WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1928, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

7FKSDAY, -MAY Bth., 1928,

The* Council met at 2 p.m. Present: Messrs A. .Murdoch (Chairman), li. Ward. K. A. Wells, J. Donovan, W. H. Chinn, \V. .Searle, L. H. Morel, W. Jeffries and T. IT. Cliesterman. T he minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence was approved. IXWARD COURESPOXDKXCK. Front Treasury, notifying accrued revenue'to the credit of County Fund Account. Mr Ward said he thought that the Council should he advised of the particulars of gold fields revenue. Me moved:—That the Department he respectfully asked to supply details of how the amounts of royalties was made up, when the returns were being sent to the Council. Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. From Prime Minister, Wellington, regarding members’ travelling expenses, advising matter will receive earnest consideration. —Received. From Controller and Auditor-Gene-ral, advising Audit Office approves of the payment to members of the lixed sums enumerated in Council’s letter of loth Fob. to each member in lieu of expenses and allowances under Regulation 3.—Received. From Mines Department, advising approval of subsidy to Rimu Sluicing Coy, of £IOO towards continuation of sluicing tail race at Seddon’s Terrace. —Received.

From Same, advising application of G. Pfahlert and Huvill for assistance towards prospecting lias been declined. —Received.

From Alain Highways Hoard, forwarding circular regarding Accident Insurance premiums, and charge against subsidy. —Received. From Public Works Department, regarding Bush Road vote of XfloO, .advising that Overseer Carroll reports he

considers the road on south hank of nahitalii River would he longer and more costly, but the matter would be investigated more fully.—Received. In regard to the proposal of the Department to offer n grant of £250, the Council to find £IOO and settlers affected £SO, for protection works at Waitangi to stop the erosion of the river; Mr Wells said the matter had been discussed by the Finance Committee and had referred it to the Council. Mr Chinn urged the Council to ac-

cept the offer of the Department and so endeavour to prevent further encroachment of Richardson road. Me moved to that effect.

Messrs Jeffries, Searle, Ward, diesteriuan and Donovan spoke in support.

The Chairman said the Government were responsible lor the present dam aged position and they should loot Ur bill. He thought the County should not have to find £IOO out of theii revenue, the Government should find the whole amount.

Air Ward thought it would he wise to .support the motion. He Jolt even if the Department had made a mistake then as they were prepared to do thenbest to rectify it, the Council should mark their approval of the proposed

action. The motion to provide the £IOO was then agreed to. From Same, asking that a list of items be forwarded of Main Highways Estimates for 1028-20. Received. From Commissioner of State forests, asking for a written statement of Deputation’s proposals regarding tim her revenue payable to the Council. — deceived. From Same, advising Department ?ould not see its way to grant £.1.00 towards road access to Schroder and Coy’s mill at Hack Creek.—Deceived From Same, through T. E. \ . Soddon, M.P., advising that tho whole position regarding Timber Revenue ibeing examined by the Departmenta Officers.—Received. From Tourist Department, re forillation of track at fox (•lacier, advis ing tlie matter has been referred tc tlie Public Works Department, to deal with and provide funds tor formation of roads and tracks.—Deceived. From Health Department, regarding animal inspection of hotels, ad vising that Council serve requisite notices to enforce the abatement o' nuisances, and to effect necessary re pairs to place premises in satisfactory sanitary state. —Deceived ; approve:* subject to amendment. .From N,Z. Counties , Association, advising Conference of delegates re presenting Counties affiliated with the Association will be held during the forthcoming session of Parliament, about July 17, and asking for notices of motion.—Deceived ; the Chairman and Clerk to represent the Council. From Westland Hospital Board, forwarding copy of estimates on which levy for 1929 was struck at mooting of Board, advising Council levied for sum of £lsOl IBs 9d, to bo paid in nine instalments. —Deceived and ac c-epted. From County Clerk, To Awaniutu, forwarding resolutions regarding bylaws re speed limit of motor vehicles for purpose of preserving the roads’, asking for Council’s support of same. —Received; to ho supported. From W. Wallace, Ross, advising Council that recent floods have destroyed the track at Upper Afikonui, asking for assistance.—Deceived ; repairs to be effected in accordance with Overseer’s report. From Dennehy Bros., Alatainui, that Adamson Road will he started as soon as tlie weather is favourable, — Deceived. From Same, advising commencement of Adamson road metalling.—Received. From Overseer Millner, reporting continued heavy Hoods have caused destruction of two chains of upper end of Kakapotahi bridge protection above recently repaired portion; advising Richardson road has been scoured again repairs being authorised to same.—Deceived. A discussion ensued on a suggestion by Air Chinn that piling be used instead of stone crates. Overseer Milliter favoured consideration of n turning movement higher up the river. Mr Jeffries urged attention as there was a grave danger of the stream cutting in and as lie was interested be was prepared to find £lO towards the cost. Mr Ward stated some months ago the Minister offered the services of an engineer to report on any specific case. This, lie thought was a case where they should take advantage of the offer. He moved that application be accordingly made for the services ol a qualified engineer to report on the question of the erosion there and that the application be treated as an urgent one. Seconded by Mr Wells and supported by the Chairman, and carried. From Same, . reporting Keenan’s lorry, thither laden is running on Upper Municipal road recently repaired, notifying road is not fit fox* heavy traffic.—Received. Air Keenan waited on the Council in reference to the complaints of the state of Upper Municipal road, stating if the Council gave the use of their lorry and driver for three days, he would supply his own lorry and men to load both lorries and put the road in good order. It was resolved to grant the use of the lorry as requested. A discussion took place on the condition of the roads, some - members stating that the road between Graham's and Upper Ivoiterangi was in a shocking condition, while portion of tho road to Kokatnlii was also in a bad state. Ultimately it was resolved that tin Overseer report on the personnel of the

road staff for consideration at the special meeting on the 23rd. From Same, reporting on MilltownArnhura track, complained of by J. Harvey, advising permanent repairs the track would cost £IOO, temporary work necessary to render track passable for horse traffic would cost £9 15s; advising defective culvert on Christchurch road requires renewing.—Rcceivcd. From Treasurer, forwarding special report on meeting of Highways Board at Greymouth on 13th ult.—Received. From Motormari Itandall, reporting on condition of lorries.—Received. From Public Works Department regarding dedication of road at Arahura, requesting consent of occupiers of Native leasehold bo obtained to proposal.—Received ; to be complied with. From J. Shivas, Kokatahi, complaining of state of Upper Municipal road, lvoiterangi, owing to heavy timber transport.—Received. From D. Stock and Coy., Chiistcliurch, stating proposals for development work at llotokino flax areas note now in hand, and asking steps betaken in refeionce to road access.—Received referred to Overseer for report. From Overseer Millncr reporting or operations of lorries for past month, reporting minor repairs to bridges; stating opening of T’otara road following storm damage would cost £ls; estimating road access via Duffers’ road to electric power lino at £000; forwarding monthly report on works performed, and listing urgent matters for attention. —Received. It was resolved to apply for a grant for £I2OO for a road to the auxiliary power station via the Loopline road. From G. J. Thomson, Matainui, applying for slaughterhouse license. —Received and approved. From V. Douglas, Waitaha, urging attention to repairs necessary due to flood damage.—Received ; to receive attention. From ('. Atkinson, Mananui, in reference to railway fencing near Mananui.—Received; enquiries to be made from Railway Department. dhe Chairman reported on the visit of the Main Highways Board, a very favourable reception being given of their representations. —Received FINANCE REPORT. Your Committee has the honour to report that the accounts presented for the month of April. 1928, have been carefully examined, and beg to recommend timt the amount as approved, totalling £1279 15s lOd be passed for pa yi n cut. —R ece i ve< 1. The Treasurer's report •„already published) was received. The Chairman referred to (he exeellent services of the Clerk and Treasurer, and suggested that the time had arrived when the Council should mark their appreciation by voting an increase of salary. He invited members to express their views on the suggestion. Mr Jeffries thought the subject was one that should not be sprung on members. Mr Ward said be admired the work done by Mr Evans as County Treasurer. It was of great value to the Council and he would be pleased to vote for a fair increase to bis salary. Mr Donovan favoured an increase. He had been on the Council 30 years ago and then Mr Evans was an efficient officer. Now after that lone period of service fie found the sainefficiency ami an even improved service. Everything in connection with his office was always in perlcet order. He was a most callable officer and bis services should be suitably recompensed. Mr Morel spoke appreciatively of the fine work done b.v their clerk. It was a pleasure to come to the meetings to find everything always in such perfect order, showing the splendid seliiies .rendered. Mr Chinn said when there was r general retrenchment Mr Evans had voluntarily accepted a reduction of hisalary, lie felt that at least the ,oh salary should he reverted to. Mr Searle ■supported the suggestion of the Chairman, which load his approval. Mr Wells felt the Treasurer was worthy of an increase in his salary. He was a very efficient officer who was always doing his utmost to further Richest interests of the Council. The Chairman thanked members foi their expressions and stated he would move in the matter at a later mooting.

TENDERS. SEDDON TERRACE ROAD DEVIATION. Tenders were received as follows: E. Baker and party b'ol A. J. Sumner and party £lll T he tender of Baker and party was accepted. ORDER PAPER. The Chairman moved:—“That the accounts presented for the month ol April, 1923. as revised and recommend ed for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £1279 15s lOd. be passed for payment.” Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That the annual 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.” Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried.

The Chairman moved:—“That public notice bo given of the. intention of the Council to make and levy on the 3rd day of July, 1928, a general rate separately in each riding of the County of Westland, of six farthings in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property, in accordance with sections 120 and 121 of the Counties Act, such rate to lie payable within fourteen days after being struck.” Seconded by Mr Donovan and carried.

The Chairman moved:—“That the Council decide to allow to every ratepayer, pursuant to the provisions ol the Rating Amendment Act, 1922, a rebate not exceeding 5 per cent on the foregoing rates proposed to be struck, as are paid within the statutory limit of time.” Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. Mr Wells moved:—‘‘That tenders be invited returnable on the 23rd inst for the extension of Seddon’s Terrace track widening to Schroder’s sawmill.” Seconded by Air Chestermnn and carried.

The Chairman moved:—“That Hatters track, Christchurch road, be repaired, cost not to exceed £19.” Seconded by Mr AYard and carried. Necessary repairs were authorised to a drain near the police residence, Knnieri. The Council rose at 5 p.m.