WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 18 August 1926, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, AUGUST 17th. Tile Council met at 2 p.in. Present: Messrs W. Jeffries (Chairman), \V. Searle, W. H. Chinn, J. Donovan, B. Ward, T. It. Cliosterman, L. It. Morel, J. A. Murdoch. The Chairman apologised for the absence of Mr Wells, and expressed the hope that he would speedily recover from his present serious illness and bo again able to take 'his seat at the Council table. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. INWAItD CORRESPONDENCE. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to the credit of the County Fund Account.—lteceivd. From Public Works, advising the Department was prepared to contribute £ for £ towards the work of the drains opposite Harihari post office.—Received ; the work has been completed. From same, notifying authority of £IOO C for £ for Kokatahi River erosion was approved.—Received. From same, forwarding schedule showing number of motor-cars registered in the Dominion.—Received. From Commissioner of Crown Lands, forwarding tracing of road proposed to be closed in Block XIV Wanganui S.D. and asking for Council’s endorsement of same.—Received ; reduction of reserve from 3 to 1 chain wide was approved.

From Town Clerk, Knmarn, advising that owing to heavy traffic on Teremakau Bridge, the Council bad decided that the present decking be supplemented by decking to he placed lengthways, and in view of the heavy cost involved, decided to convene a conference of the local bodies concerned, enquiring when same would be convenient to take place.—Recoiv-. ed; it was suggested a. conference he held between Messrs Higgins and Afillner to report ort the cost. From agent, Accident Insurance Coy asking for details in respect to amount of R. Thompson.—Received and information supplied. From Automobile Association, advising that the sign boards to he erected at Donnelly’s Creek and Scully would he ready shortly for erection ; also enquiring what work was being done on Mnhinnpua road, stating the Association was prepared to make a substantial vote if the road were completed right through to Mananui, and not only a section of it.—Received; in regard to the latter subject to defer consideration awaiting tho result of the decision of the Railway Engineer and the County Surveyor. From Kanieri Electric Ltd., making application to erect steel rope across County road in vicinity of Kanieri Forks power house.—Received; request granted subject to approval of Overseer.

From Secretary, Inter-Wanganui Dairy Coy., with regard to special rates, advising that as the settlers had ceased to supply the factory the company was not inclined to pay the special rates.—Received. Mr Murdoch could not see that it was a question for tho Council to decide as to the merits of the Company and its suppliers. Tho rate had been struck by the Council and it would bo a gross breach of duty if tho Council failed to collect it. Mr Ward endorsed the attitude taken by Mr Murdoch and thought the payment of the rates should be enforced. Other members supported this attitude. Air Murdoch moved that the Council could not see it could discuss tho matter. The money had been advanced on the strength of the special rate, and the rate could not be remitted. Seconded by Air Chinn

and carried. From County Clerk, Westport, forwarding resolution asking that tho County Councils on the AVest Coast be invited to appoint delegates to meet and discuss with Fuller County Council the serious matter of river erosion, and necessity of inviting Government assistance to adequately cope with same.— Received. The Chairman was appointed to represeht the Council. From Ohurn County Council, forwarding resolution respecting Hospital levy and asking for Council’s support in the matter with a view to securing greater help from the Government.— Received and request supported. From W. T. N. Bond, Araliura, with regard to drain dug on property, asking Council to have same filled in again.—Received. The Chairman reported having visited the scene and stated the Overseer was to report on the best manner of. maintaining the safety of the County road. Air Ward objected to any extra, expense being involved and moved that no action ho taken. Seconded by Air Morel and carried.

I From Eric James, Okuru, making application to Local Advisory Committee for €l2 to spend on Cascade-Big Bay Track.—Received. From settlors of Waitalm. forwarding petition asking Council to erect a public pound at Waitaha to deal with wandering stock in the district.-—Re-ceived; referred to Overseer to submit an estimate of the cost of a pound. Tho Chairman said he was now prepared to allow one pen of tho Bold Head and Harihari yards for use as a pound. Mr Morel moved that the offer of the Chairman be accepted with thanks. Seconded by Mr Chestermnn and carried. It was resolved to ask the settlers to arrange for a poundkeeper. From Secretary, Kokatalhi Timber Coy, Christchurch, with regard to maintenance of White's Road.—Received. Overseer Millner reported tho road had been put in fair order. Mr Morel also reported favourably. From Secretary, Hall Committee, Waitaha, asking Council to gravel apapprondi to Waitaha Hall.—Received and action of Chairman approved. From IV. Graham, Kokatahi, asking

For attention to the drains oft’ the factory road, adjoining property.—Received ; referred to Overseer to report. From A. J. Little, Koiterangi, asking for four 18-inch pipes for approach to Section 961, stating the work would he carried out without cost to the Council; also asking the Overseer to report on a short drain which needs attention.—Received ; referred to Over; seer to report, with power to act. From C. M. Harris,' Huhuka, thanking Council for assistance given in regard to Okuru track.—Received. From J. C. Hende, Christchurch, ioporting on interview with Mr Herlihy in regard to ferry reserve-at Big "Wanganui, and asking assistance in the matter.—Received.

From T. S. Ferguson, Harihari, asking if Council would gravel approach to house as soon as possible.—Received ; referred to Roadman for attention. From Bank of New Zealand forwarding return of go.ld for period.—Received. Mr Murdoch said the time was opportune to protest against the action of the Government in regard to the mining industry. He complained of the very heavy increase in fees for all manner of mining rights. He moved that a protest be entered at the Government increasing the fees in the Warden’s Court for gold mining rights to an outrageouK extent. Seconded by Mr Donovan, who said that for every application for mining rights there were increased fees and an enormous increase in forms required, which was proving a great deterrent to mining. He could not understand the reason for these increased charges, and the putting of obstacles in the way of the miner in every direction. Supported by Mr Ward, who compli—! mented Mr Murdoch who had such a I close knowledge of the position atj

bringing forward the motion. The Chairman said every opportunity should be given to open up the industries of the country. There was far too much legislation by Order-in-Council and regulation in this country to-day. It was not in the interests of the country and he heartily supported the protest. The motion t was then agreed to. From R. Williams, Alatainui, applying for slaughter-house license.—Received and approved. From Overseer Alillner, reporting on complaint made by W. Bond, Arahura, also 1 advising that the £25 grant for flood damage and repairs on Totara Road had been expended.—Received ; it was resolved that further work asked for by Air Rea, that he be asked to carry out the work himself, in view of the past expenditure of the Council. From same, notifying that No. 3 Duck Creek Bridge on Kokatahi road requires re-decking; also reporting having inspected the approach to Waitalia Hall, and approving application of Kanieri Electric Ltd. for permission to cross Lake Kanieri road with transmission line.—Received. From Roadman Nolan, advising removal from County cottage, asking what would be done with same; also forwarding report oil complaint of W. Vincent referring to wandering stock.

—Received. From same, forwarding general report on works during the month ; also report' on Waitangi south bank groin works.—Received ; an application by Mr T. Mcßride to rent tho roadman’s house was granted at 10s per week. From W. I). Nolan, Okuru, advising Public Works Overseer had notified the Department could not undertake repairs to Collyer’s Creek Bridge as it was on a County road ; advising cost of same would ho about £60.-—Received. The Chairman intimated he proposed visiting South' Westland aS far as Okuru, leaving on September stli and with tho approval of the Council he proposed taking Overseer Millner, who had not yet visited that portion of the district. Mr Scarle moved that AFr Afillner,accompany the Chairman. Seconded by Air Donovan and carried. From Alinister of Public Works, regretting copy of Departmental report on Jackson Bay reading scheme could not he supplied.—Received. From Public AVorks Department asking consent to road deviation proposal, AVataroa district.—Received and request granted. From Chief Surveyor asking consent to road and reserve to be taken through scenic reserve,! Styx river.— Received: request granted. From Counties’ Association forwarding resolution of Executive suggesting delay regarding Local Bodies Loans Bill and that County Councils should have representation on the proposed Board.—Received. AH Murdoch reportoil with having represented tho Council at the Counties Conference at AVellington. A vote of thanks was passed to AH Alurdoch for his representation. From Grimmond ATemorial Committee, Ross, outlining proposal for memorial to late Hon Joseph Grimmond. namely to erect gates at entrance to recreation ground, improve approach, to he named Grimmond Avenue, and tho ground, Grimmond Park and inviting subscriptions towards cost, estimated at £2oo.—Received. AH AVard paid a tribute to the services rendered by the deceased Councillor. The request was referred to tho Finance Committee with power to act. From Grey County Council concerning meeting of local hotly representatives for Thursday, respecting allocation of heavy traffic fees, etc. —Received.

From Automobile Association thanking Council for use of Chambers for meeting and suggesting card folder for drivers’ license forms.—Received and representations noted.' From Kokatahi-Koiterangi Farmers’ Union asking for more drastic steps as regards the wandering cattle nuisance; and that fines he doubled for stock impounded at night, and it be compulsory for County employees to report cattle on public roads.—Received ; the Chairman reported a number of prosecutions wore coming up next Court day. It was reserved to ask for substantial fines. From J. D. AHQuilkin. Kanieri, applying for permanent work under Council if available.—Received; to be filed for reference. From T. J. Afauera, and others, Kakapotahi. asking attention to . Duffers’ Creek track.—Received ; it was resolved to offer £5 to put the track in order. , From C. N. Atanera asking road access to section Wfritnlin, connecting with main south road for milking season.—Received. Overseer to report. From National Rank reporting purchase of gold for period.—Received. From Overseer Alillner reporting on district works; stating repairs were being effected to AA'hite road, which is now improved; cost of reopening drain, Ferguson’s road, £ls; County lorry operating satisfactorily in AA r ataroa district, supplying particulars of repairs, etc., necessary, to three bridges, Duck Creek, Upper Kokatahi, total £265; also making recommendations regarding the stalling of the lorry at night when engaged on district work. —Received. From Chairman, Okuru Advisory Committee, agreeing work was necessary on Barn Bay road, and the matter would lie considered by the Committee.—Received; left to Advisory Committee.

It was resolved that notices he posted stating no Comity gravel pit he used without the permission of the Roadman. or Overseer. From Park and Murdoch applying for a, renewal of the lease of grant of tramway to Messrs Stuart and Chapman | Ltd on Bold Head road for a further tenure of five years.—Received and request granted. From J. J. Mclntosh in connection with extension of Peterson Road, asking for further consideration before accepting a. tender, and for the extending of the road along the surveyed line of road as agreed at last meeting, instead of as per plan on which tenders were called.—Received. The Chairman said there were on the plans provided, 20} chains of a deviation which was not in accordance with the petition, or with the desire of the Council. There is a deviation from what the Council decided on at last meeting, and he was against the alter-

ation. Alr Ward said lie thought the Council desired the road to be continued right through in accordance with the surveyed plan, Mr Murdoch said ho would totally oppose the road going to the river front at Walls’ or any other place. It was distinctly agreed that Petersen road was to he extended according to the' surveyed road. • 'Pile Chairman said the position was not in keeping with what the Council decided at last- meeting, and was not in keeping with the attitude of Mr Watkinson (Resident Engineer) who stated on the ground that he would not favour the road going to the river at Mr Mclntosh’s frontage or at any other frontage. Mr Murdoch moved in view of the altered plans, that the tenders be not opened. Seconded by Mr Chesterman and carried. Mr Scarle moved that the plans he returned to the Public Works Surveyor for alteration, the road line to be according to the surveyed plans, fresh tenders to he then invited. Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried.

FINANCE COAIMITTEE’S REPORT.

1. Your Committee has the honor to report that the accounts presented for the month of July, 1926, have been carefully examined, and beg to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling £1,352 17s lid be passed for payment. 2. Certain accounts were before the Committee for board and lodging claims by employees. Your Committee recommends that tho accounts be not ] acknowledged, and in future will not I he recognised wlien such accounts are j part and parcel of the duties of tbe j employees. j 3. In respect to ferry reserve rents | in arrears, final notice he given that | leases will be cancelled within one j month, if overdue rent is not paid) within one month from date. j 4. The. Overseer has asked for £265 ] to repair and strengthen the three | bridges crossing Duck Creek on the: Kokatahi Road to carry the traffic of the district. As funds are not available the Committee recommends that loading he reduced to three tons, and notices bo posted to that effect. With regard to tho strengthening of tho bridges for the timber traffic, the Committee recommends the Council carry out the work subject to the millers supplying the timber for the work.—• Received and adopted. ORDER PAPER. Tho Chairman moved:—“That the accounts for the ■ month of July, 1926, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £1352 17s lid, be passed for payment.” Seconded by Air Ohesterman and carried. Air Donovan moved:—“That the sum of £l9 he authorised for repairs to Okarito Forks road.” Seconded by the Chaiiman and carried, work to be held up pending the visit of Overseer and Cliairman.

Mr Donovan moved that application bo made to the Commissioner of Crown Lands to lay out a, road reserve between AVataroa and Little AVanganui. Seconded by Air Chinn and carried. Authority was granted for £5 in repairs at Goldsborough. The next meeting of the Council was fixed for September 21st. The Council rose at 4.40 p.m.