WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1929, Page 3

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1929. Tlio Council met at 2 p.m. Present —Messrs'E. A. Wells (County Chairman), J. A. Murdoch, B. Ward, W. Searle, W. H. Chinn', J. Donovan, and W. Jeffries. Leave was granted Mr Cbcstermn for absence. Tho minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to credit of County Fund Account.—Received. From Minister of Public Works, advising that position regarding Little Wanganui river erosion was receiving consideration and that locality will he visited when first in district. —Received.

Mr Searle reported that since the Engineers were down, the river, with only small freshes, had cut in another chain into the bank. The Department now proposed to erect a wall above flood mark. Air Ferguson wanted compensation Ifor tho land proposed to be taken.

The Clerk stated that lie understood the Engineer was not prepared to pay compensation, as the land if not pro tected would he washed away. The matter was an urgent one. Mr Searle said since the visit a large white pine tree had been washed into the river and was assisting to cut away the bank. Mr Searle said on his return he would call a meeting of the R.iver Board to consider further action. From Highways Board, Wellington extending the season’s greetings.—Received.

From Public Works Department, forwarding copy of Motor Lorry Regulations Amendment. —Received.

From same, advising the Main High ways Board decided to purchase a Alc-Cormick-Deering tractor for the Council, on the usual hire-purchase conditions.—Received.

From same, forwarding copy of letter received from Shell Coy. with re gard to erection of kerbside petrol pump at Kanieri, advising there was no objection to the erection of same. —Received and agreed to. From same, advising that the necessary authority for Petersen Road extension has been applied for, but the portion to be diverted would to be dedicated. —Received. From same, with reference to request from residents of Three Mile for permission to use portion of Main Highway Reserve for purpose of additional width for tennis court, advising that as strip concerned will not affect use of the Highway, permission is given to fence in portion necessary.—Received. From Mines Department, regarding application for subsidy from Rimu United Sluicing Coy., advising that as the claim is now on the verge of being a payable proposition as shown by the value of. the metal, no recommendation for subsidy can be given.—Recei/e.l.

From same, with reference to assistance towards development 6f mining in New Zealand, asking for a statement detailing what is suggested should be done to elfcct relief.—Received. From Labour Department, askine what day the Council propose to have for a half holiday.—Received. From Health Inspector, reporting cases of infection.—Received. From Commissioner of Crown Lands, forwarding copy of letter sent to Highways Council regarding drains at Muir’s, Arahura road.—Received. From Westland Power Hoard, asking Council to ascertain the estimated cost of road access at Dillmans where main station is established, aiid apply for grant to Public Works Department for construction of same. —Received. Mr Murdoch moved that application be made for a grant of £SOO. Seconded by Mr Ward, and carried. From Jas. O’Brien, M.P., advising of Hon. Minister of Mines early visit to Hokitika, asking for any matters to lie brought before the Minister—Received ; tlie Chairman and Clerk to attend to. Mr Chinn urged that the time had arrived for more scientific lines under official supervision. ' Mr Murdoch said the Council should formulate a proposal to be brought before the new Minister, who was favourably disposed to the gold mining industry. He entered his protest at the reply of the Under Secretary of Mines to another letter before them that day. He thought that the Council should bring the subject before the Minister, especially if the Under-Secretary were present. He protested against the increased fees now charged against the miner who desired to go out prospecting. They should take active steps to bring these matters before the Minister.

Mr Donovan supported the remarks of Mr Murdoch. They should refer the question of repairing the Three and Five Mile Bluff tracks (Okarito).

Mr Searle suggested matters he left to Mr Jeffries to represent the Council with the other members of the Northern Ridings to meet the Minister. The Chairman supported and suggested matters to be drawn under the notice of the Minister, in an endeavour to revive mining.

Mr Ward was fully in accord to make every possible use of the visit of the Minister to urge on matters alfeot'ing the Council .including the inspection of the flex)cl damage at Little Wanganui if possible. He did not favour the suggestion of Mr Murdoch in connection with the reply of the Undei Secretary of Mines. He believed Mr Veitch had a full practical knowledge of mining, and lie looked forward to the Minister proving his ability. Mr Murdoch said he would not recede .from the position he had taken up. He knew he was on delicate grounds, hut he was prepared to attack the position. He was prepared to attack Mr ICimhall and state it

was not liis duty to decide the Council’s application without putting their request before the Minister. The suggestion of Mr Searle .'as agreed to. From 11. H. Busch, Mahitalif, regarding Busch road, advising some necessary work was carried out, and asking for assistance towards same. —Received.

A vote, of £5 was passed, on the motion of Messrs Jeffries and Donovan. From Overseer Alillner, reporting a large slip occurred on Lake Kanieri road, cost of removing same about CSO, also ifownrding report upon progress of work during month on main highways.—Received. From Roadman Whitiskie, Herepo, advising that length of proposed track required by Mr McLean is from GO to 70 chains in length, and that to clear a ten-foot track would cost £SO as some parts require corduroying.—Received. From John Condon, Mahitahi, advising that there is not available labour for Busch road.—Received.

From W. D. Nolan, Okuru, advising that an advertisement will be made for a ferryman for Okuru: asking thaf Council pay half cost of the boats for the Waiatoto-Arawata ferries. —Received. It was resolved that the liability of the boats be limited to £lO. It was resolved to refer the question of telephonic communication to the Postmaster at Hokitika.

From same, advising D. Simmer will take over tho ferry as successor to Wm. O’Leary.—Received. From F. J. Andrews, complaining of the state of Milltown and Han’s Bay roads, Lake Kanieri.—Received; referred to Overseer for attention. From Joseph McLean urging construction of sheep track at Lower Little Wanganui to avoid ford crossings for lambs.—Received.

From Overseer Millner reporting regarding Little Wanganui protection and Mint- Creek overflow, Wataroa.Keceived.

From same reporting on road access required to Dillmau’s power station, cost of extension £450. —Received. From same reporting on operation ol road plant for December. —Received. From same recommending Arthurs-town-Blue Spur and Municipal roads as secondary highways.—Received. From same monthly report on works in Ridings.—Received. From McCluggage and Friend, Okarito, applying for £5 for cutting the channel.—Received ; consideration deferred, pending reply of Marine De partment. FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT. Your Committee has the honour to report that the accounts presented for the month of December. 1928, have been carefully examined, and beg t" recommend that the amount as ap•>rovpd totalling C" 1 r '°>~ Id ho noshed for payment.—Received and adopted. ORDER PARER. The Chairman moved: —“That the accounts for.the month of December, 1928, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £ 100-5 13s Id, be passed for payment.” Seconded by Mr Ward and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That A. Clifton, Esq., be reappointed the representative of the Council on the Hokitika High School Board of Governors for the ensuing term.” Seconded by Atr Jeffries and carried. The Chairman moved: “ That public notice .be given of the intention of the Council to add ton per cent to all rates outstanding after the 17th January current.” Seconded by Air Donovan and carried. The Chairman moved:—“That tlie Council consider the list of proposed further secondary highways for application to the ATain Highways Board f'r the coming year.” Seconded by Air Chinn and carried. Air Donovan moved:—“That a vote of £l9 supplementary to the roadman a work, he authorised to clear a sheep track on the north side of the Little Wanganui river, below the Gorge, to avoid three bad fords for lambs en route, and to provide improved general access at all times.” Seconded by Air Jeffries and carried. Air Chinn moved that the roadman he instructed to repair the had holes on Rotokino road. Seconded by Air Jeffries and carried. Air Chinn moved that the tractor and grader he sent down to Harilinri district to cany out necessary work. Seconded Lv Air Donovan and carried.

SPECIAL MEETINGS. The Chairman moved:—“That Wednesday afternoon of each week, be accepted as the weekly half-holiday for tho County of Westland for the ensuing year.” Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. The Auditor-General returned the balance certified to without any tag.— Received.

Tho Chairman moved:—“That the Council now consider the balance sheet and statement of accounts for the year ended .‘list March, 1928, as now before the Council, and same lie settled.” Seconded by Mr Jeffries and carried. 'Die Chairman moved:—“Unit the Council now consider the arrangements to be made for the publication of the balance sheet.” Seconded by Mr Chinn and carried.

It was resolved that the usual course he followed. The Council rose at 3.J0 p.m.