious ise in eonneetioii with the loss of Kakapululii hridge, which 111!' hie.! to lie rehtliil on ;m adjacent new site. i he Council's eon! ri 1 111 1 ion for the restorulien Inn I lo he provide,| lor out of general revenue II- there were legal ditiieii]ties in raising u loan wilhottl ilieui rine the expense of a poll. However the liiumee was provided w it hunt unduly straining (lie position, an exeellettl bridge eretted. ;md a very sat-

isfactory work done in protecting the river embankment above the bridge front further erosion. In other parts of the County flood damage has necessitated prompt attention, and in several instances subsidy grants were made by the Government, the aid being very acceptable. The class of work carried out in this connection appears to ho very effective in its purpose. In conclusion I have to state that the work of the Council ran very smoothly during the year, d lie assist ani'o rendered by the Resident Engineer (Mr AYatkinson) and It is staff is worthy recognition, and I am pleased to sav the relations with the Puisne Works Department have been most amicable. The office work has been well discharged, and with the co-oper-ation of the Overseer and tlio road staff as referred to already, my term of office has not been other than a pleasant- experience. As far as possible I have visited various parts of the County, and this is a matter I would commend to my successor as a useful method of learning the requirements of tho district, and gaining a knowledge of the ]Xioplo and possible means of helping the place forwaul. As matters stand at present there should be a useful year for tho incoming Chairman, to whom, needless to say. 1 will be glad to afford any information within my power. Again thanking you, gentlemen, and wishing the Council and the County continued success.

The Chairman spoke of the valued assistance he bad received horn thccleik i Mr 'Evans) and the whole of the -start. Mr Ward .-poke in appreciation of the work of Mr Wells during his term of oliiee, stating he had carried out his duties in a- manner that had won his approbation. He would always have pleasant recollections ot his term of oliiee. M,- Jeffries said .Mr Ward had voiced the general opinion ol tlio Council, which he, persomillv, heartily endorsed. ELECTION OK CHAIRMAN. The Clerk then took the chair and invited nominations for the position of Chairman for Ihe year.

Mr Ward nominated Mr ( hesierman Seconded bv Mr Murdoch. There were no further nominations ami Mr T. R. Cho.-lerinan was declared elected County Chairman for the ensuing year, amidst applause. Mr Cliestei'inan look the chair, and thanked members for placing him ill the honorable position. He would do bis utmost to serve the best interests „f the County and Council, lie thanked them sincerely lor electing him to tlie position, which lie would endeavour to till to the best of his ability. Mr Murdoch complimented tlio new Chairman oil his election, rot erring to I;is sen ice in the Council and expressing appreciation of the services of tho retiring Chairman. Mr Ward followed i tongratulat-ing Air Chesterman on his election, feeling sure he would prove a capable Chairman, one whom he had always found straight, forward and thorough , ruing. Ho uishofl him ovory micccss. Air T. W. Duff .joined in the good wishes, congratulating him on his election to the position of Comity Chairman. Air E. A. Wells expressed his pleasure at the election of Mr Chesterman to tlie position of ( hairman. Mr Learie, endorsed the general expressions. The new Chairman luul agood knowledge of South Westland and lie felt that ho would not fail to give tlie assistance necessary. Mr J. Doom an trusted the new Chairman would at an early date visit South Westland and go off the motor track into the by roads and make a thorough inspection, lie congratulated the Chairman oil his success. Air Jctfrics added his good wishes, ereognising the Chairman bad always, given the best of bis ability to consideration ol Council matters. Air Keenan endorsed the general expressions of good will.

Air Clieslernmn ilmuked members for l heir very ilatiering remarks, specially thanking Air Ward for his releremes He also had a, warm corner in his heart fsr South Westland and would do hi.s best for the County generally, as a whole and lo till the chair with credit to himself and ol advantage to tin district.

UOr.l. OF COUNTY CHAIRMEN’. igffi Joint McTVhirtei 1377 (1. 1/. Robinson 1878 1. Grimmond 1879 John Lang 18S0 R. J. Seddon 1881 P. Dungnn ISB2 John McWhirter 1883 P. Dungnn 1883 J. Grimmond 1885 James Clarke 1880 J. M. McGoldriek 1887 McL. TV. Jack 1388 J. M. McGoldriek 1889 A. Gumming 1890 John McWhirter 1891 John McVVlurter 1892 Titos Daly 1893 John Hlaiucs 1893 J. Orimmond 1895 Jas F. Byrno 1893 John Staines 1397 a. Cummins 1898 P. Dungnn 1899 ' Jas. F. Byrno 1900 L. Northcroft 1901 T. V. Byrno 1902 A. Clifton 1903 J. Orimmond 1903 T. Yv. Duff 1903 T. J. McGuignn 1990 T. V. Byrno 1907 T. W. Bruce 1908 S. G. Ferguson 13)09 J. A. Murdoch 1910 T. TV. Duff 1911 T. W. Bruce 1912 J. Grimmond 1913 S. G. Ferguson 1913 A. Clifton 1915 -T. A. Murdoch 1916 H. Norman 1917 B. Ward 1918 T. W. Duff 1919 T. TV. Bruce. 1920 J. A. Murdoch 1921 B. Ward 1922 TV. Jeffries 1923 T. TV. Duff 1923 F. A. Wells loo.i T. R. Chestcrmau.