SOUTH WESTLAND MATTERS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1927, Page 1

SOUTH WESTLAND MATTERS

REPRESENTATIONS THROUGH

THE aIEAIBER

Lately the Farmers’ Union brunch at Harihari waited on Air T. E. Y. Seddon, A 1.8., regarding various district matters, in due course the member made representations to the Minister concerned. The following replies have been received by Air Scddon :

LA FONTAINE ROAD EXTENSION

“ I have to acknowledge Che receipt of your letter dated 13th instant in which you urge favourable consideration of a request made at Harihari for the completion of the metalling oil La Fontaine Road Extension.

“ 111 reply I have to inform you that this request will receive careful consideration in connection with the compilation of the Rtiblie Works Roads Estimates for this financial year.” IMRROAMNG ALAIN SOUTH ROAD. “ I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 13th instant in which subsequent to your visit to South AA’e.sthmd you raise the question of making ” turnouts ’’ on the road Pending from Ross to Harihari. and from Harihari to AA’ataron.

“ In response to your communication I am asking the District Engineer at Groymoulh to submit a report on flic present position in connection with these roads and when this report is to hand your request will receive every consideration.” RFT KR SEN'S ROAD EXTENSION.

“ I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 13tli instant in which in response to representations made to you at Harihari during your recent visit to South Westland, you request that a vote of CbOO be placed on this year’s Estimates for the extension of Petersen's Rand.

" In reply I have to inform you that ail item lias been noted for consideration accordingly and the question of providing the desired grant will he carefully looked into when the Roads Estimates come before me during the session.” WANGANUI RTYER AIOUTH TRACK " I have lo acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated tilth instant in which you represent for consideration a request made to you hy settlors of Harihari to have the track known as the Rig Wanganui River Track put in order. I note your remarks in support of the settlers’ request, and in reply have to inform you that I am now hawing enquiries made to ascertain who actually controls this track and is responsible' for its upkeep, etc. On receipt of this necessary information tiie request of the Harihari settlers outlined in your letter will receive careful consideration and my decision will later be eonveved to you.” WAITANGAT & TITTLE AYANGANUI RIVERS EROSION. “ With reference to the deputation from the Westland County Council which waited upon the Hon. .Minister of Alines in April last regarding erosion by the Little Wanganui and Waitangi Rivers, ! have to advise you that the position concerning the latter river was represented t'o me direct by the Westland County Council and investigations were made by my Department with the result that 1 replied to the local body on the lltli -March i’ast to the effect that the question as to whether the Government should eontribute towards the cost of protective works appeared to be one for the consideration of the Department ol Lands and Survey. The matter was referred to that Department and I have to-day informed the County Council ol the present position, which is that the Department ol Lands and Survey is of the opinion that as the sections immediately threatened, that is those occupied by .Messrs R. .1. AA alsli and Delin Bros, are freehold properties, and as the likelihood of damage to Crown sections in the Alatainui Loan Block is problematical, that Department is nimble to contribute anything towards the cost of the suggested protective works. I went on to state that the only way in which my Department is interested in a case of lliis nature is in the event of any public work being endangered and, a.s I understood that Richardson Road had been effected to a certain extent. This aspect of the AVaitsuigi River erosion was again investigated when it was found that the road is now becoming consolidated and any overflow from the river will not damage it to the same extent as when it was first metalled.

“r n these circumstances there is mi doubt that my Department would not he justified in undertaking protective works solely for the purpose of protecting Richardson Road, but, nevertheless. as there is bound to be a certain amount of scouring on the road, it appears that a certain amount might lie contributed. I have pleasure, therefore, in informing you that the matter of a Government contribution will receive very careful consideration when the current year’s estimates come before mo at an early date. “ The representations made in connection with the Little Wanganui River are at present under consideration and I hope to be in a position to let you have a reply at an early date.”