WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1927, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1927

The monthly meeting was held at the County Chambers at 2.10 p.lii. Present: Messrs AV. Jeffries (County Chairman), E. A. AA'ells, H. L. Morel, AV. Soarle, AA”. H. Chinn, Jus Donovan, B. Ward and T. R. Chesterman. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed, and the outward correspondence was approved. VOTE OF CONDOLENCE. The Chairman referred in, feeling terms to the news received of the death of Lady AA’ard, and a motion was carried by the members expressing sympathy with Sir J. G. Ward and family in their very sad bereavement. APPRECIATION. The Chairman took the opportunity of expressing his great appreciation of the mark of esteem accorded him by the members in making him a presentation on the occasion of the County Jubilee. He was very grateful for the ■expression of 'their confidence and goodwill. inavard correspondence.

From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to the credit of the County Fund Account.—Received.

Front Public AVorks Department, advising that Overseer Carroll would undertake work on Upper Okuru Track, asking that Council’s contribution bo paid.—Received and passed for payment, amount to be paid in April. From Mines Department, notifying that application from J. McQuilkin for prospecting, subsidy was receiving com sidernt ion. R eeei veil.

From Department of Internal Affairs with reference to letter relative to pulling down of old building in Government buildings ground, advising that Department is awaiting a report on same when same will be considered. —Received.

From Department of Public AVorks, forwarding copy of proclamation proclaiming land as a road and road closed in Block A r . AA’ataroa S.D.—Received. From Agriculture Department, forwarding certificate for Slaughterhouse License transferred to A. E. Scarle, Hcrepo.—Received. From Health Department, in reference to making of by-laws by County Councils.—Received, application to be made for copies of health regulations proposed to ho enforced as County bylaws.

From same, stating financial year under Cemeteries Act, lias been altered now to the 31st. A larch.—Received. From N.Z. Counties’ Association, asking for further information on the matter of valuation of timber.—Received and referred to the town members to draft a reply and include an outline of the Ministerial proposal to levy a special subsidy and enquire from local bodies bow far this suggestion would meet local requirements. From 11. Pugh, Eangiriri, asking Council to gravel approach to skids erected at Kumara Junction.—Received. It was resolved the Overseer visit and report ns to liability in the matter, and estimated cost of any work involved.

From P. J. Higgins. Kokatahi. advising that Mr McCarthy, solicitor, of Grevmouth, was attending to the firm’s business re the road maintenance payment.—Received. 2!u discussing the matter it was pointed out the heavy traffic was proving a tax on the general ratepayers, and it would he necessary to secure more revenue from those damaging the roads unduly, or the heavy traffic would have to be curtailed. It was decided to call oil the millers to agree to the proposed special payment and sign the bond, within seven days, otherwise tho traffic complained of would he prohibited. From • Hnrilmri Branch, Farmers’ Union, protesting against taking the roadman away from keeping tho road in repair.—Received. The matter was discussed at some length, the opinion being expressed that tho Council was the host judge of these matters, which had to ho considered on their merits. Tn the case referred to by the Farmers’ Union there had been a saving to the County fund, which was reflected in the rates subsequently. Councillors indicated they were fully alive to tlio position and their responsibilities in the matter and could lie relied upon to do their best to all concerned.

From D. Denncliy, Mafainui. enquiring while the Overseer is in district if nn inspection and report could he made on 20 chains of Bnteman’s road, connecting Bird and Wataroa Gorge road. —Received. The Overseer reported the matter was not costly, and it was resolved to have the work attended to. DEPUTATION 1 .

Mr \Y. Ritchie, of Koiterangi, attended and presented a petition-to the Council through Mr Morel, asking that something Ik; (lone to rojM? with the menace of the Hokitika river below the Gorge, where it threatened to overflow and destroy valuable settlement areas. In this connection a letter was read from the Managing Director of the Westland Dairy Coy. Ltd. calling attention to the same matter, and pointing out the erosion threatened should Iso dealt with before becoming too

serious. On the subject of threatened river erosion the Chairman said there was a letter also from Mrs P. J. Walsh, Waitangi, representing her position by the overflow of the Waitangi river in Hood. It-was decided to consider the two matters together. A general discussion ensued, all the members realising the menace and the need for special attention, but it was pointed out the Council had not the funds to face the position. Mr Morel moved the" petition lie received and considered favourably. Mr AYells .seconded. —Carried. Air Chinn explained the danger of the situation at Waitangi where lie had made a special inspection over the week end. The Chairman supported some action, considering the plight of the settlers a serious one. Eventually Mr Ward moved that representations he made to the Ministers of Lands and Public Works, pointing out the grave danger at Koiterangi and Waitangi, and in view of the likelihood of considerable damage resulting. the Government be asked for the best engineering advice as a guide to future action. Air Donovan seconded flic motion which was supported generally and carried. Air Ritchie thanked the Council for considering the matter so fully, and retired. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE CONTINUED.

From Win. O’Leary, Okuru, forwarding. resignation as ferryman at Arawata as from 31st. March.-—Received with regret, the Advisory Committee to recommend a successor. From Overseer Millner. reporting on procuring gravel for Okarito road repairs, a saving could be effected by procuring sawn timber and planking under lorry wheels over the soft sandy portions of beach and gravelling the scounder portions.—Received. and Overseer’s suggestion to 'be given effect to when funds permit. From same, reporting on section of hand-railing collapsed and part requiring renewing on Black Bridge, Blue Spur-Arahura road.—Received. Front Bailor County Council asking support in agitation to complete Coast Road .—Received.

From Acting-Prime Minister acknowledging representations in reference to Coast road, and promising careful consideration.—Received. From Commissioner of C rown Lands suggesting traffic bridge over Waitaha Lagoon for which funds would be availalilu in the near future. —Received. The Overseer said if £SO were available the crossing could he piped and filled in, making a permanent job. It was rcsoved to carry out the work when funds were available.

From Oreymonth Borough Council asking appointment of representative to join deputation to Wellington on the Prime .Minister’s return, to place the position of the timber industry before the Government. —Received, fo await date of deputation. From Hokitika Fire Brigade acknowledging letter of appreciation for the Brigade’s services on occasion ol late fire.- Received. From Eric .lames, Okuru, stating a petition to the Council was being prepared regarding matters raised in respect, of removal of fence.-—Received.

From Overseer Alillner submitting condition for tramway right asked for by Diggers Sawmilling Coy; reporting in reference to further improvement to Slip Hill. Lake road; genera! report on district works for past month.—Received. The proposals for the tramway right were approved subject to the mining title being obtained. A grant of £lO for gelignite and timber was approved to improve Slip Hill. Arising out of the Overseer’s report £7 10s Od was approved as a subsidy for improving the far end of Wataroa Gorge road; it was decided to apply to the District Engineer for a £ for £ subsidy towards piped approach to Airs Robinson's, Ilarihari. Overseer Milluer reported in regard to Roadman Nolan who also explained with regard to work on Okarito road. Received and considered ill committee.

From Kiimara Cricket- Club asking for grant to improve pitch. - Received. funds not available. From Westland Progress League asking for renewal of annual grant.—Received and fclO voted. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Your committee lias the honour to report that the accounts presented for the month of .January, 1927, have been carefully examined, and hog to recommend that the amount as approved, totalling £1077 .Os 8d he passed for payment. —Received and adopted. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved:—‘‘That the I accounts for the month of January. 1927. as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting jlo 91077 ,‘Js Bd. he passed for payment.” fMr Ward seconded.—• Carried. I'he Chairman moved: “That the fullest support lie accorded the request for the completion of the Coast road linking the Westport and Clreyinouth centres and the Council authorise representation at any joint conference of local bodies convened to urge the matter specially on the attention of the Government with a view to expediting the speedy completion of the important road connection, in question.” Mr Searle seconded.—Carried.

Mr Ward reported regarding drainage on. One Mile Road. It was resolved to vote a subsidy of Clo. tho

work to be done to the satisfaction of the Overseer. Mr Chinn asked that the Loan Block settlers be advised of the action ii regard to Waitangi erosion.—Agreed to. Air Chinn referred to some work considered necessary on the AVaitaha Settlement Road. The Overseer reported it was intended to renew soma six or seven culverts with concrete pipes as soon as convenient. He bad been over the road within the week, but the work was not considered specially urgent. It was decided to have the culverts attended to as soon as convenient for the load staff. The Overseer indicated it was intended to start the Upper Kokatahi road widening under a district Roadman, and the Haddock road completion under Roadman Whitiskie, in the next: fortnight or so. He considered better value would be given with the Roadmen in charge.-—Approved. Attention to the Lake Kanicri-Alill-liiwn road was authorised as soon as the stall' and plant were available. The next monthly meeting of the Council wyx fixed for Thursday, March 10th. The Council concluded at 4.30 o’clock.