WESTLAND MATTERS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1929, Page 2

WESTLAND MATTERS

Ah- J. O’Brien, Member for Westland, has received various replies from Ministers to enquiries.

Ross Buildings Sections.—Hon. AV. A. Veitck advises if the holders of leases of land in Ross township desire to obtain the freehold, it is suggested that they should submit for consideration a draft clause setting out clearly what particular rights they desire to obtain and subject to what conditions. Cron’s Road.—Hon. E. A. Ransom states the position is that the temporary road from AlcCullough’s Creek to Cron’s homestead is in need of improvement, and it is estimated that an amount of approximately £2OO will he required for that purpose. . An amount of £SO will be required for formation before metalling can be undertaken, and it is anticipated that £l5O will he required to cover the cost of metalling. 1 am informed that the Westland County Council is agreeable to contribute half the cost of metalling, and in view of that I am of the opinion that the Government, would be justified in providing free money for formation and £1 for £1 for metalling. This represents a Government contribution of £59, free, and £75, £1 for £l. However, as already mentioned, this information was received too late for any provision to he-made oil the .Supplementary Estimates, and unless the County Council is prepared to treat this work as a'charge against its cash allocation:, ; in lieu of some other item which .has been provided for, it Will not be possible for me to: approve authorisation! of any funds during the current year, ilf the’ Council is agreeable to the course suggested herein, however, I will be quite prepared to favourably consider authorisation of tlifi Government’s contribution towards the cost of the work. Otherwise, i,t will he necessary for the matter to remain in abeyance until the Estimates for 1930-31 are being prepared. River Erosion at Koiterangi.—Hon. E. A. Ransom advised there appears very little likelihood that the river will break through, but that, on account of extreme pressure of urgent works as a result of the earthquake damage and the .necessity“in most cases of personal investigation, the : District Engineer at Greyniouth 'has ‘not had Ah opportunity up to the present of making an up to date, report. However, this wilTbe arranged ’ ; at tlie earliest possible date, .and,on receipt of same 1 shall be pleased "tp further’consider' the position, and to. then again, communicate with you. ;. Ross Lime Kiln.—Hon. G. W. Forbes advised' that’ some time ago the Secretary of the Company made application to my Department for assistance, and an pfficCr of the Department visited the works and reported on the damage occasioned by the earthquake. It was considered, however, that the proper method of providing assistance was from the Earthquake Relief Fund, and •you will, no doubt, recall that I communicated this to you in iny letter of 26th September last. I am now' advised that the company has made application to the Central Committee of the Fund, and that mv Department has supplied the Committee with ;i copy of the report made by its officer. '