WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1926, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, 13th • JULY. The Council mot at 2 p.m. Present— Messrs W. Jeffries (County Chairman), E. A. AVells, B. Ward, L. H. Alorel, \Y. Scarle, J. Donovan, T. It. Chesternian, J. A. .Murdoch and W. H. Chinn. The minutes were confirmed arid outward correspondence approved. DEPUTATION.

Mr W. Olderog waited on tllio Council objecting to the Council taking gravel from the Arahurn river bed near his property. Mr Ward explained the position stating that they were now opening a gravel pit near the bridge works in progress, and there was no need for taking further gravel from the river. Mr Olderog expressed his satisfaction if no more gravel were taken from the river bed. The Chairman stated that lie could safely be assured of that. ANOTH.ER REPUTA TION.

Mr AY. Johnson waited on the Council stating nothing had been done to AVliite’s Road since last mooting in spite of the ultimatum of the Council to the Kokatahi Sawmill Company. Mr Elcock. representing the Ivokntnhi Sawmill Company, stated they were prepared to carry out the agreement between them and the Council. Letters from the Company and the Manager were read. Mr Chestennan took .exception to one statement in the Manager’s letter in reference to the upkeep of the drain which lie stated would have to he attended to by the Company. Mr Ward said this matter had been up for discussion on numerous occasions and they should settle it to-day, one. for all. An agreement had been made some four years ago allowing the tram to be placed on the road subject to conditions which he understood the Chairman had found had not been carried out. He moved that the Company be given a. month to put the road in satisfactory order, failing which the agreement he terminated. Seconded by Air A tore I. Me thought, however, that the Council should allow the lorry to cart the 50 yards of gravel and so assist the work being

carried out. Air Chestennan thought the Council should correspond with the Company direct. The Manager had ignored the requests of the Council throughout. Air AVells supported. The sawmill hail had a lot of difficulties but the settlers affected must bo considered, and the road should be put in proper order at once or the agreement cancelled.

Air Murdoch thought the best thing to say was they had made a bargain and to ask the Company if they were prepared to at once carry out the agreement. If tney were not then it should he terminated. The Chairman said there was no doubt in his mind that the Company had broken the agreement. They should see that the agreement was carried out, or the agreement should be cancelled, lie agreed that a final opportunity should he given with a month to carry out the terms of the agreement.

The motion was then agreed to. WANDERING CATTLE. Air W. Vincent waited on the Council stating he had ben ordered to take his stock off the road at Alatainui and had done so. Since then the roadman and other settlers’ stock were continually on the road. Me objected to being ordered oil the road and other stock being allowed to graze on the same roads. The Chairman promised consideration later of the complaint. The Council later discussed the subject and it was resolved to ask Roadman Nolan for an explanation. IX AY AR D CORR ES PON DEN C.E. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to the credit of the County Fund Account.—Received., From Hon R. A. Wright, Wellington. thanking Council for congratulatory message in reference to appointment as At mister of Education. - Received. From Department of Public Works, forwarding copy of proclamation olosiiw portion of road in Block XAL, AA'ataroa S.D.—Received. From Public Works Department, forwarding copy of letter from Head Office, in reference to annual review of Alain Highways, and stating consideration of declaring Kokatahi road a main highway, was held over.—llceeiv-

From same, approving of Council's action in accepting tender of J. False n for Ktimara-Kapitea road contract. —Received. From same, acknowledging receipt of contribution towards upkeep of main highways, and stating the loading weight for the main highway in Westland had not been determined.— Received.

From same, forwarding plan of proposed bridge over Granite Creek (Ferguson’s) as approved by tlie Wain Highways Board, total cost including approaches, £290; Council’s share half cost of same.—Received. From same, forwarding‘copy of letter in reference to sign posts on main highways, and in regard to which subsidies were offered automobile associations.—Received. From Commissioner of Crown Lands, with regard to portion of river road reserve, proposed to he closed in Block XIV. Wanganui S.D. forwarding tracing for endorsemnt.—-Received ; referred to .Southern members to deal with.

From same, with regard to Petersen’s Road, asking when the Council was proceeding with the expenditure for same on the line originally laid off.— Received.

From Native Trustee, Wellington, in connection with Native Reserve Section. Bruce Bay, advising that no help could he given ns reserve is not vested in the Native Trustee.—Received. From Taranaki Local Bodies’ Assn., in reference to distribution of heavy traffic fees, and enquiring oil what basis the fees were allocated in the Highways District. —Received ; information to he supplied.

From President. Westland Acclimatisation Society, with regard to road along Mahinnpua. Creek, advising that the Hokitika Golf Club had intimated its intention to claim from the Society half the cost of necessary fencing involved, by reason of the construction of the road; asking if the Council would accept the liability to fence, if any, accordingly, the Society not having funds for the purpose.—Received. The Chairman said it was to ho regretted that an amicable arrangement could not be made between the Golf Club and the settlers. He'did not see how the Council could give effect to the request for fencing. The Clerk stated that a hitch had occurred in connection with the railway reserve, which the Surveyor (Mr J. C. Macfarlane) had notified the present fence overlapped, and it would he necessary to notify the Railway Engineer on the subject before any further action was taken.

Mr Murdoch moved that the letter of the Acclimatisation Society be received. but the Council could not accept the liability. Seconded by Mr Wells and carried.

From Secretary Otago Expansion League, Dunedin, forward copy of petition with regard to Hnast Pass Road. —Received ; to be supported. From C. Passmore, Kumara. and .T. Fitzgerald. Wainihinihi. applying for renewal of slaughter house licenses.— Received.

From Kokatahi Timber Coy., advising that Air G. Hutchison would wait on the Council with regard to maintenance of White’s Road.—Received ; regret to be expressed that Afr Hutchison did not attend.

From J. J. Burnside, asking for assistance to have the drain bn the road, known as Ferguson’s Road, cleared.—Received; referred to Overseer to report.

From Mcßride and Purcell, Alatainui, with reference to river erosion, trusting that the Council would adhere to decision regarding ground opposite their property.—Received.

From Sullivan Bros, with regard to £ls. voted to make a track across Fox River bed, stating sanio would he spent to best advantage.—Received. From C. AI. Harris, asking that the Council include £IOO in this year’s estimates for the continuation of the Okuru track.—Received.

From A\ r . D. Nolan, asking for a grant of £l2 for Arawata to Jackson’s Bay road ; also £8 for repairs to Turnhull road ; £ls to £2O on Okuru road. —Received and requests authorised. The Chairman stated he proposed visiting that district in September, when he would draft a report of the condition of the various roads, for the use of the Council in the future. Oll'cr accepted with thanks. From Roadman Nolan, reporting on district works.-—Received.

From Overseer Aliiner, monthly report on district works.—Received.

From Land and Survey Department notifying closing of disused road reserve in AVaitaha district.—Received. From 11. AL Trade Commissioner supplying a review of the developments in the Britsih motor omnibus industry. —Received.

From Conservator of Forests, Christchurch, offering to report on prospective planting areas under the control of the Council.—Received.

From Department of Agriculture approving of removal of slaughter house licenses forwarded.—Received.

From Buller County Council suggesting purchase of car for traffic inspector over Highways District!—Received. Jt was stated that the Council’s motor car would be available when the officer was visiting the district. From Okarito Library Committee forwarding annual report.—Received. From C. J. Nightingale urging preparation of surveyor’s plan for Alabinapua road.—Received ; the Clerk to reply explaining the iiosition. From. Eric James, Okuru, with regard to the Jackson Bay reading proposals.—Received. From Kokatahi Timber Coy, stating the Alanager of the Company would wait on the Council regarding maintenance of White's road.—Received. From G. Hutchinson, Alanager, regretting inability to attend, and making suggestions regarding the improvement of AVhito road, and further asking that verbal agreement in the matter he ratified.—Received.

From Overseer AMllner reporting stone and gravel may he removed from Arahura river on payment of a royalty of fid per cubic yard ; reporting regarding protection work proposed by J. Bradley; estimated work at Harihari to relieve flood damage at £3B 10s.— Received, in connection with the latter work it was resolved to ask the Highways Baord to pay half the cost, the work to bo carried out. The Chairman said that the Hoki-tika-Blue Spur road was in a shocking state owing to overloading and excessive snood. Hundreds of pounds of damage had been done. Another road in very had order was that loading to Higgins’* mill. This damage was entirely due to timber cartage from the mill. The Council laid no revenue from this mill and the owners should effect the necessary repairs. AL Ward said he knew the Blue Spur road was in a very bad state and a firm attitude should ho at once taken, or the Council would be saddled with a very heavy expenditure. Air Chestennan said Blue Spur road was in an awful condition. The heavy lorry was far too heavy for the road which was a very poor one and unable to stand, the strain. Mr Searle said the heavy lorries would have to be taken off the road and a start should be made at once and the load limit enforced.

Mr Chesterman moved that the road limit of 0 tons on the Blue Spur road lie enforced and that a charge of £25 be made against the lorry owners to repay part of the cost of repairs involved to-day. Seconded by -Mr Veils and carried.

In reference to the Higgins’ branch road the Council decided to take no action. It was resolved to notify <l. Honshu r.v that the road limit on Brandt and other roads must be observed and it was resolved to ask that the cost of two culverts broken in by an overloaded lorry be reimbursed. From Roadman Nolan, Matainui, district report on works in Wataroa district.—Received. From Okuru District Committee with regard to repair work in hand. —Received. From Mjotormnn Robinson supplying report of work done for month.—Received.

From 11. Moyiiihan, Secretary Tvokn-tnhi-Koiterangi Farmers’ Union, supporting a request that Shenandoah bridge be widened and that the hill at Selby’s be widened.—Received; referred to Highways Board for favourable consideration. From John Delaney applying for employment.—Received and filed. Mr Chesterman moved that £lO ho authorised for work on approaches to Doughboy road, the Overseer to supervise.—Seconded by Mr Morel and carried. Mr Murdoch was appointed to represent the Council at the Counties’ Conference in Wellington; and failing his being able to attend, the member for the district to be asked to attend. FINANCE. COMMITTEE’S REPORT. 1— Your Committee has the honor to report that the accounts presented' - for the month of June, 192(1, have been carefully examined, and beg to recommend that the amount a.s approved, totalling £2315 2s Od be passed for payment. 2lt is recommended that the following subsidies to libraries be paid, namely. Stafford and R.inni, £5 each; Okarito and Bruce Bay £3 each. As balance sheets from the other library committees have not been received, no recommendation is made at present in respect to same.—Received and adopted.

OVERSEER’S SPECIAL REPORT. HEAVY TRAFFIC ON ROADS. I have the honour to report upon the condition of the various roads within the County carrying heavy traffic. LOWER. KOKATAHI ROAD. This road is in good order nod requires usual maintenance by keeping motor worn holes filled, etc. The frequent use of the grader and roller has improved the portion of road between Kanieri and Graham’s Hotel, and it is in a better condition this "outer to carry traffic than ever it has been. UPPER. KOKATAHT ROAD. From Graham’s Hotel to Upper Ivokatahi to Doughboy Road junction, the road is showing signs of- heavy traffic and will cost £25 to patch and repair worn places with gravel. The road also requires clearing of blackberry and gorse, grading and rolling at a cost of £3O.

UPPER KOKATAHI TO DOUGHBOY ROAD. From tho Upper Kokatahi Road to tile Koly.itahi River not a mile in length, but used solely for timber haulage 'from Higgins and Party’s mill. This portion of road lias cut up badly, two wide and deep ruts extending the whole distance, which require filling with broken stone at a cost of £ls. Messrs Higgins have done a considerable (amount of work in keeping the road, open for traffic, and constant attention is necessary otherwise it will not carry the lorry during wet weather. There is no sign of overloading or speeding on any of the roads mentiond. LAKE KANIERI ROAD. This road is standing well, only oeoasional repairs are necessary between Kanieri River and Ward Road, and nearly all work can be attended to by tho Roadman with assistance in plenishing the dumps at- the roadside. WAR-D ROAD. This road has recently been repaired, the millers contributing £ for £ in labour. ART HUR STO AY X ROAD. Although recently repaired, this mad has cut up considerably with l -ie timber waggon traffic from the Digger s AI ill. Woodstock. Some portions within the former Borough Bundary aic deeply rutted. The grader will he used on AA’ednesduy to fill in the. ruts where material is available, but the lorry will ho required for a week to cart material for repairs. back creek road. This road is being widened and repaired with gipivel to meet traffic requirements. HOKIT!KA-HAU HAU ROAD.

This road has cut up badly with the cartage of timber from Warren and Feeney’s mill, and 80 cubic yards of crushed metal were used in urgent repairs between Racecourse Flut and the Hail Hau. This road is very thin and not in a condition to carry heavy traffic especially during the winter months. Overloading and sliced .are the contributing factors to a greater portion of the damage done. BLUE SPUR ROAD.

Tho portion between Hau Hau and Warren and Feeney’s mill has cut up a good deal with heavy traffic, the road being too weak for constant lorry traffic during tho winter, even it the limitation of loading is not exceeded. Repairs have been effected- to very bad holes, but £SO are required for repairs to the worst portions of Hokitika-Huu Hau, and Blue Spur Road. AAVATUNA AND CIIULAMS CHILLY ROADS.

The recent repairs to these roads are giving good results, Awatuna requires grading and this will be attended to next week. Overloading or speeding is not practised by tho ; drivers cl the lorries on these roads. TENDERS. AY ALT j ROAD. Tenders were received from A. I*lemiug and H. Rimmiek at £350, John Coyle £355. The lowest tender was accepted.

ORDER PAPER, The Chairman moved:— “That tho accounts presented for the month of June, 1926, as revised and recommended lor payment by tho h inance Committee, amounting to £2345 2s Oil lie passed for payment.”—Seconded by Air Chestennan and carried. Tho Chairman moved that- the general rate of six farthings he struck in all ridings. Seconded by Atr Chcstermuii and carried. The Chairman moved that -special rates as advertised he struck. ■ Seconded by Afr Chestennan and carried. Mr Donovan moved :—“That the sum of £-5 ho expended clearing scrub oil' Gillespies-Cooks Flat road.”—Seconded bv Afr Searle and carried. PETERSEN ROAD EXTENSION.

The Chairman moved:— “That tho Council authorise the construction of a serviceable road in extension front Petersen’s road to river road reserve frontage to meet traffic requirements, the occupier of section 2529 to gdnnt right of roadway; cost not to exceed £85.” From J. J. Mclntosh—l understand the matter of Petersen Road is coming up again nt the Council meeting. I have explained the position fully previously and realising the importance from a practical point of view carrying out the road to the road reserve on the river frontage, I am prepared to gravel the road for tho distance specified, without charge, if the Council "ill form the road and place the necessary culvert in position at the stream crossing. Should this not be acceptable as a- Tail - and reasonable means of settling the matter, I take it the Council will decide to follow the costly route, which will cut up my property so seriously. In that extremity 1 shall lie compelled in self protection immediately to fence off my property and prevent further trespass through or About my property. lam reluctant to do this, but those familiar with the position will realise I would not he fair to myself to allow stock traffic to wander at will over my property. I therefore make a final appeal to the Council to reconsider the matter from all points of view, and if fairly considered believe, the majority will favor the adoption of a proposition which will give all concerned the best access possible in the circumstances at a most reasonable cost, quite a. few pounds, whereas the alternative will he a road which will not he completed for many a, day to come and then only at a cost of hundreds of pounds.—-Received. From N.Z. Farmers’ Union, Greymouth. asking objection to proceed with the extension of Petersen’s road for which a grant of £l5O was voted. —Received. Mr Searle presented a petition from some 40 settlers asking that no public money be spent in the extension of Petersen’s road to the river front.—

Received. The Chairman referred to the discussion at last ‘meeting. In spite of the numerously signed petition, lie had not, changed bfs views a.s expressed. He considered that it would be of no use expending the vote on the surveyed line, and there was no possibility of obtaining the necessary £ISOO to complete the work for many years to come. Seconded by Mr Chesterman. In his opinion the best course was to make

the road to the river. Air Searle said it would be a waste of money. The settlers were determined that the extension of Petersen’s road should he

made; a bridge over the river road route would cost over £BO. It was a public scandal for Air Mclntosh. to come and block the grant. The roacT would he made if it had to he taken out of the hands of the Council. Air Donovan said it would be a waste of money and a great scandal if the road to the river was made. The people of the southern district were entirely against the present proposal.

Air Wells supported the motion as it was the best- for the district, as it would give a serviceable road in a couple of months. Air Chinn strongly opposed the Council expending money for tho present. proposal. The Government vote of £l5O would clear the road extension on the other route, and he favoured flint vote being expended. Mr Murdoch opposed the motion. Was it proper to put a road on the surveyed line with a Government vote, or to put a road at County expense on another line, to which the whole of the settlers were utterly opposed ? Air Arorel supported the motion. He considered the road to the river would I

servo the best interests of the locality in the near future.

Mr Ward said since last meeting he had made many enquiries. The petition presented that day was a verydeciding factor. Only one ratepay-er wanted a deviation, and all the others wanted something else. They had struck a special rate that day to pay for the extension of Petersen road. He would vote against the motion. The Chairman said the present vote was asked for th© purpose of extending the road to the river. Mr McIntosh pays more than one third of the special rate. Tlie motion was then put and lost. Ayes—Messrs Wells, Morel, Chesterman and Chairman; Noes—Messrs Searle, Chinn, Donovan, 'Murdoch and Ward.

Mr Donovan moved:— “That the expenditure of £l5O Government grant for Petersen’s road extension ho proceeded with on the surveyed line. —Seconded by Mr Searle and carried. Mr Searle’s motion:—“That any extension of Petersen Road he referred to the members of the Southern Riding to deal with” was withdrawn. The next meeting of the Council was fixed for August 17th. Several minor matters were brought forward and the Council rose at 3.5 p.m.