WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1926, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY. APRIL 13tli. The Council met fit. 2 p.m. Present—- . Messrs .1. A. .Murdoch, 11. 'Ward. W. Searlo, J. Donovan, E. A. Weis, W. Jeffries, T. W. Dull v and M. Keenan. Mr Mul'd was voted to the chair in the absence of the Chairman. Mr Seddon. M.P., who was present, referred to the coining visit of tlic lion |{. McLeod. .Minister of Lands, md outlined the proposed programme, vliich was approved by the Council. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. T XM'ARD COR DESPONDENCE. From Chairman (T. K. Chesterman) ■ pnlogising for absence from meeting. —Received. From Keenan family thanking Conn'd for letter of condolence. —Received. Front Treasury, notifying accrued revenue. —Received. From Minister of Public Works, with reference to road from Hokitika to Mahiiiapua, stating investigations have since been in hand by Department, and request lias been noted to receive further consideration in eon. neetion with preparation of the Public Works Roads Estimates for next financial year.—Received. From same with regard to flood (Tamage in Westland County, granting CSG os £ for £.— Received. From Public Works Department, flrcymouth notifying amount of contribution by the County for contributions towards the cost, of maintenance of Main Highways, £1530 per annum. - -Received. From same, advising that the Main Highways Board had decided to regard Brandt. Scully and Watarna Flat roads as detour mads as from Ist. April, and would contribute £ lor £ towards the cost of maintenance.—Received. From same, forwarding lithograph showing proposed boundary signs, recommended by the Main Highways Board.—Received.

From some, forwarding particulars of Motor Lurry Regulations.—Received. From same, forwarding circular in connection with Main Highways Esiimates.—Received. From same foi warding circular referring to Annual Review ot Main Highways.- Received. From Main Highways Board acknowledging letter re classification of Main Highways, stating same would receive consideration. Received. From Minister of Internal Affairs, with regard to. amended regulations relative to issue of motor drivers’ licenses.— Received. From Lands and Survey Department, acknowledging receipt of letter regarding vote for clearing Raft (.’rook and stating that work is under investigation and representations have been noted.— Received. From Lands and Survey Department, Hokitika, re reservation of an area on Blue Spiir-Arthurstown road as a gravel reserve for use of Council, stating same would receive attention and Council he advised when formal reservation of area has been completed. -Received. From Mines Department. Wellington. with reference to Kiimara and Waiinea water-races, .-.tilting something definite was required to bo done ini mediately.—Received. From Controller and Auditor-Gen-eral. Wellington, wiili regard to matter of County balance sited, accepting statement in regard to deferred payment. for road machinery.— Received. From same, asking Council to submit clear evidence of actual expenses incurred liv each of country members during the year 1923. when the matter ol refund would be considered.—Received.

From Lands and Nmtey Department. Hokitika, forwarding plan on which is required endorsement of Council's consent, in connection, with road proposed to lie closed in Block VII. M'aiTaha S. I).—Received. .From X.Z. Government State Fire Insurance Office. "Wellington, with re-let-cnee to lire ami accident insurance, asking for share of Council's business --Received.

that the Hospital Board levy could not be reduced, the administration charges being as low as it was possible to make tliem. Mr Ward paid a. tribute to the good work of the County representatives on tlic Board. He moved a vote of thanks to members of the Board. Seconded by Mr Searlo and carried. The levy was accepted. From W. Olderog, Hungerford. drawing attention to the condition of tin* protection work which required attention after the late flood damage.— Received : Overseer to report.

From G. Searlo and 17 others complaining of the wandering cattle nuisance on the main south road in the locality of Little Waitaha.—Received. From ('. Donovan and ,1. Condon, Tata re. urging that Potters’ Creek bo protected to save valuable Flat land in that- locality.—Received; referred to the Land Board. From Molonnan Robinson, forwarding monthly report on works attended to.—Received.

From Overseer Milliter forwarding report- on district roads; recommending regarding control of road staff: reporting on repairs io Old Christchurch road and Kawhaka track.-—Re-ceived.

From Roadman Nolan. monthly report. with list of works required in district ; also reporting on complaint in regard to action of groyne, stating no injury was being caused by the protection which was m accordance with the plan approved by the Chief Surveyor.—Received.

From M. Houston, agent for Hornby, asking for a reduction in the rent of reserve.—Received; rctorrod to I'inaiico Committee to deal with. From West Coast Lime Company, Ross, asking for sum io he placed on estimates for road access to lime kiln. - Received. MAH INAIM-A CREEK ACCESS. In connection with this matter, de-j'em-d from last mccling, a decision was arrived at. Mr Wells moved that the Overseer prepare a proposal for an access road along Mnhinnpun Creek, and an estimate he supplied. Seconded by Mr Keenan. Mr Mat'd said it .seemed a pity to mutilate the links, which he had been on for tin* iii'si time during their inspiction at hisi meeting. He had been agreeably surprised at the fine surlace He understood that the set tiers wore prepared to he satisfied if they had access through the links. The motion was carried. On (In* motion of Mr Searlo it was resolved the Overseer inquire into alleged blocking of track near Forgu-

FI NANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. 1. Your Committee has tho honor to report that the accounts presented for the month of March. 10-0, have been carefully examined, and hog to recommend that the amount us approved, totalling £2OIO Os 7d, he passed for payment. 2. Your Committee recommends that those in arrears with rents for reserves he notified that in till cases where rents remain unpaid after this month, the Council will proceed at next mooting to cancel the existing leases, and recover outstanding rents. Your Committee recommends that- pursuant to the provisions of the amended regulations affecting the licensing of vehicles for heavy traffic, (’he Grev County Council he appointed the distributing authority for the No. I ! Main Highways Dist rict. and Albert .1. 'loss an instiecior for the M’osthind Comity of the Highways District, sullied to sutislaetorv arrangements being made In regard to remunei'atioii.— Received.

Mr Mat'd moved that the Overseer inspect and repair a culvert near Richards, Arahuia, if thought- necos- * sary. OVERSEER’S REPORT RE AFFORESTATION. I. have the honour to report, a,-, rc-

t- quested, upon the advisability of prn,i, curing a small hhnk of land for plar.tlug a. species of gum suitable for bridge building in the future. Any class of 11 poor land sucb as the Big Paddock- a! 'k H'uu Han, or Kelly's Terrace, .Stafford. would be suitable, as some good trees re have been grown on tin's land without, any special attention. One tree felled at the Hail Man receully was 50 years ; old and produced one pile 3<t foi-j in ,s ‘ length wiih 1(5 inches of heart al the butt, and .11 inches of heart at forty it. feet above the ground. A second t- round pile twenty-five feet in length p_ with nine indies of heart at the small end. was procured from the same tree, j a total length of 04 lineal feet of tim- ' her and worth at present rates £l2 if.-,. less 30s for felling and hewing. 1 One of ol the same species was felled in the if same locality seventeen years since and the unused portion showing 1J inches of heart laying where it was felled, is 1 in perfect condition. Front the description given in circular No 2(1 New Zealand State Forests Service, I am inclined to the belief that the species mentioned is K. A imintdis. •- commonly known as Manna. Gum. and 1. described as a tree of secondary impor.lance in .southern parts of Australia and Tasmania. 11l the Waikato and a great many n parts of the North Island it rapidly - grows into a tall, straight and beautiful tree which may he regarded as a ’, species suitable for till except the ex- ] trcmely warm portions of New Zealand, and grows better than others in high, dry and poor country. Heart timber | is pale ill colour, easily split and has - been proved to he very durable in conc tact with the ground. Unfortunately . it does not season very well and is unsuitable for sawing into planks hut is one ol' the easiest species to transplant. I have not been able to get any information where seedlings could ho pro. cured, hut seed can he obtained o through the Forestry Department and grown in. shallow trays until suitable for transplanting. Approximately 90 • to 100 trees could he grown on each j acre of ground which in 50 years time ’ l * would ho worth at present rates £750 . to £BOO per acre. The preparation , - of the ground for planting is not cost- i ly. hut surface water would require draining off and the land slightly ridged in sections seven feet apart.) .j which is a suitable distance between | each row of trees. The roots of the 1 ' young trees planted in line along the | ridges would not become water logged i ; in a wet season, and once established ' • make very rapid growth and require , , very slight attention. REPORT OF COFXCTL IN i Z COMMITTED. j Tito Council sat in committee at 7.30 p.ttt. on tlie 12th inst. when it was , resolved its follows: l l. That the Overseer enquire into 1 , ’ statements conveyed to members by , ratepayers that there had been neglect ; of duty by roadmen through attending , to their own business in the Council’s time. t , ' 2. That the Overseer confer with . permanent employees in regard to lull j time being worked daily. j 3. That the Overseer’s suggestion of t placing a working foreman in charge | of the lorry team he adopted, and the i ' foreman keep an accurate record of the , men’s time daily. ; t 4. That the Treasurer’s suggestion t for closer contact with the Overseer in f regard to the number of men employed ( weekly lie adopted to ensure expend!- ; wire being kept within the menus of j the Council, and that small contracts 1 he let where practicable. j, 5. That in future the expenditure a of Government grants be left' solely in q the hands of the Overseer. () 6. That all employees he circularise; 1 . a to the effect that they must be at their v posts on wet days, otherwise deductions a will he made from the monthly wages. t 7. That the location or housing of S 1 the lorry bo' left to' the Hew Council ~ to take into consideration when the j; sc rot ill mcahine is to hand. f, 8. That the Overseer be authorised m to exercise full control over the road employees, permanent and casual, and that the Council wilj support him in all reasonable action taken to Tnt'egtirfrd the interests of the Council. lit Committee matters’ affecting the use of broken metal for road repairs, the ordering of supplies for works, '

From N.Z. Conn lies’ Association, AA'ollington. forwarding circular letter with regard to colloctiou and npportionuH'iit of motor lorry licence foes ■•mil notifying ooinforenee on July 201. h. Received.

From .Secret,>uy. Harihari hranch of Fail tiers’ Union, forwarding list of urgent works required in the district. •—Received.

From AVataroa-Wnilio Brandi Fanners' Union, Mat,■mini, forwarding list of works required in district.—Received. From Dec’s Grocery, Hokitika, forwarding quote for supplies of petrol. Received.

From Higgins and Fa went 'Bros., Kokatahi asking for reconsideration for subsidy towards road at sawmill. Received.

From, JL 11. Mchrtcns, Koiternngf, applying to Council for part of Wall road to he metalled.—Received; Overseer to report. From .fas Davidson, AVaitaha. asking to have the Happy AYtHey Track put in order and repair.—-Received : Overseer to report. From A. JL AVeenink. Tetaho, asking ior assistance to construct suitable approach to get access to milking sheds, etc.— Received ; Overseer to report.

From AY. D. Nolan. Okuru, reporting largo culvert collapsing on Okuru Dray road between Nolan Bros’ residence and milking shod, stating repairs fo same would cost about £2o. Received.

From AY ,T. TTan.shury. Totara. complaining about wandering cattle on AToolhou.se road, and asking Council to take action in the matter.—Recoiv-

From F. Gunn, Tetaho, asking Council to reconsider application for assistance towards cutting of drain along the County Road Reserve adjoining Section 2385.—Received ; £5 being voted. From J. Mcßride and M. Purcell, Matninui. telegraphing that they hold Council responsible for damage to land if course? of Waitangi river altered, as last groin did considerable damage. Received : Southern members to confer with Commissioner of Crown Bands,

From AY. D. Nolan. Okuru with regard to grant for Okuru track for deer stalkers, stating instructions wero given to .James to spend £3 on track.— Received.

Front Overseer Millnor, reporting on fence along the boundary of A. Jamieson’s property, Hokitika Gorge, complained of by Automobile Association. Received ; £0 authorised.

From Highways Board submitting plans and estimates for small bridges, main south road, Granite Creek. £290; Cameron’s Creek, £268: Cowhide Creek. £896 ; and asking the Council’s bridge foreman (Mr Reynolds) to undertake the erection; half cost to be remitted to the Board.—'Received. From J[r T. ,E. A'. Seildon. M.P., forwarding letter front Minister of Public AA'orks stating that the latter was' enquiring into the expenditure of £3OO grant for clearing Raft Creek.—Recti veil.

From Westland Hospital Board forwarding balance sheet and estimates for year, with notice of the levy, £1.539 3s 3d, payable In nine equal payments. -— ~Rp<y-*ivprl Mr -JpfFrres tens

tho direction of bridge repairs, and other administrative matters were discussed, and the opinions of members on the several matters were conveyed to the Overseer, who will be expected to act in the best interests of ilie Council with a view to general economy (consistent with good work) being practiced. TENDERS FOR. WAITANGI ROAD. Tenders were received from:— Jl. He veldt £258 J. Burke and Son 448 Tender of Mr fl. fleveldt was accepted. ORDER- PAPER. The Chairman moved:—“That Hie accounts presented for the month of March, 1926, as revised and recommended for payment, by the Finance Committee, amounting to £2016 6s 7d be passed for payment.” Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That, the necessary resolution he adopted empowering the Council to borrow by way of overdraft from the Bank of New Zealand, a, sum not exceeding £4,500, such overdraft to be secured by revenue outstanding and uncollected as at 31st March, 1927.” Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That the list of proposed new works for application for Government grants, as prepared by Overseer Millner, now before the Council, be approved, with such additions as may be thought necessary and application be made for the inclusion of the works in tho Public Works Estimates for 1926-27.” Seconded by Air Duff and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That the report of the Treasurer its before the Council on the proposed allocation of estimated revenue for t'he current financial year, he now considered and adopted.” Seconded by .Mr Duff and carried.

,j. ('r Donovan to move: "That the roadman he authorised to oil)]»lo.v a s man to assist him for a fortnight. ( . cleaning and repairing Bird, 'Whale .. and Rotokino Roads. AVataroa l)is(1 trier.” .Seconded !>v -Mr Jeflries and v carried. It rvtts intimated that, the Hokitika ~ Borough Council had declined to assist H in connection with the proposal to i_ raise a loan to ensure the erection „ of bridges mi the main south road ; , and iiccordingiv the adjourned notices ( . of motion dealing with this subject t | were withdrawn, the proposals being allowed to lapse. It was resolved that the next meot- * ing of the Council be on Wednesday. (> A lay sth. j. The Council rose at 1.. A!) p.m.