WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1926, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, JUNE Bth

The Council met at 2 p.m. Present :—Messrs \V. Jeffries (County Chairman), K. A. Wells, L. 11. Morel, AY. .Sea He. J. Donovan. W. If. Chinn, J. A. Murdoch, B. Ward and T. 1L CJresterman. The minutes were read and confirmed and correspondence approved. A DEPUTATION.

A deputation consisting of Messrs W. Johnson and W. McCounon waited on the Council in reference to the condition of White’s Hoad and bridge, asking that necessary repairs ' to be effected and the drains to he cleaned out, due to the failure of the Timber Company tcJ carry out their agreement. After discussion it was resolved that the Timber Company he notiiied to .comply with the terms of their agreement with the Council forthwith, Overseer Milliter to report in fourteen days as to the condition of the road and that in the event of failure on the part of the Company the tramway right he cancelled. P ETHICS EX’S HOAD.

Mr J. J. Mclntosh waited on the Council in reference to Peterson’s Pond Extension.

The Chairman outlined the position as he had found it. stating there had been considerable discussion for many years. The Chairman said he favoured the road being diverted and going to the river frontage, which would give road access to the settlers affected.

Mr Chestermnn reported a visit of inspection with Messrs Jeffries, Wells. Searle and Evans, at which the District Engineer was present. He was of opinion the best way to give prompt access was to carry the road straight out to the river. Two of the settlors affected objected to the diversion of the road line and the District Enginecr al-so objected to transfer the present vote for a road to the river.

All* Searle complained that lie had put in his notice of motion first and still it was after that of the Chairman. The Chairman stated lie was not avail* of this, hut in fairness to Mr Senile he was prepared to allow Mr St.".l ie's ic.'itioii to he dealt with first. In answer to Mr Murdoch the Oh airmail stated that the Public Work's Engineer definitely refused to allow the vote -to he transferred to the river frontage road proposal and that therefore the Council would have to find the money for the work. Mr Murdoch said in that event he

''■ought as it was a southern riding matter, the southern members should deal with it among themselves. M.r ’Wells favoured the road being made straight, out to the river, as a good hard road could then he obtained, instead of a hog that would result if the vote was spent in clearing the first proposal. Mr Searle moved:—“That tile Council approve of the expenditure of the Peterson road grant, £l5O, along the dedicated route through section 2829. and proposals for same he submitted to the Public Works Department, accordingly. Tie favoured this proposal because the Resident Engineer was dead against the transfer of the grant. If they went out and made the road in opposition to the Engineer it would mean money out of their pocket. lie thought, the road should he made on the line laid out by the Resident Engineer. Mr .Mclntosh would he in just the same position as other settlers.

Mr Donovan seconded the motion, He would never agree to spend Cliff to make a toad out to the river. If a road wen made it should he on the surveyed line, lie would never agree to a road being made on the liver hod. He did. not think the making of the road would do the harm to Mr Mclntosh. that he appeared to think it would do.

Air Chinn* said he had made a personal inspection. The expenditure of the C 1.50 on the surveyed road would not give access. The sum would enable th<> road to lie rough formed, and it would he an expenditure that would help in tli(> making of the road which must he made in the years to conic. Air Mclntosh said if the motion were carried it would not give access, while if the road were made io the river it would give all the necessary access for

years to come. Mr AYard said the deviation of the road would give ready access. Mr .Mclntosh was the only settler in favor of the deviation. The question should he settled by the southern members. If the motion was put to the Council he would not vote.

liic Chairman said the matter should he definitely settled that day. The motion was put and lost.—Ayes: Messrs Searle. Chinn. Donovan and Murdoch. Noes: Messrs Morel. Wells. Chestermmi and Chairman. Mr Ward did not vote. The Chairman onve his eastino vole against the motion wliieh was lost. IX WAR T) (•() I:I X ES 1*0X1) E N'CE. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to the credit of the County Fund Account.—Received. From Minister of Public Works, with reference to Wntaroa North Bank Track, advising that the matter has been again looked into, but no further action could ho taken until a road lino lias been legalised.— Received. From Public Works Department, garding erosion at Potters’ Creek, stating the position has been inspected, and though the river was cutting into private land it was not at present endangering tile main road.—Deceived. From same, with regard to Bruce Bay inland Road, advising that some oi the Natives interested had been seen with regard to the price on the land rec|uircd. hut were not sure about ownership.—Received. From -Minister of Mines, advising that the amount of rents due on claims in the Northern Biding would be treated ns non recoverable.—Received. From Lands arid Survey Department, Hokitika, in regard to the erosion of left bank ot Wnitnngi River and with regard to objection raised by .Messrs Purcell and Mcßride, notifying same have been carefully examined, and the objections do not merit serious consideration and approving of the work proceeding.—R eceived. From Chief Postmaster, Greymouth, witli regard to change oi' names, asking lor expression of opinion from this ! Council on same, namely. Koilerangi to Kowhiterangi. Ivnnieri to lvaniere. Maintain to Maitahi, Waiho Gorge to Wninu Gorge.—Received. It was resolved to notify that the Council did not approve ot any change being made. From District Engineer, N.Z. Railways. with regard to proposed road along railway reserve near Manaiiui, advising it had been decided to cancel the lease of same; that the plans and schedule be forwarded . for proclamation.—Received. F rom I own Clerk. Hamilton, with reference to construction and maintenance of streets and roads and motor traffic and taxation, and urging that tlie fees to users causing damage be i ncreased.—R eceived. From President, Westland Progress League, forwarding copy of report of annual meeting,—Received. From T. E. Y. Seddon. .M.P.. Greymouth, forwarding copy of letter from •Minister of Public Works referring to the flooding of the road at Harihari near the store,.which the Minister suggested should be attended to by the settlers arid local body.—Received and referred to Overseer to report. From Higgins arid Fawc-et, Ivokatahi. with regard to Ivokatalii Road, stating the firm would be prepared to pay for all damage done the Upper

Kokatnhi Hoad by heavy traffic.—Deceived.

From same, asking that the lorry driver he given a permit to cart timber with a four ton lorry till the Counci 1 further considered the position.— Deceived. The Chairman stated permission had been given that the load was not to exceed 6 tons, but since then loads of 9 tons had been sent over the road and the offer bad been cancelled. The Chairman’s action was approved. Mr Murdoch moved that Messrs Higgins and Fawcett l>e prosecuted for overlapping the load allowed. Seconded by Mr Ward,and carried. From Overseer Millncr forwarding report on the cost of repairs to bridges on the Upper Kokatnhi road used in connection with tho heavy trailer I raffie.—Deceived.

From Mrs Wright, Dunauga, advising that Airs Harris lias taken over farm, near Kumarn. —Received. From J. Bradley, Araliura, forwarding copy of letter from Native Trustee in reference to channel being cut through bank of the Araliura Diver above M.nlfroy’s Bridge.—Deceived; referred to Overseer to report. From F. Newman, Kanieri. regarding encroachment of river on land at Kanieri. advising no agreement had been made, and submitting claim of (Jinn for Council’s consult ration, asking that same be forwarded to the Public Works Department.—. Received and agreed to. From S. .J. Knowles, Dimu, asking that rates on abandoned Mining Rights he treated as noil recoverable.—Received and agreed to. From C. N. Mancra, Kakapotahi, asking the Council to i>ut a road into section from main south road along Waitahu river reserve to permit carting cream away.—Received ; Overseer to report.

From R. T. Stewart, Okarito, asking if the Council would supply equipment for boat at Five .Mile. Okarito.—Deceived and attended to.

From Overseer Millncr, reporting that the Araliura Diver had eroded the northern bank at approach span to Malfroy’s Bridge cutting in several feet within two feet of the land pier of piles which are thirty-throe lcet from the pier recently renewed, and urging immediate attention to protection and repairs.—Deceived. From same, advising the Kokatnlii river lias eroded portion of old willow grown work, damage being caused by the river turning at a right angle to the hank : to repair damage £2oo.—Deceived.

From A. R. Green, Dimu, forwarding resignation as employee of Council, to take effect from oth June. —Received and accepted. From Roadman Nolan notifying materia 1 for tioat at Five Milo had been received.—Received.

From J. Condon. Advisory Committee. Mahitahi. stating R. Ritchie’s application for CO subsidy for cutting track up Mnknwcho Gorge was approved.—Deceived. From AY. D. Nolan, advising Committee recommend grant of £lO asked for by Harris Bros for Tipper Oktiru Track. Received.

From same, notifying that a meeting of ratepayers had been held at Olcuru, for the purpose of appointing a local i Advisory Committee, and that the old i members had been re-elected.—Receiv--1 ed. i From Bruce Bay Library Committee, 1 forwarding copy ol balance sheet for I the year.—Received. ! F'rem Stafford Library Committee, forwarding copy of balance sheet for j year ending December. 1925.—Deceived. j From Rimu Library Committee, for- ' warding copy of balance sheet.—Received. | From Department of Internal Affairs ■ acknowledging receipt of notification of I County Chairman's election.—Received. ' From District Engineer stating he I was looking into the threatened danger ' to the southern pier of Mikonui Bridge caused by river erosion.— Received. From same in regard to the loading and settlement scheme for Jacksons Bay district stating that after careful investigation he could not see his way to enter upon any large expenditure in development work.--Received. It was resolved to ask for a copy of the re- | port.

I* rom msuicr r.iigmcci m . intimating that lease of line of proposed Mnltinapua road had been suiTcnrl- , ereil.— Received. Front J. AY. Kendo by his solicitor . (A. R. Ebook) asking leave to transfer I lease of ferry reserve to R. Hcnde. Received and approved. [ From Kokatnhi AA'inter Show asking use of lorry to convey Hokitika Ex- . hibits to Kokatnhi on the 15th and return same on the 16th inst. as heretofore.—Received and request granted. From P. .T. Higgins making further representations regarding heavy traffic on Upper Kokatalii road.—Received. From Overseer Millner, reporting on cost of drainage for South Hokitika, notifying work inspected in South AYestland ; estimating cost of Petersen Rond to liver frontage, tilth—Received

!t «iis resolved to attend to drain at Holley’s, South Hokitika, at rnst of •es. From ’Roadman Nolan reporting’ with regard to district works in the Wata-roa-Okarito district.—Received. From .1. -Mnndy, applying for renewal of slaughterhouse license.—Received and recommended. From .Mrs .M. Dixon, stating as a result of accident on Kokatahi road, she claimed damages for repair to the trap.—Received; liability was not recognised. left to Chairman, j From J 1 .M. Schroder, manager o: Frosty Creek Sawmill Coy applying foi leave to place tramway down Eel Crock track.— deceived and reddest granted subject to the usual conditions. From. It. H. Mehrtons and others. Koiterangi, asking lor attention tc roads in their district.—-Received; referred to Overseer. In tins connection it ivfis staled that ii lorry Ibid iieeii using the bye-roads in the viciiiit.y where the limti was two tons, and it was resolved that the lorry drivers he notified that a repetition would involve immediate legal 'proceedings. It was stated that a bridge had carried away as a result of the overloading From T. E. Y. Seddon conveying letter from ilinlster of .Public Works in reference to Station Road, stating the cost of or miles was estimated at £‘2ooo and that if an application for £-100 was made for the next estimates the

representation? would be "considered.— Received. MOTOR DRIVER. .•Vindications were received for tbe position of motor lorry driver. The Council resolved into Committee to deal with the applications and on resuming it was reported that George Morris had been appointed.

FINANCE REPORT. 1. Your Committee has the honor to report that the accounts presented for the month of May, 192(3. have heen carefully examined, and beg to recommend that the amount ns approved, totalling £2.75(3 I6s 2d, be passed for payment.

2. Your Committee desire to appreciate the assistance given by the agents for the Duplex dump track in procuring same under most favorable circum-stances.—-Received and adopted.

TENDERS. K API TEA ROAD. .T. Kulsen and party, £4OO. M. Kelly. £470 17s (3d. Ferguson and Ingles. £498. The tender of .T. Kulsen and party was accepted. MUNICIPAL CHEEK CLEARING. One tender was received for £45

from Shannon and Amberger.—Accepted. MAIIINAPUA CREEK ROAD. Two tenders were received from C. Atkinson and party, £6O ; AV. AVliite, £l2O. The tender of C. Atkinson and party was accepted subject to the railway proclamation being available. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved “ That the accounts for the month of May. 1926, as revised and recommended for payment hv the Finance Committee, amounting to £2,756 15s 2d be passed for payment.” Seconded by Mr Cliesterman and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That all existing Committees bo discharged, and the Council proceed to appoint fresh committees as follows: (A) —Finance Committee: C'rs Chcstcrnian (Chairman), Chinn, Searle and Ward. (B) —AYorks Committee: C'rs AA'ells (Chairman), Donovan, Morel and Murdoch. (C) —Mining Committee: Crs Murdoch (Chairman), Donovan, Chesterman, AA’ells. (D) —Councillors to sign cheques: The County Chairman, Chesterman, Murdoch, Ward and AYells. Seconded by Mr Murdoch and carried. Tho Chairman’s motion: —“That the Council authorise the contraction of a serviceable road extending from the end of the road reserve frontage as far as necessary to meet traffic requirements; this occupier of section 2829 (with the consent of the Commissioner of Lands) to grant tho right of roadway out to‘the river road reserve frontage,” was withdrawn. Mr Morel moved:—“That the attention of the Highways Board be drawn to tho necessity of widening the bridge at. Shnnnndnnh Crook, TvanieriHokitika road, as a precaution against accident.” Seconded by Mr AA'ells and carried. Mr Murdoch moved:—” That authority he given to spend £l2 in repairs to Chesterfield truck.” Seconded by the Chairman and carried. Mr Morel moved that an approach lie put in to the new hall at Upper Koiterangi at a cost of L's. Seconded by Alt* Chesterman and carried. .Mr Donovan moved that a roadway he cleared near Fox River to give access at cost of £ls. Seconded by the Chairman and carried.

The question of (lagging tho ford at Totnra Lagoon and river was referred to the County Solicitor for an opinion as to the liability of the Council. Tile Council rose at 5.10 p.m.