WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1927, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

. TUESDAY, APRIL 12th. The Council met at 2 p.m. Present. Messrs \V. Jell'ries (County Chairman), E. A. Wells, L. 11. Morel, W. Senile, W. 11. Chinn, J. Donovan, li. Ward, and T. J{. Chcstcrman. An apology was made for tiie absence el Mr Murdoch, leave being granted. 'l’he minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. DEPUTATION. A deputation from Brown and party waited on the Council asking permis.son to cart timber over Koitcrnngi road from Murray Creek, in excess oi the -I ton load authorised. Alter discussion the subject was held in abeyance till Mr Brown interviewed the owner ol the timber, and reported to the Council, the ( liairman to take any necessary action. I\ WAKI) ( OI!RKSPONI>E\( E. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to the credit of the County Fund Account. Received. Erom Dri ino Minister. llianking members of Council for generous reference. with regard to completion ol AA'aiho Bridge.—Received. From Minister of Public Works, thanking Council for remarks regarding completion of Waiho river bridge, stating advice will' lie sent in respect to opening same.—Received ; it was resolved to couplin' the date ol opening of Waiho bridge. Prom same, with regard to uppti'. ation for grant of £2sn. lor metalling and regrading Okarito Bond, stating ciupiiries would he made into the postI ion.— Received. From Pubi'ic Works Department, regretting Department was unable to "ive assistame towards cn-t ol instal-

ling culvert on approach to Mrs Bob ertson’s private residence.—Received

From same, advising Overseer had made inspection of approaches to Shenandoah Creek Bridge, and found no reason for complaint.— Received. From same with regard to encroaclinenl of Waitangi River, stating from •m on received, the Waitangi River Bridge lias not been cause of the trouble.—Received : it was resolved : write again to the Minister urging the necessity of the proposed work being effected as early as possible. From .Minister of Finance, with reference to Loeal Covernineiit Loans Board. - Reteived. From .Minister of Internal A.Hairs, forwarding eopv of regulations under the Town Planning Act.- -Reteived. Fr i Mines Department. asking I'm recommendation t> remit rates on Mt. (Ireenland claims.—Received : ii was resolved to approve of remission of rents being made.

From Department ol Tourist and Health, notifying £ls has been approved for conveniences at Lake Maliinapun.—Received.

From Health Department, Christchurch. regarding contribution to Health Inspector's salary, advising matter of increase will be held over meantime.—Received, From Lands and Survey. Hokitika, forwarding tracing in connection with (and proposed to be taken for road adjoining See. 3202, AYataroa S.D., asking for Council's consent of same.—Received and approved.

From AA’estland Chamber of Commerce, forwarding copy of circular from Associated Chambers of (.’• lumen e. notifying Conference on MIV Itli on subject of establishment of a Tourist and Publicity Hoard.--Receiv-ed ; movement to be supported. From W. Pae. Araluira, asking for assistance in clearing blackberry from frontage of property. —Received. from P. .!. Higgins. Kokatalii. with ! reference to payment of road mainten-' mice.—Received. The Council's solicitor to be instructed to carry on as ar-j ranged at last meeting;. From Pine Timber Coy. asking for permission to contract a tramline along .McArthur road reserve in Kniterangi district.—Received ; Overseer to report. • 1 From G. Lopas Humphreys, asking h :t drain mniiing alongside read and : n front of section be cleaned out.— j Received; Overseer to report. From Chairman, Public Hall. Kokanhi, complaining of dangerous practice of wandering stock on the roads after (lark, asking Council to take steps to stop nuisance.—Received. From Parker and Kocti. Kanieri, asking permission to run a light motor i lorry on old Loop'dnc road for carting silver pine sleepers.—Received ; refer-! red to Overseer to report. From E. .Tames, Okuru, asking posi-l tion of Ifaast ferry, also when new ferryman is appointed at AYaiatoto.— Received. From AVm. O’Leary, AYaiatoto, tusk-, ing Council for £l3 for boats at AA'aia-I toto ferry.—Received; incoming ferryman to lie asked to take over the | bouts. From Overseer Millncr, reporting on] subsided culvert on Sandy’s Loopline | mad caused by overflow of flood water from by-wash of water race; advising j cost of improving road asked for by ! Mr I’ugli, would be £5; forwarding cost of repairs to Adairs road caused j by Keenan’s lorry Co 3s .2d; also damage to culvert by same lorry on same road £ls; notifying cost to old Loopline road required for carting sleepers would be CUi Is; reporting inspection of Murray road from oftl ford crossing to municipal road respecting Brown’s application to use timber lorry for ordinary light traffic, cost £3o.—Received. it was resolved to claim £l2 IDs from Air Keenan. From same, reporting upon application from Trembath Bros., AA'nitnhn, to have portion of AA’nitnhn Road extension on south bank of AA’aitalia river cleaned of growth and soft holes < repaired to give access to holdings, cost £10; cost of roughly clearing and i repairing AA’hitconibc A’ailev trade ask- ' ed for by ATessrs Stoop and party ' would cost £so.—Received; £8 was •' granted for clearing on AA’nitnha bank t south road. i From AV. D. Nolan. Okuru, enclos- t ing letter from E. Cron asking to be < relieved of ITnast ferry, stating John 1 Cron had been asked to take same i over on conditions submitted, asking t for Council’s consent in the matter.— Received ; appointment of John Cron confirmed, scale of charges to remain 5 as at present, the incoming ferryman r to purchase one-half share in the boat, d

From same, notifvng tliat M. Me Kenzie bad boon secured for positioi ot AVaiatoto ferry: also advising thai air James’ fence bad been removec from ferry frontage, but same was being re-erected within liai'f a chain ol boundary laid off by Commission.—Received. I* roiii same, reporting on floods removing shingle from Turnbull road, same being repaired.—Received: £tfl authorised for bridge work. From District Engineer stating vote of £75 for Copland track improvement would be spent as soon as two reliable men were available.—Received. From Mines Department granting •'Us per week for thirteen weeks to .T. Eyes and J. L. Timpson for prospecting for gold bearing reef in Totara district.—Received. From District Engineer of Railways stating instructions bad been issued to have worn planks on Hokitika railway bridge renewed.—Received. From Westland Hospital Hoard notifying levy on lorn! bodies £2,645, whereof £1.727 Is fxl was claimed from the Council in nine payments of £l9l 10s (increase for year £l7B 7s). —Received, and levy accepted, after hearing explanation by the Chairman and

Messrs Morel and AA’ells, who arc members of the Board. Messrs Ward, Donovan and Chinn congratulated the representatives of the Council on tiieir actions in keeping down the levy. From Rural Counties' Association notifying probable early sitting of conference with Snwinillei's’ Federation in reference to rating ol timber areas, and expressing the hope that the Chairman would attend.—Received; left to Chairman and Clerk to arrange. From R. AA’ild, reporting in respect to recent delegation to the Government relative to relief for the sawmilljug trade. —Received; a vote ol thanks was accorded Air AYild. From Awatuna School Committee asking attention to AYainiea Creek horse bridge, and for a road sign to indicate vicinity of school.—Received ; referred to Overseer to report; road sign to lie arranged for. From Imperial Timbers Coy Ltd ask ing permission to remove sawmill tram way from White road, and cart timber over the mail with lorry.—Received : offer accepted ; an agreement to he entered into. From V. AYall. Koitcrnngi. applying for p;iant to drain municipal road reserve fronting property. —Received ; application to 1)0 made lor a grant. From James Manorn. calling attention to slate of Ross-Kokatahi track, and asking attention to track.—Received : Overseer to report. From AYalaroa Hall Trustees asking reconsideration of grant for approach to hall, estimated to cost £2s.—Rei eived: gram increased to £7 10s oil motion ef Messrs Chinn and Searle. From AYataroa-Waiho Farmers’ Union, asking the Council to favourably support the extension of the railwav beyond Ross. — Received; representations to be made to the Governii 11 in i ior tlii> Mill iii "f 11 c\ fu’nttf <)i

From V. AYall. Koitcrnngi. applying for op-nnt to drain municipal road re--1 serve fronting property. —Received; application to 1)0 made lor a grant. ’’ From James Manorn. calling nttention to slate of Ross-Kokatahi track, '■ and asking attention to track.—ReI eeived : Overseer to report. From AYalaroa Hall Trustees asking S reconsideration of grant for approach to hall, estimated to cost £2s.—Rel' (eived: gram increased to £7 10s on motion of Messrs Chinn and Searle. From AYntaroa-Wniho Farmers’ Union, asking the Council to favourably support the extension of the railwav beyond Ross.— Received; vepre--0 sentntions to be made to the Gnverniiii'ii 1 for the work, but in the event of a refusal the Govt rnuient he asked to * oneent rate on giving the settlers a l * boiler road service. 1_ From X. 11. Brown in respect to ° AYaitangi river overllow which appeared to be attributable to the confining of the river by the bridge works.—ReII eeived. " From Timpsou and Lyes, prospeec tors, forwarding report on prospecting ’ operations.—Received. From Overseer Alillner reporting X Humphreys drain would cost £5 os to j re-open ; AA'nitnhn Reach road required ' repairing, cost Co; supplying monlTily s , report of district works, also specifier, | tioiis for AYalaroa South Bank track t" cost £1(50. Received. From Roadman Nolan re( oimiieiid'iig 'expenditure of to to repair AA’ataron 1 (forge wire bridge.—Received. ■| From llariliari Farmers’ Union urgs ing extension of railway below Ross. I ( —Received. i From .1. J, .Mclntosh, asking for 1 erection of bridge across creek near his - property. llariliari.— Received; lefer- - red to Overseer to report. ' Erom Secretary. Farmers’ Union. - Kokatalii. conveying resolutions pnss--1 ed at la>! meeting of union in refer- - once to wandering cattle, and letting r of all road work by contract.—Received. In reply to Air Searle, the Chnir- • man stated that over 18 months ago i instruction was given overseer anti road- - men to report all cases of wandering - cattle. The fact that there were con-' - tinned complaints on the subject showed that their officers were not doing - their duty. It was resolved to again draw the attention of the road staff to - the mallei', asking drastic action to, ' he la ken. i From Auckland A. and P. Assoeia- ■ tion forwarding invitation to confer- ! dice. Received. From .1. Harvey. Kanieri. urging i improvement to track to Tiilnia block. I —Received : grant to he asked for. i: From AW 11. Robinson expressing ■j thanks for access given residents in vicinity of Wall road.—Received. ■J From Daniel Dully, AYnilio Gorge. | asking for improvement to track. Received ; held over for report by Afi Chinn. , From B. Wliiley drawing attention to drain in front of his property and ' asking attention. —Received ; blaekI berries to he removed hv writer, when drain would he cleared. FINANCE REPORT. Your Committee has the honor to • report that the accounts presented for; the month of Alnreti, amounting to C1,(548 Os lid, have been carefully ox- ■ a ini ned. and heg to recommend that the amount, he passed for payment.— Received and adopted. ; ! THE TIMBER DELEGATION. Air li. AYild has supplied the following to the loeal bodies in respect to ttie [ recent delegation to AYellington, tn which lie represented this district:—• In accordance with request conveyed ! 1 proceeded to AA'ellington with repro- .: sentatives of other West Coast local | bodies, to urge upon the Prime ATi nI istor the necessity for some protection i from the influx of inferior foreign tim- | her, I prepared the heads of what 1 tvanl- | od to say and handed the Prime Alin- | istor a copy, a copy of which is attacli- ! ed hereto, and enlarged on the points ! as I read them out. prefacing my remarks by saying that the local bodies J were not only at a direct loss of revenue hut depression to an extent that would he equivalent to the absolute abandonment of a thousand dairy farms if the 500 sawmill employees were thrown out of work. The Prime .Minister, together with the .Minister for Customs and the Alinistcr of Industries, extended courteous hearing to the deputation for some 2i hours, hut the Ministers’ replies indicated that not much ice had been cut. Hon. Air Stewart said that almost, the same words had been said in the House six mouths ago, yet the threatened chaos was not yet in evidence. Hon. Air AlcLood said that the sawmillers were paying twelve per cent over the Arbitration Court awards which no other industry found it possible to do. The Prime Minister said that the representations would have most serious consideration and anything that could he done to help our own people as against outsiders would he done, provided the general community could he protected from exploitation by competition or other means. AIR WILD’S STATEAIENT. 1 In AA'estland : Afills 27; employees j otitl, with dependents 2,000 (approxi- I match-). Each mill is equal to 30, t dairy farms in trade to the town. The i <

> Chamber of Commerce is for free n but is not tied to a slogan—each case ,t on its merits. d First impressions arc favourable to s tlie restriction of cutting, but investi>f gation has satisfied members that it is ■- better economics to realise matured bush and re-plant. ■- The Chamber is unable to find any , extravagance in production costs In 1 West Coast sawmilling. The wages are high in comparison with some e other industries, but the work is probt ably tlie most strenuous there is ant; ? the rate of wages lias been fixed by the Arbitration Court, while the few : instances in which higher than award . rates are paid, are fully justified by - the superior quality of the men. It is i a recognised grievance amongst employers that tlie award rate is tlie s minimum rate. 1 Tlie accounts of two different mills have been investigated by me in my profession as a public accountant for , the purpose of this interview, and this 1 is the result:— No. I.—Sales to merchant in Wellington, per 100 sup. ft., millers’ price His sd, freight and wharfage to Wet-, lington os 3d, total 21s Bd. Costs:. Royalty Is, labour 7s 6d, supplies Is,

rents and maintenance Is, cartage 2s Od, railage 2s 4d, sea freight 5s 3d. Gross profit, which is more than absorbed in interest and depreciation, 10d per 100 ft.

No. 2.—The expenses wore: Royalty Is Id, labour 9s, supplies Is Bd, rent and maintenance Is 3d, cartage Is Id, railage 2s -Id, sea freight 5s 3d; total 21s 10(1, showing a loss of 2d per 100 ft. The outstanding point in this Is that when a merchant buys local timber at a cost of 21s Bd, the whole of that money, with the possible exception of Is per 100 feet for supplies, is expended in New Zealand, but when that sum is expended in imported timber the whole amount, both cost and freight, goes out of the country, and, according to the- last statistical returns, nearly two-thirds ol it to alien conn-tries. The Chamber then had no difficulty in coming to a conclusion that the timber industry is entitled to substantial assistance to meet foreign competition to an extent about halt the cost of production. As to whether this assistance should lie in the way ol reducing costs by reducing royalty and railages, or increasing the cost, oii’oreign timber by means of a heavier duty, we arc of the opinion that tV? heavier duty is the proper system, for the reason that reducing royalties would restrict the finances of the Forestry Department, and its replanting operations. Reducing railage would lie increasing the burden on the general taxpayer at a time when everyone is looking for an easing of their already heavy burden. Whilst increasing the duty would partly reduce some merchants profits and possibly slightly increase tin. 1 cost ol those buildings which for faddist or other reasons, are preferred to be built ol imported, rather than equally good, or probably superior, local timber. Ihe average house built of wood contains 15,000 let t of l imber, and if there were a

duly of Ss per 100 feet on imported timber and the merchant (which is improbable). passed the whole ol tin duty on to the builder, the duty would amount to £OO to he paid by the builder only for his preference for im ported wood, and this £OO would represent all that New Zealand would get out of it but if Hie house wen built of local timbers. New Zealani would get £155 for the timber.

Other considerations that have in lluenced considerably are:— 1. That New Zealand millers art rigidly restricted in many ways that foreign competitors are not, such as small areas, severe awards, and oilier requirements, they are entitled to compensating protection. 2. AA'e understand and believe that the restriction of the class of timber imported always other than Australian. would bring into use timber that is now locally largely wasted, and so our timber protection would lie increased without any material increase in the depletion of our forests. 3. The greater part of the timber imported dimes from countries that have a prohibitive tariff against tis, and we do not feel humble enough to take that treatment lying down. I. It has come under the personal observation of some of us that the Government receives more than twice

as much from the average miller in income tax as is received by Hie owners in dividends, and to that extent may he considered a partner in tiie business, unfortunately for the owners partner in profits, hut not in losses.

5. \Ye have been alarmed at the import of timber pests in timber, and would like to see imports moderate enough to enable strict inspection.

AYFSTLANI) .MATTERS. LIBRARY SIT E—R'lAI U. Air Seddon. AI.P., is in receipt of the billowing correspondence from the Alinister of Lands : , 1 have to advise you that ReserveNo. 9,'57, Block Y. Kanieri Survey District. containing an area oT 3(i.7 perches has been reserved for a public library site iu accordance with an application received from ihe residents of

Bimu. and it is now proposed to vest the control ol the reserve in a hoard ol local residents under the provisions of Section 2 of the Public Reserve.', and Domains Amendment Ait, 191. i.

The foil owing gentlemen have been nominated by the local residents for appointment as a special board to control the reserve, viz:—

William T’hillip lioyd. John Uerrv O’Connor, Joseph Hamilton Surgcnor, Patrick Joseph Keenan, and 11 William Henry Knowles, j -An Ordor-in-Couneil is now being prepared vesting the control in these I gentlemen accordingly, and 1 should lie glad to learn that you concur in their appointment. ti KOKATAIII DRAINAGE. In coimci tioii with the request made by .Mr F. C. .Marshall, of Lower Kokal.alii, on behalf of settlers in the vicinity ol Raft Creek, I am now advised ' that the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Hokitika, is also in eommunicas tion with Mr Marshall with a view to ascertaining what amount the settlors c themselves arc prepared to contribute 3 to the proposed work of clearing tlie 1 crook. s In connection with this matter it is suggested that some form of local enn--1 trol should be established in order that those interested should be in the posi--5 tion of maintaining works carrie’d out so that the maximum benefit might be s obtained from any expenditure iu--1 volvcd. If the settlers were prepared to form a special Drainage Hoard, or ' if the local body would undertake con- ; trol, it would be possible to approach ■ the Government for financial assistance with more confidence than is the • case at present. T trust that Mr Marshall and the ; others interested will further consider this question. SOUTH RAILWAY EXTENSION. Mr Seddon, M.P., has received the following from the Minister of Health : While at Harihari on the 3rd instant 1 was waited upon by a deputation from the local branch of the Farmers' Union which put before me representations for conveyance to the Hon. Minister of Public Works with refere nee to the desire of the settlors to have the railway extended beyond Ross. T on-lose herewith a copy of my lnenior- | andum to the Hon. Minister of Public! Works on the matter. I also forward a copy of a telegram 1 have to-day despatched to Messrs Lucas and McKay who desired to be advised as to when they might expect the Tion. Minister of Public Works to visit South "Westland. To THE HON. MINISTER OF PURLIC WORKS, Whilst at Harihari, Soutli Westland, recently. I was approached by representatives of the local branch of the 1 New Zealand Farmers’ Union regarding railway facilities for their district. ; Councilor Searle, spokesman for the ( deputation, urged the necessity foi < bringing the railway south of Ross, mainly on account of the very exten- i sive bush tramway transport. He in- ( formed me that one sawmilling com- 1 puny had a cartage contract with j Messrs Stuart and Chapman, and that, r ii cost this firm £ISOO per annum more than if the timber were carried on the c State railways. p I understand that money for this v work was on the estimates some years c ago, but bad been taken off. I explained to the deputation that \ the matter did not come under my h purview, but that I would be pleased , 3

to nass their representation., on to you lor cuiisitloral ion. I also informed tlit* deputation ili.d tliov should make ar--0 rtmgemont.s through llieir local memtor. .Mr Seddon. M.P., to interview \nu when >Oll |). 1 v a visit to the South ( 1 Westland district. n (So, 1.1 .1. A. YOI XO. TENDERS. 0 Tenders were dealt with as follows—s WAITANCII SOITII RANK. e £ «• «'• (J X. Ili'own 205 o 11 11. Ilevoldt 225 0 t) s Dennchy Hros .'{AS 0 0 Tli' t'tider if X. !':• v.n was a"<ep, t «' (l - STATION’ ROAD. t £ *■ <i--0 Ambergor and party 339 II 0 _ A. Fleming and party ... A7A If) 0 1 C. Smith and party A 77 t) t) . Ilavill and party 392 17 It Kidseu and party 400 0 0 1 I . A. Parker irregular. The tender of Ambergor and parry i was accepted. ORDER PAPF.It. Tim Chairman moved That the i- a‘ < omits presented for the month of Mareh. 1027, as revised and recommended hy the Finance Committee, be passed for payment.'” Seconded hy , Mr Chesterman and carried. : The Chairman moved: —” That ; the necessary resolution be adopted 1 empowering the Council to borrow by 1 way of overdraft from the Hank of New Zealand, a sum not exceeding . £4.500. such overdraft to he secured II by revenue outstanding and uncollected as at Alst March. 4028.” Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. | The Chairman moved : — ll That the I list of proposed, new works for application for Government grants as now before the Council he approved with such additions as may he thought necessary, and application be made for the inclusion of the works in the Public Works Kstimates for 1027-28.” Seconded hy .Mr Chesterman and carried, the report, of the Treasurer as before the Council on the proposed allocation of estimated revenue for the current financial year, he now considered and adopted with such amendment (if any.) as necessary." was amended to read that the report he ! considered at next meeting Seconded hy Mr Morel and carried. Air Donovan moved :—“ Thai the urgent and necessary repairs to Green’s Point Track, Wanganui B'rff. he effected at a cost not exceeding t’S.” Seconded by Mr Chesterman and carried. Mr Searle moved that the open crossings on Peterson Hoad be replaced with concrete pines as soon as convenient. Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried. Mr Searle moved that on TtitorWnngamii road several open crossings have footplanks placed. Seconded by Afr Chinn and carried.

Mr Searle asked leave to move to rescind the motion re gates on Peterson road, hut the ( otineil refused permission for him to move. Air Chesterman moved that the Overseer r, port in reference to a slip on Wilherforee track. The t hairtnan said there was no money available for stir'i a large iob and the motion was dropped. Air Wells moved that Ida: kberries and g. . osc on Tucker Flat he cleared. ■Seconded by Mr Chesterman and earned. the Roadman to do the work. Air Donovan asked when the lorry v.ns going down to Okarito road. The t hairman reported no money was yet available. STATI'TOR V M FETING. From Audit Office, returning copy of balance sheet for year ended .March Alst. IbJfi. certified to with exceptions.—Received as satisfactory. The Chairman moved:—-"That the Council now consider the balance sheet and statement of accounts foilin' year ended Alareh, 1220. as now l«> fore tin' Council, and upon being duly settled arrangements be made for the publication of some." .‘-'e-oiided by Mr Chesterman and carried. The Council rose at 5.20 p.m.