WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1928, Page 4

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

TUESDAY, 14tli

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT.

I beg to report that; in the interval since last meeting various roads were visited, Cr. Jeffries, Chairman of Public Works Committee, accompanying mo on occasion. The following Is an outline of the works inspected : White Road.—This road used mainly by the Imperial Timbers 51 ill was in a shocking state caused by tlio transport of heavy machinery to a new mill sito and for which purpose a farm tractor had been used. The road was seriously damaged in places and the manager (Mr Applegnrtli) was interviewed. He promised that as soon as the transport was finished (in about a fortnight’s time, which expires this week) that repairs would bo put in hand. It will bo satisfactory if that promise is kept and the work performed to the satisfaction of the Overseer who will assist by lending a suitable drag, and probably all experienced Roadman to see the drag is used to best advantage. Local settlers including married families, use file road and it is imperative it be placed in passable order ns soon as possible. Tbe Council should instruct the Overseer to see that the requisite work is carried out according to

promise. Bladier’s Rond.—Mr I’. O’Neil requires a small expenditure to improve the unformed portion of the road, which Mr O’Neil is prepared to form, if the Council will supply the gravel. The cost is not large, and the Overseer was instructed to have the gravel

supplied. Upper Kokntnlii Road Bridges.— These are in need of repair and strengthening. The structures being part of tlio main highway must be kept up to standard. The material is on order, /and the bridge Foreman will attend to the work as soon as Mali in uplift Bridge approaches are completed. Hokitika Flat Bond, Koitcrangi.— The portion of this road serving Brown and Nilsson’s sawmill lequiics attention, the millers assisting. Gravel is to be supplied as tlio Council’s

contribution. Municipal Road, Flooding.—'lbis occurs near Mr Monk’s holding and is caused in part l>v a. culveit being too small to let the water away readily. The bridge needs raising and widening, which is a matter for a grant, and application will be made accordingly. ■Some attention was authorised in the matter of road repairs. Municipal Road Upper.—A eontribillion of £l2 10s was promised recently to assist the Doughboy Mill with transport. Good value has been given for the expenditure but a larger expenditure will he necessary if the road is to carry the traffic intended. Tt is for tlic Council to decide whn.t further expenditure, if any, should 1)0 made on its behalf. Tennis Court, Koitcrangi.—There was the request for assistance with the formation of a tennis court at the School. The roller is required for levelling; about 30 oubio yards of crushed limestone is wanted, with further rolling to follow. It is recommended that the plant he given, and the metal supplied at a cost to the Committee of 7s fid per cubic yard. Limestone Crushing.—The site was inspected and some improvements in the layout suggested. I proposed to the Overseer if ho is satisfied with the carrying value of the crushed material on the roads, he should move the portable engine at Kanieri to the site, and free the' roller at present doing tho crushing for ordinary operation on the road. There is some largo rough limestone spoil (iincTiished) which it is proposed to use on Municipal Road, now subjected to heavy traffic and consolidate same on the road with the heavy roller. This is an experiment of promise, for the crushed material so far appears to he giving satisfaction in that a good smooth road surface was provided. Cropp and Wall Road.—Those byroads to the swamp wore inspected and are in need of general repairs which will he attended as the road plant is available. The new road McArthur Extension, in the same locality was also inspected. The contractors are making good progress with the metalling across the swamp to the solid ground of the river bed. Awatuna Road, Noi them Riding.— This requires attention and the Overseer is to confer with the millers using the load for early attention. Stafford Drains and Cemetery are to he attended to as soon as a Roadman is available. A rahura Valley Road was under repair, the work being carried out by the Roadman from side dumps deposited by the' lorries. This appears to he a very satisfactory method both in the Valley and also in the Kokatahi district. Arahura River Gravel.—The Council has permission from the Native Trustee to remove gravel from the river heel at a point where danger of river erosion will not occur. The location of the pit is quite satisfactory. Some gravel was removed formerly at n point where there was' an element of danger, and a notice is being put up warning settlers and others that gravel rii'ust not he removed without the written authority of the Native Trus- j tee. Bluo Spur Road.—A new pipe culvert is to he put in near Grcenless’. The road • through the township, used in the main by the local sawmillers is in a very.rough state, one section being rather bad. The millers ask for "further assistance. During the past three' months the Council has spent £IOB 15s. I have asked the millers to attend the meeting to discuss tho matter. Kanieri Lake Road.—This shows considerable improvement of late, the upper end requiring chief attention, which will' be given as the road staff is available. Overhanging scrub at corners is to he out clown, and two corners eased to improve visibility, there being considerable motor traffic on the road at times. Milltown Road requires some little attentioii, also the side road round the' lake to Hans Bay. Ward Road was in fair order, and additional work authorised covering the contributions from this nil'll. Kokatalii Road drainage has proved of value, and another section of roadside drain clearing 'was suggested and the tenders for same will he before you to-day. It covers the swamp section of the road, and will assist with maintenance. The roads generally were found in improved order. The improvement to the main roads of Kokatalii and Koiterangi, as well as Lake Kanieri road was noted and must be appreciated by those using the roads. I learn that neighbouring Councils are finding road tractors of great service for grading and dragging, and have come to the conclusion such an implement would he most useful to this Council. There would ho economy in using the tractor in favour of the lorry for tho grading work, which while assisting with the maintenance, would tend also to gradually widen the roads. Under tile circumstances I am suggesting that a tractor be procured, and if approved, the question of type of machine can be gone into. The service it will render, will, I feel satisfied from what I can learn, recoup the outlay "in a comparatively short time CLERK’S REPORT

I Ijojj to report tJi'at in the wn«

avoidable absence of the Chairman T represented the Council at the Conference’ of delegates representing the .New Zealand Counties' Association, which met at Wellington on the 1 1 th and 18th July. A. E. Jull, Esq., President, presided and there was a very large attendance of delegates as well as County officials, about 130 being present. The agenda paper was a lengthy one, and the Conference was fortunate in its Chairman who conducted the meeting very happily. The delegates with a Ministerial party, and the officials of the Public Works and Highways Board, were the guests of the President at a luncheon, and the gathering brought about by this generous hospitality was also a veiy happy one, and was responsible foi an important speech by the Prime Minister (Rt. Hop. Mr Coates) who spoke at length on matters affecting the highways administration. At the Conference there were 131 remits covering various aspects of local government, and it was interesting and instructive to follow the various speakers, several of whom indicated new viewpoints on mnttcis, brought about by the varying circumstances in the different localities. The following were among the more important matters dealt with: Subsidy on rates: Affirmation of previous resolutions asking for a mote equitable distribution in regard to rates collected and not on the basis of the levy struck.

Riding accounts: It was recommended that these ns required by the Audit Department bo discontinued. Local bodies to be consulted beforeregulations affecting local bodies and by-laws are gazetted.

Provision for Counties to establish an Accident Insurance Fund; also a. fire insurance fund.

Provision for charging cost of entertaining the King’s representative to ordinary expenditure.

An important motion seeking to set up a committee to go into the question of reorganising the County system of Government was lost by a good majority.

There were several motions asking for the amendments to the Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Act. These were referred to a sub-committee of ten who sat at night, and brought down a report urging that a higher rate of subsidies be granted and that levies he distributed on the basis of population and rateable capital value; also that local bodies appoint representatives.

It was considered desirable that all local authorities either jointly or severally establish a superannuation fund; and the executive is to bring down a report on the proposal. The question of road signs was discussed. It was decided to ask that the Railway Department be responsible for all ■necessary signs at railway crossings, and that it be not mandatory for County Councils to erect signs on roads. Also that the status of Highway Councils be raised and bo called together more frequentlv.

A number of motions bearing on the Rating Act and it's operations wore carried. Members’ travelling expenses were recommended at 21s per day to each Councillor, plus travelling

expenses. The Conference approved a County Clerks Association being formed, and a conference of clerks is to be bold in Wellington on September 2Glh. The Executive is to consider a scheme for pooling the insurance of Councils with a view to reducing p remiunts. A number of general resolutions were recorded dealing with various administrative acts, especially relating to raising loans, drainage, by-laws and local government elections. Mini tors affecting su'b-dhiilxion of land and loading were also prominent subjects in the discussions. The question of allocating heavy traffic fees was referred to the executive to report regarding a revision of terms under which the fees are allocated. The remits passed were placed before the Ministry, and tlio Prime Minister in reply favoured the abolition of the riding accounts as proposed. The C.overnment took up a negative attitude regarding the syslctm of levying on population and rateable vnlue. Regarding main highways maintenance it was indicated that in somo cases it was proposed to suhsi- j disc 40s to 20s according to the merits of the case affecting hack block highways. It seems advisable therefore to keep a more detailed record of roads expenditure and it is intended from the Ist April last to record the separate expenditure on all roads. The information will be useful in pressing future claims for recognition as secondary highways, and generally support any request for the increased subsidy a I Hive referred to. During my absence time permitted to make a visit to the Taranaki and Wangalnui districts and opportunity was taken to travel over the roads. In the former district tar sealed roads prevail and were in excellent order for motoring. The roads bear j evidence of close attention, and repair gangs were to be seen working in sections, between Wanganui and Wellington, the roads were mainly macadam, and generally were in good condition. More parties were engaged on improvements, and road machinery for grading and rolling was employed. The impression left was that a good standard of road was aimed at, and that widening and other improvements were going on continuously. Maintenance to secure best conditions for motoring must necessarily ho high, and it would appear that the liability was being accepted by the controlling bodies in tlio North Island. Doubtless, on this, account at tlio Counties Conference remits were discussed with the object of securing greater financial help by the local bodies from the main highways taxation, for all district roads. Since my return a meeting of tlio Highways Council was held and tlio estimates for the year were recommended. Some particulars of the proceedings have been published, and members would glean that in the matter of maintenance the highways in this district are tjie least costly of the West Const roads. As the main roads of Westland are reported to be i

in very gooil order this economical administration is greatly .to the credit of Overseer Fitzgerald. The provision for this year is somewhat higher in Westland, Mr Johnston, District Engineer, proposing to improve corners and grades along various parts. Between Goldsborough and Stafford, on lantlie Hill, and Mt. Hercules corners, etc., are to he improved and visibility attended to. The completion of the bridges required on the main south road will he pushed on as quickly as possible with the available staff, and generally, requisite works will have necessary attention. Expenditure at Wataroa deviation rorid and Waikukupa bridge will he considerable, and is being provided for out of flood damage. The new Waikukupa bridge will ho longer than the one destroyed and more substantial. The material is on order, and it is hoped to have the structure available within the coming season.

OVERSEER’S MONTHLY REPORT. I have the honour to report upon the progress of work during the month ol Julv. CENTRAL RIDING. McArthur Rond Metalling.—This work has progressed satisfactorily, 23 chains being reformed and metalled to date. Mahinapua Creek Bridge.—The work of fencing the eastern and western approaches to the bridge was partly completed by the Bridge Foreman. Ruatnpun-Mahinnpua Road, No. I.' Section.—. This work, consisting of clearing and formation a distance of 30 chains was completed in a satisfactory manner before the end ol the month. Ruatapu-Maliinnpun Road, No. 2 Section. —The work of clearing 90 links in width and forming l(i feet in width was completed over the specified distance of 19 chains in a creditable manner. Ruatapu-Maliinapua Road, No. 3 Section— This section of clearing and forming progressed satisfactorily over the specified distance of 19 chains from peg 'l9 chains to (58 (bains, at the southern edge ol' Shanghai Road. MAINTENANCE SECONDARY HIGHWAYS. Lake Kanieri Road was cleared of over-hanging and encroaching gorse, scrub and blackberry growth oyer a distance of two miles. Water-tables were cleared and cleaned a distance ol 3 miles, and the road surface patched and repaired with gravel for 2 miles; ICO cubic yards of gravel being carted out; 130 yards placed on the road, and 30 yards dumped a t intervals along the roadway.

Upper Kokatahi Road.—Gorso and blackberry growth was cleared from the approaches to No. 1 and No. 2 Duck Creek bridges. A defective box culvert was removed with 9 inch diameter concrete pipes for 21 loot in length, and the road surface patched over a distance of one mile, 50 cubic yards ol gravel being used in repairs. KokatahiKoitcrangi road was cleared ol gorse and blackberry for eight feet in width for one mile in length from the 9 mile to the 10 mile peg. The road surface was patched with gravel over a distance of 10 miles. 111) cubic yards of gravel being used. Roadside gravel dumps were replenished over n distance of 9 1 . miles, absorbing a total of 560 cubic yards, and If miles of road patched and repaired with crushed metal, 50 cubic yards being used foi the purpose.

MAINTENANCE OF COUNTY ROADS Hokitika flat and a portion of McArthur Road were repaired over a distance of 40 chains. A defective culvert was removed and replaced with 9 inch diameter concrete pipes on branch road between l lie main highway and Back Crock road. Motor-worn holes were repaired and graved dumped on South Hokitika load for future repairs, and a portion of Blue Spur road roughly repaired with screenings. Concrete pipe construction was continued at Kanieri under K. Selby. ROAD ROLLER. The ten-ton roller was operated for several days driving the crushing plant at Canielback and rolling Koiternngi roads, hut will he replaced at the crushing plant by the engine generally used to operate the crusher at Kanieri. Tliis alteration will be made as soon ns a small shed is erected to house the engine. NORTHERN RIDING. Portions of Blue Spur-Aralnira Rond was cleared of encroaching gorse and blackberry growth ; motor-worn holes repaired over a short section of Aiahura Valley road, and scrub cleared for some distance on Box’s track. Defective decking was renewed on Malfcoy’s and Palmer’s Creek Bridges.

SOUTHERN RIDING. Kakapotahi Bridge protection.—The work of hauling and securing large trees along the northern hank of the Little Waitaha river above the bridge was completed preparatory to lining and placing of manuka, scrub under the line of nets to he built along and over the tree tops to keep them in position. Adamson road metalling was almost completed and will he ready for inspection on August 10th.

MAINTENANCE. Repairs were effected by the roadman to Wanganui Flat, Petersen’s and La Fontaine road, and by casual labour to Adamson, Wataroa and Richardson roads. A fairly substantial groin was constructed of heart of totara timber well loaded with stone by Gibb Bros, on a subsidy basis to prevent further erosion of Docherty Road. Several large trees were removed and a culvert renewed on Ross-Kokatalii track, also a culvert constructed at an open crossing on Richardson load.