WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1927, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER loth

The Council met at 2 p.m. Present:—Messrs J. A. Murdoch (Chairman), T. Cliesterman, J. Donovan, W. H. Chinn, \V. Searle, L. Morel, E. A. Wells, R. Ward and W. Jeffries. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. .MOTION OF CONDOLENCE. The Chairman referred to the sad bereavement that had been suffered since last meeting by a former Councillor and Chairman, Mr A. Clifton, by the death of bis wife', and moved that the Council place on record its deep sympathy with Mr Clifton and his family in their bereavement. Seconded by Mr Wells and carried in silence, members standing. DEPUTATIONS.

A deputation consisting of Mrs Scliumaker and others waited on the Council in connect ion with assistance in connection with river encroachment near their properties, Christchurch road, ft was resolved that the Overseer report on the position. Mr R. Whilcy waited on the Council in reference to claims made against, him for damage done by heavy traffic to .Municipal road and Camelback road, After a long discussion it was resolved that the Central Riding members inspect the roads affected with the Overseer and report to the next meeting of the Council. In connection with damage done to Municipal road the Chairman moved that Mr M. Keenan, having failed to complete his undertaking to the Council he prevented using heavy traffic on Municipal road. Seconded by Mr Wells and carried.

Mr Jeffries entered an emphatic protest against the continued concessions given by the Council. They bad Overseer Willucr’s reports which the Council agreed were worthy of every credence. The Council made definite resolutions to do certain tilings, and then did not carry them out. He protested against the leniency of the Council Lc the motor lurry owners who were doing such n large amount of damage to many of their roads.

The Chairman in reply to Mr Jeffries said the two matters being considered were totally different. In one ease the person affected bad waited on the Council and made a definite statement which the Council was to enquire into. In the other case a specific promise had been made and broken and there was no other course but to take action. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to tho credit of the County Fund Account.—-Received.

From Mines Department, notifying approval of subsidy to O’Kane and Cox for prospecting in Taipo vicinity. Received.

From Dublin Works Department, regretting the Hoard could not grant an item for widening and improving corners on Alt. Hercules and Tautlie Hill, but will endeavour to improve somo of the corners out of maintenance grant.—Received. Messrs Searle and Donovan urged that attention should lie at once given to improve bud corners on tlie roads, the lormer pointing out oil the Ross road at Deep Creek there was a bad lorner that should receive attention. The’Chairman stated from his own personal experience be had come to tin’ conclusion that far more money was

going to the North Island than was going to the South Island. He thought they should press the matter of having early attention to the improvement ol' the bad corners on the South road. He urged that the Highways Board .should make further application to the parent body for a special grant for the purpose. He moved that the Council act accordingly. Seconded by Mr Donovan and carried.

From Same, enquiiing if the Borough Council intend going on with tlie widening of portion of footpath to Westland Hospital.—Received. From Same, advising the Highways Hoard is unable to declare the Kokntahi Hoad a Alain Highway. Received. From Same, (advising of a vote on draft estimates for some improvements to llaast Pass Track, but same would have to wait till after the estimates are passed.—Received.

pi om Minister Public- Works, notifying Department could not meet request for grant towards stuck track between Bower U’ataroa and l.ittle Wanganui Rivers. —Received. Mr Donovan said the report does not deal with the request at all. The report refers to a lift metal track, while they asked only for a narrow stock track. The stock track was asked to give an outlet for the land-holders in the lower Wataroa, a short, direct route, lie them moved that the -Minister be asked to reconsider his decision in connection with the request. Seconded by Mr Jeffries. Mr Chinn spoke against the motion charac terising the proposed work as not of any utility, and that it would not give valuable access to any property holders in the district who had good tracks to..the main road at Matainui.

Mr Senrlo expressed great surprise at tlie attitude of Mr Chinn. Mr Donovan replied and the motion was agreed to. From Public; Works Department, forwarding copy of memo for Knginecr-iu-Chief with regard to metalling of Adamson Road, and asking for copy of necessary resolution.—Received. From Same, forwarding copy of letter from Enginoer-inChief in regard to metalling of Station Road; also .regarding Dochorty Road and Lake Kanieri road widening.—. Received. From Health Officer,. Christchurch, asking if the Council has any objections to the closing of Goldshorough Cemetery.—Received ; no objection offered.

From Commissioner of Crown Lands, re Mis. Lie. 2061. forwarding license altered to show licensees entitled as Chairman, Councillors and Inhabitants of County of Westland ; regretting could not agree to deletion of conditions relative to prevention of growth and spread of noxious weeds upon the land.—Received.

From Agriculture Department, forwarding certificate of renewed slaughter house license for John Stewart, Kumara.—Received. From Receiver of Gold Revenue, Hokitika, forwarding list of rent owing on Amalgamated Claims, asking if Council would recommend the Minister of Mines to treat same as not recoverable.—Received. Front Minister of Public .Works, with regard to requesting a subsidy of £2OO be placed on Supplementary Estimates for bridge to be erected across the Waitalia river, advising position will be reported on by District Engineer to receive consideration when Estimates are being prepared. —Received. From Same, with regard to grant for extension of Diedriehs’ Road. Koiterangi, ‘advising same will have careful consideration when Supplementary Estimates are being prepared.— Received. From Customs Department, with regard to duty on dredging mlaohin. ery.—Received. From County Solicitor, Hokitika, asking Council to appoint a worthy person to be Assessor with regard tn Mr Bond’s claim for damages.—Received ; Mr John Higgins (Greymouth) Was appointed.

From Texas Coy., Wellington, thanking Council for permission to demonstrate a comparison of motor oils on a hot plate, advising arrangements are being made for necessary demonstration.—Received.

From T. Spoor, South Hokitika, drawing 'attention to very bad state of drain which carries water from road past property.—Received ; Overseer to attend to.

From A. Sharpe, Ross, offering Council site on tho south sido of Waitalm through residence site tor £.3.—Received.

From IT. Gardiner. Pukekura. advising pipes in ,lagoon crossing on Reach Road have been washed away, suggesting that small bridge 1k: erect, ed instead of pipes.—Received. From Stephens, Harihari, accepting rental of ferry reserve at mouth ol Rig A\ anganui river at £2 per annum. Received ; agreed to. From T. Nolan. Matainui, advising T. Mcßride will he leaving County cottage at end ol March, and that I’. Mills, of Wataroa, will take over same if available.—Received; referred In Overseer for attention.

From A. .). Cowan, Okurti. with regard to limit for ferry at Oleum kurv reserve.—Received. From John Cowan, Maliitahi, advising with regard to blackberry nuisance on reserve at Oleum.—Received. From Park and Murdoch, Hokitika, applying for consent to grant application from I‘. 11. .1!. Olsen, ol Humphreys. for water-race crossing the Humphreys road near homestead.— Received ; consent given subject lo O'er seer’s consent.

From C. J. I’. Sellers, Hokitika, forwarding application by .lames Wool house, of Kanieri, lor license lor claim at Tlleker Flat.- Received ; no objec tion, subject to usual condil ions. From Overseer Millner. reporting on loading bans required by Mr Perry on Whilcomhu Valley Road. Received.

From same, reporling having inspected protection work required by A. Scott, Karangama ; also inspected Karangama Cemetery, and evidence lounil of stock damaging portions of newly - made grave, total cost of fencing would be till His (id; also having inspected several oilier works while in Smith Westland District.—-Received. Il was resolved to provide material lor louring settlers to erect same. From li. Ward and family, Arahnra, expressing thanks for sympathy extended in late horoavenimit.- Received.

From T. F. V. Seddon, forwarding letter from Minister ol Public Works in relation to the road Irom Fran/, .lose! Glacier via Haast Pass to Malta-i-nra, stating the total estimated cost was £141,T00, and maintenance was estimated at C-1,800 per annum lor the Kill miles, and in the circumstances the Minister was ol opinion the road particularly between llaast and Makaroia which would be purely a tourist road, was not warranted at present. —Received.

From Westland Hospital Hoard notifying intended purchase ol residence in Hampden Street as a .Maternity Home, in respect to which it was proposed to borrow £I,OOO at 0 per cent, to cover the cost involved.—Received. From Farmers’ Union, Kokatabi. suggesting in view of the petrol tax being levied registration ol ears be made to last tire life of the vehicle’, and that the annual payment be dis-continued.—-Received.

From I). Deiine.by, Matainui. asking liiiaueial assistance in maintenance o! outside roads for the ttaxiiiilling industry and failing help milling would have to (ease.—Received.

From W. D. Nolan with regard to roadwork at Oleum undertaken by the Public Works Department.—Received.

From Public Works Department explaining tlie work was undertaken under a misapprehension.—Received. From Overseer Millner reporting cost of repairing Camelback road used for carting of green /lax was C.’io. ami that planking was being broken in bridges by the heavy traflic.— Received. From same reporting regarding Hood damage to Waitaha Lagoon crossing and stating a bridge and approaches would cost T7O. Received.

From same reporting cost of wirenetting Kokatabi bridge was CI3 10s but stating the bridge was not dangerous for children.—Received.

From same stating cost of flood dam age repairs to Kanieri bridge. Ivoka laid mail, was £1 10s.—Received.

From same stating road employees asked permission to work overtime daily to have Saturday afternoon olf during summertime.—Received; request granted for three months. Overseer to report then as to the success of the arrangement. From same, general report on works performed during the month, including operations of motor trucks.—Received.

From T. E. Y. Seddon, M.P., forwarding letter from Minister of Public Works stating the present was not an opportune time for the extension of the railway to South Westland.—Received.

From Jl. A. Finch, Awatuna asking for attention to bridge over Awatuna Creek.—Received ; referred to Overseer.

From S. 0. V. Holley, complaining of condition of drain at South Hokitika and asking for attention.—Received ; referred to Overseer for attention. From Norman Friend, Okarito, resigning position us feryman at Okarito. —Received and accepted. From Thomas Cron, Harihari, complaining of state of river bed track and asking for repairs.—Received; Overseer to attend to. From Farmers’ Union, Harihari, asking for improvement to track on lower reaches of Big Wanganui river.—Received ; Overseer to report on cost of repairs.

FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. Your Committee has the honour to

report that the accounts presented for the month of October. 1927, have been carefully examined and beg to recommend that file amount as approved, totalling £1206 Is- (id he passed for payment. Your Committee recommends that a special allowance of £5 he made to the Overseer for extra expenses incurred while recently in South Westland.— Received and adopted. TENDERS. Tenders were opened as follows : STATION ROAD.

£ s. d. A. J. Shannon and party .. 676 10 0 A. Krnkowsky and party .. 689 15 0 J. Forsyth and party ... 694 10 0 Fleming and Dimmiek ... 787 0 0

The tender of A. J. Shannon and party was accepted. ADAMSON ROAD.

£ s. d. Denneliv and party 206 0 0 C. R. Glass and party ... 269 10 (• X. Brown 282 0 0 J. Collett and party 286 0 0 The tender of Dennehy and party was accepted. ORDER PAPER. Tlie Chairman moved:—“That the accounts presented for tho month of October, 1927, as revised and recommended by the Finance Committee, amounting to £1206 Is 6d. be passed for payment.” Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That John Peake be appointed Valuer of Mining Property within tlie County of Westland for the ensuing year in accordance with the provisions of tho Rating Act and its amendments.” Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That with respect to the expenditure of Government grants by the Council, covering roads to be metalled, the Council

notify the Public Works Department that tlie future maintenance of such roads metalled under authority from tJio Department, will be. undertaken and carried out by the Council without charge to the Department.” Seconded by Mr Chestermnn and carried. .Mr Ward moved that the Overseer report on necessary repairs to Brownings Pass track. Seconded by -Mr Chestermnn and carried. It was resolved that the Overseet enquire as to necessary repairs to old Christchurch Hoad not to exceed £5. Mr Morel asked that the Overseer carry out the promised survey oi the proposed track from Milltown road to A rahura river as previously agreed to. The Chairman said he thought they could spare one day for Overseer Millner to carry out the work. The Council adjourned at 5.10 p.m.