A CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1926, Page 1

A CONFERENCE

OF LOCAL BODIESQUESTION OB' KUMARA WATERRACES. A conference of representatives of Local Bodies met at the County Chambers, Hokitika, yesterday afternoon to consider matters iu connection with the proposal of 'the Mines Department to dispose of tlie Kumara waterraces. There was a representative gathering present, consisting of the following: Westland County Council—Messrs Ward, Duff, Snarl e, Murdoch, Donovan, Keenan and Wells. Greymouth Borough Council—Messrs W. H. Parfitt (Mayor), and H. F. Doogan. Grey County Council—Messrs M. Keating (County Clerk) and W. Higgons (County Engineer). Kumara Borough Council—Messrs A. B. Spiers (Mayor). W. Benyon and 0. Pnnunent (Town Clerk). Hokitika Borough Council—Mr NY. Jeffries. Mr T. E. Y. Seddnn, M.P. was also present. Mr B. Ward presided. Letters were received from the Mines Department in reference to the subject at issue, stating at tlieir request the Minister had decided to delay action until the conference of Local Bodies on the subject. Mr Seddon outlined what- had passed when the Minister of Mines was in Kumara. The Minister had said he was not going to give any concessions find that the Kumara water races were up for sale. As a. result of representations made the Minister had deferred a definite decision until a meeting oT the local bodies had decided what action should be taken. They had now gathered together that afternoon to decide what course should he followed, hut it must be recognised that whatever the decision of the meeting, these decisions would hare to go before the respective local bodies for their approval or otherwise. He hoped the meeting would he able to come to some reasonable agreement to pass on to the Minister, who required seme reasonable tangible suggestions.

During the disciission that followed it, transpired that the Kumara Borough Council had offered to take over the upkeep of the section of the water race from the big dam to Kumara for three years and then give £IOOO for same. There had been another offer by an outside company For tlie race, which it was understood had been declined by the Mines Department. Mr Parfitt said as far as the Greyinouth Borough Council was concerned, there had not been -any actual 'decision, but it had been thought that eventually it might he possible to utilise water from the Wainihinihi for a water supply for Greymouth. It was Celt it would not ho right for the Government to dispose of the water rights to private persons. Mr Konting said the Grey County Council was concerned with the mining operations at Payn’s Gully, and in view of the. statement made by Mr Spiers, that if the Kumara Borough obtained the right to the Kunrnra portion. that the minors on the north side would have to fish for themselves, ho thought that, there would he opposition to the Kumara Borough getting the .sole* righ to the water. If they did it would entail a special hardship on 13. MeLuchlan who could not getwater. and at present wanted the "pipe lino made good, a lot of water being due io him at the present time. Under the circumstances they would prefer to see it banded over to a private company if they would provide water for the mines.

Mr Benyon said Mr Keating was in error in taking that attitude. What tbe Kumara Borough wanted . was water for the town, but the putting in order of the steel pipes across the Terentakait was a big job. Mr MeT. a eld an had arranged to keep the pipe line in order, hut there had been a big break, and it would cost a very large sum to repair the line. If ho carriel out tbe repairs then the water would ho available, hut tlie Kumara Borough could not attempt such a work. , . , jj j.\ TJoogan said tne point seemed’ to bo that the water races were costing the. Government- a loss ol £IOOO to £I2OO a year. That was what bad to be faced. AVl,at- could they sug,rPu(. to save the loss, and at the same tVino keep the right for the country. Mr Spiers said Kumara. wanted to secure the right for the purpose of continuing the present town water supply, hut the Government would not (five the right to Kumara. " Mr Doogan—Solely because of the annual loss involved. . Mr Jeffries then moved that ril.e Conference of Local Bodies does nos approve of the Mines Department soiling this national water right, which it, wins considered should be continued to ho hold for public purposes. Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. M r Jeffries further moved that . in the event of the Government deciding to sell, that the Conference was of the opinion that the offer made by the Kumara Borough Council hould ho accepted. Seconded by Mr Duff and carried. Ttr Duff moved that the other mrI Jo ll of Iho winter race known as Die Waimea section, ho reserved for loDd bodies’ use. Seconded by Art* M, »• doch. Air Jeffries said he would not oppose. as long as it was rmdw'J.nol that the Hokitika Borough would not take iiny responsibility for upkeep. The motion was then carried. Air Murdoch moved that the resolutions agreed to he placed in the hands of Air Seddon for transmission to the AUnister. Seconded by Air Spiers and carried. Afr Seddon in acknowledging the resolutions said it was gratifying to find the meeting Had been so unanimous. Ho thought the Kumara people were very reasonable in the suggestions they had made. Ho was sorry the Grey Power Board had been overlooked in the matter, but that had been unintentional. He was pleased to see so many representatives of the local bodies present that day and would duly place their recommendations before the Afinister. Votes of thanks to the delegates for attending were agreed io .and with a vote to the chairman for presiding the meeting terminated.