WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1925, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, NOV. 3rd. The Council met at 2 p.m. Pres-ent-—Messrs T. R. Chestennan (County Chairman), I.L Ward, J. Donovan, V . Searle, E. A. Wells, A. Murdoch, W. Jeffries, M. Keenan, and 'J'. \\ . Duff.

’l'lic minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. IN WAR D CORRESPONDENCE. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue. —Kece i vet l. From Mines Department, regarding remission of rents on claims owned hv lioyd and Crnse, stating that the rent had already been remitted.— Received. From Public Works Department, with regard to the Government carrying out a survey for extension of the railway south from Ross, stating the matter would he looked into and further advice given later. — Received. From same, in respect to extension of bridge track up the Okuru river for hack block settlers, advising that a report would he obtained of same.—Received.

From Main Highways Hoard, Wellington, forwarding circular re purchase of plant by the Main Highways Board on behalf of local authorities.— Received.

From same, advising it had been decided to circularise local authorities with a view to requesting them, to have notice hoards erected on main highways indicating county boundaries.— Received; to lie attended to. From same, with regard to maintenance of detour roads.—Received. It was resolved on the motion of .Mr Murdoch, seconded by tlie Chairman, to obtain copies of the Highways Hoard live-laws for members.

From Public Works Department, stating it was intended to hold the first examination for certificates of competence under the Main Highways Hoard for Overseers on road construci inn.—Received.

From same, reporting on several matters in South Westland. Received. It was resolved to proceed under the Public Works Act to take a strip of land for the road at Flower Pot. Bruce Ray.

From, same, asking what, agreement lmd been entered into between the County Council and Stewart and Chapman re the Mikonui bridge; also stating Hint the Department could not undertake to clean out road drain at Hariliiiri.—Received.

From Tourist Department, acknowledging letter with reference to grant for expenditure for Dorothy Falls landing and landing and track at Lake Mahinapna, and stating that same comes under the Public Works Department, to which same was being referred.— Received.

From Secretary, Kuninra Goldfields Jubilee Committee, asking for a donalion towards celebrations.—Received. The Chairman referred to his visit to Kumurn in connection with the movement. lie thought the Council should assist. .Mr .Murdoch moved that the Council vote £25 for the purpose. Seconded hv M.r Jeffries who expressed approval of the movement. Mr Ward supported the motion, considering it very lilting that the jubilee should lie celebrated and that this local body should give its support.. Mr Donovan also supported and the motion was agreed to.

From J. A. Cut Lance, Hokitika, enclosing petition with regard to Jackson's Ray road, and asking for Council’s co-operation in same.— Received; consideration deferred till next meeting. Front same, forwarding resignation as ferryman of Okuru ferry.— Received From G. R. Northcroft, with regard to Stockman’s "track at Rlaek Crock, Hold Head, and thanking Council for interest taken in the matter.—Receiv-

From Bagiev Bros, Wolicku, conveying fh -.ilk' lor receipt of cnequo lor work done. Received. From A.I. Flaxivmill Coy, Mataimii, forwarding account for money expended in road construction by the Flax Milling Coy at Mataimii. —Received ; referred to Finance Com mi tie for import.

h'rom K. E. James. Okuru. asking if the Couneil have decided to keep Okuru and Turnluill ferrv in exisLonee. Received. Eiuni same, re wandering stock imis:tnet*, advising the reason why the Okuru Advisory vom.miit.ee were not approached was that members of the Committee were the principal offenders.—Received. From Secretary, Automobile Association, Hokitika, asking if Council's Inspector could ho instructed to see that relleelors were placed on all motor lorries in the district; also drawing Council’s attention to the had state of the road between the south end of the railway bridge and Ihe railway crossing. Received.

From Prime .Minister notifying proposed observance lor Armistice Day and suggesting suitable arrangements he made locally. Received; the necessary action to he taken. From .Minister of Public Works staling it was not possible at present to provide for Okuru track extension.— Received.

From Public Works Department supplying plans of Brine Ray inland road lor dedieation.— lleeoired.

From Alain Highways Hoard notifying increased contribution required fot Main Highways maintenance from the Ist April as follows Duller and fnangallon CIO; Drey C’Jll; Westland CI if per mile per annum.— Received; consideration deferred. From Alines Department asking locality plan for proposed reeling proposition at Turiwhatc Survey District.—• Received.

From Alall'roy and Coy Ltd suggesting old lTuiigerford's bridge he dismantled as being a menace to Afa 1i'roy's bridge. A rah lira River.—Received; referred to Overseer to report. .Mr Jeffries suggested that another effort he made to have the bridge repaired for the benefit; of settlors in that locality. Seconded by Afr Dull and carried.

From F. Howard sent'., asking assistance in connection with road drainage work.—Received : Overseer to report.

From Alotormau Robinson, monthly report on work carried out.— Received. From Roadman Xolan. monthly report, and stating silver pine poles on Okarito road were causing damage hv blocking the table drains. —Received. From Minister of Afines, agreeing to remission of rents on a number of claims as recommended hy Couneil.— Received.

From Perry and Co asking portin'

ion to lay rails across ICakapotah fridge.—Received; request granted übjert to approval of Overseer. From Overseer Afillner, monthly rcnrt.—Received.

DEPCTATIUX. Dr Toichelmnii and Air T. W. Bruce waited on the Council from the Progress League, the former asking for support to a proposal to distribute a suitable booklet of the beauties of Westland at the Dunedin Exhibition. The booklet is an improved edition of “ A Holiday in Westland.'' Air T. AV. If nice supported the proposal, which was solely to advertise Westland. Afr Murdoch moved that the request be referred to the Finance Committee for favourable consideration. Members generally expressed approval of iite movement and the advisability of advertising the district at the exhibition. Afr Duff then moved that authority he I

givon for the purpose. Seconded by .Mr Murdoch and carried. The deputation thanked the Council and withdrew.

Particulars of the Duplex Motor lorry were received according to specifications required by the Council. Mr Wells moved a Duplex motor lorry lie obtained. The Chairman seconded. Supported by Messrs "Ward and Duff. Mr Jeffries opposed, holding it would necessitate extra taxation from general revenue. Each riding should he rated to maintain itself, or there would have to lie differential rating. Mr Murdoch said the roads at present were in good order and he saw no reason to buy another lorry. He urged every care being taken. The motion was put ami lost. Ayes—Messrs Wells. Duff, Ward and Chairman. Noes—Messrs Keenan, Senile, Donovan. Murdoch and Jeffries. Your Committee has the honour In report that the accounts presented for tile month of October, l!)2o, have been carefully examined, and beg to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling LfJOO Lis Id. lie passed lor payment.-—Received and adopted.

OVERSEER MILI.NEIt’S REPORT NORTHERN RIDING.

The Roadman attended to repairs on Arahura Valley, One Milo and a portion of Awatuna Road; also to decking of culvert and constuiction of concrete pipe drain at Stafford. The horse bridge crossing Waimcu Creek below the railway bridge at Awatuna was overhauled, and a. quantity of defective timber removed and replaced with heart of limit timber. Several culverts on Kaiptea q’rnek were repaired, overhanging scrub cut, and several wind blown trees removed, between Kapiton Creek and the Lanqilough. Watertables were cleaned on Hltte Spur to Arahura Road and wind blown tress removed from German Road. Fox's Creek Bridge destroyed by llond some months since, was re-erected in a safe position half a chain, above the old site where the hanks are hard and safe from erosion, and a 12 inch pipe culvert constructed on Spencer Road.

CENTRAL RIDING. Kokatahi River Hank Protection. £2OO grant, was commenced, and the lower scouring fascine and scrub and stone anchor fascine, also hank sheathing. completed a distance of JOO links, in accordance with the specification. Portions of Lower Kokatahi. I ppor Municipal. Lake Kanieri, Hltte Spur, Arthurstown and Hladiers Roads were repaired with gravel. Portions of Lower Kokatahi Road were gradetl and rolled, and Lake Kanieri road dragged anti rolled between Coal Creek and Ward Road. This section of road has cut up a good deal under heavy traffic and requires a considerable amount of attention to place it in order for the coming season. Defective stringers were removed anti replaced at Raft Creek and Whites Crock Bridges; railing repaired and traffic, planking placed on docking of Whites Bridge. A defective culvert on Camelhack Road was removed and replaced with 18 inch diameter pipes, and two small culverts on Rladior’s Road replaced with 12 inch diameter pipes. The large outlet drain on Lower Kokatahi Road was strengthened and repaired b.v driving 12 small piles on the outer sides of lining, sections of flooring renewed, and the outer sides filled with manuka scrub and stone to prevent, scour. The drain along the eastern boundary of White Hoad was reopened and cleaned a distance of gl> chains. T\ aleriallies were cleaned on l/iwer Kokatahi, llliie Spur and Lake Kanieri Roads. Back Creek was repaired with hand broken metal which was Minded, and the crown of the road filled with gravel. Tim frontage to the new halt at Moodstock was gravelled, and an approach constructed to a new residence on Municipal Road. Concrete pipe conNt.ructioM was continued at Kanieri under the direction ol I*. Selby, and a drain cleared and cleaned along the frontage of Mr Dunn’s property Hokitika. Halt Matt Road. Gravel pits were stripped on Hokitika—llatt ilau. Blue Spur, and Blue Spur to Arahura Roads. The County lorrv was very busy during the month carting pines, timber, scrub and stone for Kokatahi Rive protection and material lor repairs to various roads in need ol attention, but could not nope with half Ihe tte- < cssary urgent work, repairs to several reads, having to lie deferred until the motor is available. ,SOUTHERN RIDING.

AVaitalm Settlement Road was repaired with gravel between Trovubnth's property and Waitaha I-aeiorv. and an unused gravel pit tilled ill between Waitaha Read and the entrance to Mr .1. Cropper's property. KakapU ahi Bridge approach was extended at the northern end to eunneei with roadway leading to Mr .1. Alanera's residence, and the line of branch road laid oil to connect Waitaha Reach Road with TCakapotalii Bridge. IVlcrsen's Road extension was pegged and levelled a distance of I mile •’> chains beyond the present terminus of metalled road in readiness fur the expenditure of l lie grant of £LV>. The Roadman al tended to repairs to Wanganui Flat. I’cfersens, Robertsons and Haddocks Roads, also to const rut 1 ion of concrete pipes.

The Arnliurn School Commit lee desire Lo have the mound along tin School frontage to One Mile Road removed to give clearer view ol approaching traHie. and allow litem to level the fence line. They are prepared l<> re move the mound, and do all the work fur ihe -urn of £•"». tleiierallv the hillock is a mas- of blackberry growth during summer, and the removal wouh improve the appearance ol the nan and school ground at a low cost. Iwe notice hoards are required for erection on each side of the school warning motorists to drive slowly past the -eliool.

The drain cleaning on While Road asked for hy W. McCotinon will cost ijtJ7 |Os. This drain has not boon cleaned for nine years. T inspected the fence line of the Slock holding paddock at Mount Bonar. and consulted with Cr. .Searle re cost of fencing; with sheep netting. Two parties interviewed agreed to send me a. price For posts delivered at the reserve. hut so fur I have had no tender. The fence line will he If) chains in length or area, and the cost of fencing will not he less than £3O.

ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved;— ‘‘ That the Accounts presented for the month of October. ffl'J-J. ns revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee amounting to £9OO 13s -Id he missed for payment. Seconded by Air Wells and carried. The Chairman moved:—"That John Peake he appointed Valuer of Alining Property within the County of AVostland for the ensuing year, in accordance with the provisions of the Rating Act and its amendments. Seconded hv Air Ward and carried. Air Ward moved that the Overseer repair a defective culvert on Fox’s road. Seconded hy Air Duff and carried. Afr Searle moved that a culvert be repaired near Air Boyles. Seconded hy the Chairman and carried. The Council rose at I.JO p.m.