WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1927, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, APRIL l2th. OVERSEER M.ILLNEIUS REPORT. Sir,—l have the honor to report ; upon the progress ol works during the month of March. -NORTHERN RIDING. Malfroy’s bridge repairs, £ for £ ( grant.—The loose manuka scrub, f in seine wire not. and stone tetaining anchor, and manuka scrub bank sheathing. w< re completed over a distance of 2cj) |j|il ;s in a very salsilactory manner. j .MAINTENANCE. Roadman Olderog attended to clearing portions of Arabura Valley and German Gully road, repairs to a_ culvert on German road, and construction nf a concrete pipe culvert on Kuinara ; Reach road. A platform culvert was : rent wed on the lower portion of Ktimj urn Reach road, and trees removed ] from Chesterfield Track. I SOUTHERN riding. Haddock Road construction, 0150 j grant.—This work was advanced alI most to completion under the direcI linn of Roadman Whitiskie, all tho j work so far being completed in accordI nice with the plan and specification. ! MAINTENANCE. I Roadman AVhitiskie attended to repairs on Wanganui Elat, and breaking | metal on Haddock Road. A small porI tion of the approach to Lovett Bros : mill. Lower La Eontaine. was eomplcf- ! ,„!. also the approaches to the platj form culvert recently constructed _ on l.a Eontaine road. Roadman Nolan, attended l" clearing of scrub and j i leaning of tables on Okurito road, reI pairs to .Mcßride Creek bridge croc- J l i-'ll of handrail and handwirc on two j loot bridges on Waiaroa I-(at road. | i learing and repairing Detour read. as-, sisted to re-open Okurito. Harbour ciianiicl. cleared the worst portions of Tliroc Mile Track, and removed a tree, and attended to minor repairs on Rotokmo road. CENTRAL RIDING. Upper Kokatahi Road Middling. 0 109 grant, 0 for o.—Good progress was maintained with the work of forming and metalling under the direction of Roadman Dale, and approximately half tile specified amount of work is completed, splendid value having been received for the amount expended. Soddon’s Terrace Track Widening.— the work of clearing was (ompleted as far as the new mill, and the trackwidened to nine feet, exclusive ol .filter-tables, over a distance of five j bains. A defective culvert crossing ; the water race was repaired with three , '0 feet hv Bxß stringers, and thirteen ; U feet 8 x 3 planks. South Hokitika Road Repairs.—The balance of the grant was expended in 'rpuiring motor worn boles and ruts ,ii the road betwen Takutai and the . amtbern approiicb to, the Hokitika , railway bridge.

Rack Crock Road Repairs.—A portion of this grant was expended in the supply of broken metal, in readiness fur renairs to the road between the main highway anil tho Diggers’ Mill. MAINTENANCE. The Roadman attended- to repairs on l ake Kanieri and Rower Kokatahi •roads, assisted with repairs to transomes and decking on Kokatahi river bridge, and repairs to decking on a platform culvert and construction of a concrete nipe culvert on Adairs road, and clearing of gorse from Fine Tree i-oad, water-tables on Lake Kanieri. and A rthurstmvn road, and a short portion of Rack Creek ; also a section of Upper Kokatahi road was raked in and graded with the large road grader. I’ho road roller was used on the 19th of the month rolling the tennis court it Kanieri. Mind-blown trees were rermn ed from Ross-Kokatahi track and Doughboy road. ' BRIDGES.

Kanieri River Bridge. I nke Kanieri Road, 0200 Grant.-- Bridge Foreman 11. Reynolds, with assistance, removed \nd rcplitcecl the following timber, I 1 R'x 10. 2 22 feet, stringers 8 x I. 10/10 and 10/11. Kokatahi River bridge was: repaired also by the foreman, who removed and replaced 15 x (i, 1/21 feet ::ul 1 19 .•ilcct transonic.-; and S x I 10 19 feet heart of rimtt decking, drainage boles were cut on all the

spans to prevent Hitter collecting on the sttri'at e of decking.

Mark Bridge Repairs, "Blue Spur Road.—Repairs were effected to defective decking, band railing, etc., the following timber being removed and replaced It x 12, 1/21 foot stringer Bx 4

7/2(1, and 20/M feet heart of riinn planks, 4 x I (5/1(5 and M/4 handrailing, 1 x 3. 11/4 handrail struts. Five harrows were also repaired, and seats fitted in the County lorry for the conveyance of school children from Woodstock to Hokitika on March lltli. MOTOR LORIHES'.

No. 1 motor truck, X. Randall, driver, was kept busily employed carting scrub from the I.ooplino to AtaiIrov’s bridge protection, (.ravel and [ stone and grading on Upper Kokataln road widening; greenery from Lake I Kanieri road to Hokitika, timber to I Hie (Hack bridge and Kokataln river bridge; concrete pipes and gravel for repairs to Adairs, South Hokitika. Upper and Lower Kokataln roads. No. 1 truck was over-hauled on March 23rd, the day being 100 wet for ether work. No. 2 Motor Truck, (1. Morris, driver. was employed carting pipes to Waitaha .Settlement road on the 2nd and 31st, gravel for Haddock road metalling, and approach to culvert on T.a Enotaine road; gravel for Adairs road repairs; beach shingle from Hokitika to Kanieri for concrete pipes construction, cartage of timber to Kokatabi, grading Back Creek and Artlmrst-own roads. No. 2 truck was cleaned and overhauled on March Ist and Ifitli, and on the 21th worn parts were removed and replaced. TREASURER’S REPORT OX RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1020-27, AND APPORTIONMENT OF REVENUE TO SEPARATE RIDINGS FOR 1027-28. Sir and Gentlemen.—l have the honor to report, in accordance with the resolution of the Council, on the finances of the financial year, and to submit the following for your guidance in connection with the apportionment j of revenue for the current financial year, in terms of the provisions of the Counties’ Ac t: — , The financial year which closed on -'larch 31st last, gave the following general revenue, exclusive of special grants:—

The general revenue under the above headings for the previous year was .012,783 19s Bd.

The receipts on account of road grants, etc., from the Government were 03,842 14s lid. The gross revenue for the year was 018.212 Is 3d as against £15,9(42 14s 9d the previous

EXPENDITURE. The following supplies an analysis o; the expenditure under the various subdivisions set out in the Counties Act: — A) GENERAL DEBTS AND LIABILITIES.

The general revenue shown above was 011,369 (is Id, and the general ex- , penditure in the preceding paragraph Ps !.!d for the year SEPARATE RIDING ACCOUNTS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS END . El) MARCH 3!st. 1327.

|, The following is the Separate Riding •t Accounts for the past financial year:— e 1 77 x Vi fi a _£ 5 jt 1 RIDING MONTHLY AVERAGES.

£2Ol 13 1 £2OI 10 2 1 It will he seen from the figures given l above that both revenue and expondi- ? turo increased—as was expected. Pro- > vision was made in the estimates for ■ £3.280 extra expenditure, covering in- ' creased contribution to the main liigh- . wasy and purchase of a second motor . lory, and the extra total actually exi pended was £3207. The expenditure • on roads generally has been substantial, as the following figures disclose:— £ ■ Plant (including * second lorry) 1021 I Motor, lorries account 1259 -Main County roads' 3629 District County roads (riding) 24-34 Alain highways roads At bridges 2183 On account giants expenditure 150fj Cl 1,955 On the revenue side rates, subsidy on rates, goldfields, revenue and royalties siiowed some improvement, and it is hoped (as indeed it will be necessary) the revenue will be maintained. Owing to prevailing economic conditions due to the fall in dairy produce and the drop in timber production, it is not considered desirable to recommend an increase in this year’s rate. But if this recommendation is adopted it must be only on the distinct understanding that, where possible, general expenditure will be curtailed. The expenditure for plant this year must be at a minimum, and there must be a j curtailment- of expenditure on main County roads. Hie district County | roads expenditure must be kept within J the limit of the special allocation made below for such works, ft will not be conveniently possible to make any further commitments towards subsidising bridges on the main highways this year, while in view of the deficit of £487 on the general account it is reasonable to ask for a reduction in the annual contribution to the upkeep of the main highways. Subsidies towards grants expenditure this year should tie | limited to specially urgent works only. To assist in safeguarding the necessary conditions outlined in the foregoing paragraph, the closest touch between the Overseer and Treasurer is most necessary. There must ho a posi- ; tive curtailment of casual labour. AA ith i the present plant and road staff more must be attempted, and definite in- 1 struetions to that end arc imperative. I The position regarding heavy traffic Is still indefinite, but- it must he faced 1 immediately. Afore money must he 5 raised from those responsible for the major damage now being done to the 1 roads. There is the alternative for the £ Council, if those engaged in heavy traffic will not make the extra contri- A bution which has been asked for, either j

to reduce the standard of weights for loads by two to four tons, or by pioIhhlnug all heavy traffic under the provisions „f the Public Works Act for the months of May. .June. July, .111 gust and September, h.itlier couise

i s 'drastic, and would have an upsettin.": effect. hut the alternative for the

! Council moans raisin"; more money ! tlii-r>;il l tlm rates and tlmt would bo | iinlair t. i tlic general lio lv of ratci.ay- , el's wlio are riot causing I lie damage nor profit in" from the traffic responsible for tlm excessive wear and tear. Tlio position is put tints plainly so Unit tlie matter wili lie clear lor the C'oun<i| to act along which ever line of policy may he adopted. The estimated revenue for the year is L‘ 1 .‘foilO, and the expenditure f 11.001). (hi these figures there is a surplus of ,02,500, from which has to he deducted this year's deficit, .CIS", leaving L‘2ol,'l, .and adding the credit balance of t::M on the district County loads account, the sum availahle lor the separate ridings L’2.o 17. ns against ;n| last year. This redneed amount emphasises again the special necessity for carefully watching the road expenditure, and the co-ordination of control between the Overseer and office in re- ! oard to the general works from month | to month. I Allocated mi rateable valuations, the

j C2!)l" will he apportioned as follows to 1 the ridings:- ' e Northern Hiding ... Dili Central Hiding H 8 Southern Hiding ... Old t'2050

Allowing for the balances on past , year's riding expenditure, the sums L V North.'"ii ... 321 against 101 j Central ... SPS as against 1022 S n;thorn ... Chi as against 91)1 02015 L'2120 'I his u ill permit of an average monthly expenditure on district roads <;f L'l7l. as against T2OI, actually, for the past, year’,- average. With the greater use of the road machinery and the application of crushed metal it is in he hoped load repairs will he eopeil with at a lower cost than heretofore. A. n application lias lieen renewed to have the Ivokatnlii road declared a main highway, which, if granted, will enable the ( o.ijitii to obtain a 2 for 1“ suhshiy. Some to miles of the road aie involved. The annual maintenance oi t is section in 1925 cost the Council -Ml 0, and in 1922. Cl .101. The increased cost wn> due to the heavy timber trnllie in the \ery wet season. This is an example of the drain on the County I'Tind. and the imperative necessity for some special revenue from tlm.se responsible for the damage. The overdraft at Hist .March was I'll!. iO, the highest for several years, due to the increased expenditure. The average for the overdraft of the pievioe.s lour years was L'l llfi. There was a slight increase in the hospital liny, hut it will he greater this year. Some effort has been made to curtail expenditure by the Hospital Hoard, and the County representatives on the Hoard should he impressed in view of the general economic position of the district, to reduce rather than increase the demand. It. is difficult to collect rates without continual pressing. Many applications are being received asking tor time, and as the general situation is not at ail elastic the Hospital Hoard in sympntliv w'th the contributing local bodies which have to draw the money required from the people, should he a.s o oiionreal as possible and curtail where i lie Mr -uinstances will permit, to lighten the levy. Ihe size of the County shaul.i always lie kept in mind when considering expenditure. There are JHi miles '■ I metalled roads and -100 miles of tracks in the charge of the Council, which is the largest in area in the Dominion. 'I he rating levy has been kept as low as possible, and the ratepayers have had the fullest consideration in keeping with the Council’s financial responsibilities. It is apparent lor such a length of mailing there injist lie a considerable outgoing, and any saving to he effected must he in the direction of securing the best value for expenditure made. A steady ret duefion is being made in the public debt hv,sway of loans. If special commitments are avoided this year, with a concentration on maintenance work with the road stall' under a definite system, the redmed sum for the district roads should lie made to meet the position. The general condition of the roads and bridges for ordinary traffic is satisfactory, invariably. It is where the roads are put to tests for heavy loads for which they were not made, that the extra cost comes in. The Council has met its obligations in the past very generously, as the standard of the roads of the district testify, and that standard should he maintain- ; ed. consistent with those unduly in-

in'; the road', providing adequate revenue for the extra user. The matter has been stressed specially because ot ail that is involved, and it is for the Council to determine the actual policy to he pursued to enable the finnneia! year to inn as smoothily as those of the immediate past.

General & Minins Rates 5,148 2 5 Harbour Board Rates .. Subsidy and Interest on 715 19 1 Rates 094 5 0 Goldfields Revenue 9.129 2 3 Fees, fines and penalties 35 5 10 Publican’s Licenses 515 11 0 Rents and refunds 103 13 0 Wo rkers’ Com pen sa t ion £’ d. Act 31 0 0 Slaughter Licenses, etc. 51 3 0 Thirds. Land Fund 203 15 9 Halves. Royalties’ Fund 2,490 11 8 State Forests otli & 10th - 038 4 3 Contractors’ Deposit Insurance on m n t o r 7 0 0 vehicles Ratepayers’ contrihu-' 150 19 5 tions 133 10 0 Clerical assistance 02 0 0 Sale of Plant 210 4 2 Motor Running Fees ... ■184 18 7 j £14,309 6

9 S. (1. inpayment on loans ... <>0T 0 0 Interest on loans 239 .3 10 Interest on bank ovcrtlratt 10(3 •! 0 £932 8 4 The expenditure the previous year under the above headings was £98-5 Ms 7d. <H, COXTRIll.UTIOXS UNDER VARIOUS ACTS. 9 s. tl. ( heritable Aid A« t ... 1318 14 0 Harbour Hoard Rates collected VI3 19 1 Alcoholic Liciptors Art ... 1 < •' 1 Workers’ Compensation Act ; . 81 9 3 Subsidy to Literary Institutes 2 > 0 Ratine Act s,) * '* Electoral Art Km Id •> Miscellaneous Acts lot! 10 Hokitika Cemetery Maintenance ... K3 0 Contractor.-' Deposit Account ’’.1 10 0 j C2S0I 3 2 I In the previous year 92(il8 2s 3d was ■ spent under the above headings. | if, ( kI'NTIES' ACT A DAI INIS IRATloX. £ S. ‘T Chairman and Members ... 3Go 19 0 t Oilire salaries 824 0 0, Office charges 143 14 2 I’rin! me. advertising and stationery 31 17 11 91387 11 7 The previous year expenditure for die above was C1392 19s Id. % (D) MAIN ROADS. C s. 0. Purchase of road plant ... 1024 1 0 Trap hire '* . tinting, advertising and stationery 0.1 17 3 Railway bridges 102 13 8 " Telephone guarantee ... i 0 d Motor Lorries’ Account ... 1239 10 11 Road maintenance and salaries staff 3329 2 2 Main Highways Hoard ... 2183 10 Excess tin grants, etc,,expenditure loOti Li 10 i L'9712 13 0 Last year’s expenditure on the above services was 9(1383 13s 2d. SUMMARY OE OES'EUAL EXPENDITURE. 9 s. tl. ’ A) (ieneial debts ... 932 8 .4 111) Contributions under ' Acts 2804 3 2 C (’otinties’ Act 1387 11 7 MR Main roads 9H2 13 0 J 9 1483(1 1(1 1

I{ iillllf;'. Available. Actual. L' s. (i. C s. d. C'cntiiil xr, i:j | HA 1!) n Xcitlioni S ■! 1)2 IS 7 Sd'.IiIm'I'II 82 ii S 87 1 1 8