WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1926, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12th.

The Council met at 2 p.m. Present— Messrs T. IT. Chesterman (County Chairman), E. A.AVells, T. W. Duff, B. AVard, J. A. Murdoch, \V. Searlc, AV. Jeffries, AT. Ivennan and J. Donovan. Tito minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence received. IN AVARD CORRESPONDEN CE. Front Treasury notifying accrued revenue,—Received. From Public Works Department, forwarding copy of letter re tour of South Island by Main Highways Board.—Received. From Minister of Public AA’orks, acknowledging copy of petition in circulation in South AVestland relating to roading’ and settlement affecting the Far South, and stating same trouid receive careful consideration. —Received. From Public AVorks Department, with reference to letter re roading and settlement affecting the Far South, asking if a report and maps could ho forward.—Received. From Same, re AVaimca Creek Bridge at Stafford, advising that proposals for work had been submitted to tlio Mailt Highways Board for approval, but the Board considered the amount tod large to a sum to expend on a bridge over a creek like the AAaimea, and’ asked that a survey of the entire deviation of the road lie made, which will be undertaken as scon as possible. —Received. From same, with reference to carting heavy loads over Kanicri Bridge, ancl emphasisng the restrictions thereto.—Received, From same, stating that the propoals for Bridgo Foreman Reynolds to do the work of Palmer’s Creek Bridgo by day labor was approved.— Received. From same, ro Adamson Road, stating approval is given to have the work carried out by day labor under Foreman Nolan.—Received. From same, stating approval could not lie given to the proposals for AA ratiiroa North Bank Track.—Recoived. From same, re road from Bruce Bay Lauding to Muhitahi, stating the distance is about 1 mile, a portion of tho road n.t each end would pass through Native Reserves; the cost of a road would be £3oo.—Received. Froiti shine, re landing at Flower Pot Rock, Bruce Bay, stating tho Overseer had inspected the landing and stated that goods can be landed direct from the crane on to the track faster than tho boat can land them, and advising there was ho necessity of levelling tho rock, —Received. The Chairman expressed his regret at the decision. It only required someone to slip off tho rock and bo drowned and then the work would he carried out.

From Conservator of Forests, Hokitika, advising that the proposals for expenditure of amounts under Finance Act had been approved by the Land Board.—Received.

From Clerk, Jnter-AVnnganui River Board, Hercpo, reporting the erosion of the bank' of Little AVanganui River, and asking for report and assistance from ilio Council.—Received; a report stated a cost of £3OO was involved. From James Stephens, Hnrihari. asking for assistance to open up a track from Herepo to mouth of tlio Big AVanganui River.—Received. From Messrs Mcßride and Nolan, Miitainui, acknowledging letter from Public Works Department, and asking that representations lie again made to tlio Department for consideration of AVataroa North Bank Track.— Received. From James Donovan, Oknrito. on same subject, and stating he had written to the Resident Engineer.—Received. From P. Purcell, Matainui, asking fur Council’s support in protesting against the narrow road tt.cne surveyed from the AVataroa Flat road to give access to tho AVataroa cemetery. —Received. From Rriadmnn AVhitiskie, Herepo. stating thero was no serious flood damage done, only washout at south end of tile bridge across La Fontaine Creek.—Received. From Roadman Nolan, forwarding list of flood damage to roads, bridges and river encroachment.—Received. From AV. D. Nolan, Okuru, advising of renewal of culvert on Arnwatn ti Cascade Track; also if the Council would take tho necessary steps to have Sopth AA’estland stocked with opossums —Received. The Clerk stated the Govcriiiiient objected to distributing opossums in the Southern district. From Mines Department, notifying that amounts of rent owing by LinkInter Sluicing Coy. would ho treated as no t-reeovera ble.—ll ecei ved. From Receiver of Cold Revenue, Hokitika, forwarding list of rents on various lirensrs within the Central and Northern Ridings, and asking that same lie recommended’ to Alines Dejarement to be treated as non-re over able.—Received.

From Inspector of Mines, lieefton. advisilig tlmt the proposals for Buster Truck to Cutlery lmtl lioen approved.— Received. .Afr Jeffries protested against the manner in which this work had been put iu hand and read a letter in support of his protest. The Chairman agreed that the matter should receive careful attention. From Treasurer, Massey Memorial Fund, acknowledging cheque for the amount collected in AYestland County. —Deceived. From County Clerk, Westport, asking for Council’s opinion in connection with Motor Lorry licenses.—. Received. From County. Clerk, Greymouth re Motor Lorry Regulations, 1925. advising that a. conference of the No 1 Highways Council was being held at an early date for the purpose of arriving at an agreement with respect to an apportionment of the heavy traffic fees collected by the Local Bodies in the Main Highways District.—Received. From Perry and Coy., Hokitika, applying for leave to cross the AValtalia Ferry -toad with a tramline.—Received. From same, reporting flood damage in Okuru district.—Received.

From Commissioner of Crown Lands, Hokitika, ' regarding Peterson Road proposed deviation, stating that the Department supports- the District Engineer’s opinion in the matter.—Received.

From A. J. Wall, Herepo, with reference to Peterson Road deviation, stating he was not agreeable to the route anywhere but on the Road Reserve, and asking if the vote could be spent immediately.—Received. From J. McLean, Greymouth, and several other Inter-Wanganui residents protesting, against any deviation of Peterson Road route through line laid off.—Received.

From J. A. Cuttancc, Hokitika, thnnkiiig Council for assisting in supporting petition asking for road between Okuru and Jackson Bay.—Received. tTom H. Kidd, ITnrihnri, applying for subsidy towards the construction of si, road from the main road to private property.—Received.; "£5 was voted totvaVds the work. . From H. Dehii, Matainui, asking that assistance bo given towards put- ■ iifig in a crate to st'pp overflow from AVnitnngi River.—Received.

From Roadman Nolan, reporting on 11. Delin’s request for assistance, and recommending same to be granted. —Received.

From AV. D. Nolan, Okuru, advising that Council’s vote of £2O bas been ex- j pended on Arawata to Cascade Road; also reporting re E. James’ complaint about wandering stock.—Received; referred to Southern members to confer with tbc Commissioner of Crown Lands as to boundary line of reserve fenced in. From, Same, enclosing copy of letter sent to E. James with reference to tbc Upper Okuru crossing.—Received. From E. James, Okuru, with reference to wandering stock.—Received. From Overseer Millner, reporting on works done during the month of Dec. —Received. From Roadman Nolan, reporting on works progressed during past month.— Received. From A. Gardner, Evans Creek, asking attention to drains, to be cleared and widened and offering to pay half the cost involved.—Received. Afr Gardner was present in support ol the request. Referred to Overseer Alillnor to report.

From A. Gardner offering to supply posts required for £lB ss.—Received and accepted. From. Koech and Knowles, per R. AViid, asking for remission of rates on section now cancelled.—Received and agreed to. A COAfPLAINT. Mr AV. Johnson waited on the Council in protest against the erection of a gate across Lang Road, and also asking for repairs to the road and bridges. PATERSON ROAD EXTENSION. Mr J. J. Mclntosh waited on the Council in reference to Petersen road proposed deviation. Ho said the present road line went through the centre and best of bis section, while an equally good road lino could be obtained at the foot of the terrace. There was no gravel on the present road line. The Chairman said he sympathised with Af,r ATclntosh as he recognised the proposed road would spoil his section. Air Searlc said he understood the Public AVorks Engineer did not approve of any alteration. Mr Searlc moved, that the Engineer (Mr AA'atkinson) be asked to make an inspection, with Air ATclntosh, and the Southern members.

Mr Jeffries sympathised very much with Air Mclntosh, as the proposed road would mutilate the property. He would second the motion. Mr Donovan objected to any deviation until there was a proper river protection to prevent an incursion of the river. Tho motion was agreed to. KANIERI TRAM. Afr F. Newman waited on the Council in regard to the proposed taking of a portion of his frontage to Knnieri train. His letter of November last was read and he stated that he would not withdraw from tlio attitude taken up therein. Mr Murdoch objected to a statement in tlio letter that members of tho Council were under the undue influcnco of the Tramway Company. ATr AA’ells said he was one of the deputation who waited on Air Newman, yvlio had stated that ho would not agree to anything unless the tramline was removed. The Chairman then moved:—That the Council, having heard Air F. Newman, tho only objector to the taking, of parts of Sections Nos. 1825 and 1826, Kanicri S.D. in the AVestland Land Registry and County of Westland for a road deviation is of opinion that it i.s expedient that the proposed work should be executed and that no private injury will be done thereby for which due compensation is not provided by “The Public AVorks Act, 1008.” Seconded by Mr AVells and carried. -SOUTH AVESTLAND. Mr J. Cutlai’Lc Wi'itcd on I lie Council asking lor support to the petition signed asking for road access from Okuru to Jackson Buv.

The Council agreed to the requert and in accordance with a previous decision agreed to sign the petition, Air Donovan promising to have the petition which is at present being signed in South AA’estlaml. at the County office by the 20th inst. The Chairman moved:—That the Council place on record its appreciation of the services to the Westland Land District during the term of office of the present Commissioner (W. T. Morpeth. Esq.) and in particular approve of t'.e proposed iiiiportiiiit'lancl development scheme in the Jackson Ray district. brought forward by the Commissioner and trusts the proposals will receive the closest investigation by the Governemnt, and that a copy of the motion lie forwarded to the Prime .Minister and AI fluster of Lands with an expression of the practical appreciation by the Council of the services of the valued officer who is worthy of every consideration at the hands of the Lands Department. Seconded by Afr Donovan supported by Afr Murdoch and carried.

Air Cutta lice, thanked the Council blithe interest they wore taking in what was a most important matter for South Westland.

I'M.VANCE COAIATITTICE’S REPORT. Your Committee has the honor to report that the accounts presented for the month of .December, 1925. have been carefully examined, and beg to recommend that the amount as approved. totalling £1284 10s lid. be passed for payment.—Received and adopted. .MOTOR. LORRY. Tile Chairman’s report of the inspection in Canterbury was received. Afr Alurdoch moved that horses and drays be purchased l>y the Council. Seconded by Mr Donovan and lost, the mover and seconder only supporting. Air Duff moved that a motor lorry similar to the one at present in use he purchased for the Council. Seconded by Mr Ward and carried, Messrs Scnrle and Keenan dissenting. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved:—That the accounts for the month of December, 1925,' as revised and recommended for payment-by the Finance Committee, amounting to £1284 10s Lid be passed for payment.” Seconded by Air Wells and carried. The Chairman moved:—That A. Clifton, Esq., be re-appointed representative for tho Council on the Hokitika High School Board of Governors, for the ensuing term.” Seconded by Afr .Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That Wednesday, afternoon of each week be declared the weekly half-holiday for the County of Westland, for the current ye ay.” SecondecUjy-Mr Duff and carried./ / The ChaTrfhan I moved:—“That public notice he given of the intention of the-Council to add ten per cent to all rates outstanding after 30th January, 192(3.” Seconded by Afr Ward and carried. The Council rose at 4.40 p.m.