COUNTY AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1933, Page 2

COUNTY AFFAIRS

WESTLAND COUNCIL MEETING. BUSINESS YESTERDAY* The . Westland County Council met yesterday afternoon.'when there were present the 1 County' Chairman (Mi M • Jeffries), and Ors. T. R. Cliesterman, M. Keenan, J. A. . Murdoch, J. Donovau/J. J, McKay, 13. Ward, W. Searle, and;W. Ah Jamieson. Inward Correspondence.

From Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to the (County fund account. Received. ". ' ’ From Main- Highways 7 Council, with reference >to classification of fecally road section on 1 Ross-Wehe.ka Road.Received, the chairman saying that it was a step in the. right direction. From Public Works Department, regarding moving :of anchor (blocks at Hokitika Gorge suspension bridge.— Received. YV From sSme, with regard to same matter, advising owing to a depression of the rock on right bank, be necessary to shift one. anchor, block.—Re-

ceivcd. From Overseer Millner, re above, suggesting the District Engineer be aslied to inspect the work and give authority fo shift same.—Received. From Highways Council, forwarding copy of plan prepared for Harris Creek bridge, asking if same is satisfactory to Council.—Received, From Public Works Department, regarding flood’damage to road at Ro»» lime kiln, advising tho Rosfe Borough has been notified and requested to make any 'further arrangements with this Council direct,—Received, From same, forwarding copy of letter from the Minister of public Works iu connection with above subject, refusing Government grant-. From, Mackenzie- County Council, asking if this Council would favour a meeting of the South island Counties in Christchurch in November to discuss several matters of interest, as Norte Island delegates overshadowed the South at-the late-conleronce. The chairman said that at the recent i Counties’ Conference it was singularly notieealbe that the North Island mono--0 ■ pdlised the voting power and debating . strength. The suggested would mean the possibility of the South Island receiving commensurate consideration. An organisation of some kind, such as the conference suggested w as necessary. i—r-.. . Cr. Murdoch said he thought that ' the invitation , should be accepted. He. thought;that Westland should he strong. ]y represented with the. view of the conference presenting a united front. For a long time the North Island had been .'to the fore,: and he' thought that the only way of evening affairs was by the united, forces of South Island Coun- ... .ties. ' ‘ v

Cr.; .Murdoch said that the Council’s ’ 7 representative • a? tlTe Conference •raise the question of the amalgamation . of local bodies. He would be quite .will- | ing to see a drastic reduction in the | number-’o?' local bodies"; but on a terri- | torial basis. In tho case of contiguous l 1 counties, one might find one council | -which had been careful in its admin--7 i'straticm, 'and tlie .other prodigal in its expenditure. He would object to seeing their, own ratepayers joined >ap with ■ those in another district whose administrating body had been prodigal in its. business; Tt would he most unfair for them to pay the debt which had not been spent in their own district.

Cr. Ward agreed with the chairman and Cr. Murdoch, and added that the chairman would be the best man to represent this council. The South Island’s house should be put in order. “We only want our rights, nothing more. We don’t want any injustice.” -Cr. Donovan also spoke in support

The invitation was accepted and the chairman said lie would endeavour to attend the conference on behalf of the Council.

Mr Andrews waited on the Council again in connection with the flooding of his property at Lake Kanieri, re: garding which the Council had advised him that they were unable to do anything. Further the road from Dorothy Falls to the top of the Lake was at times impassable owing to the rise in the Lake. His farm was also being overrun by the Lake water in flood time. He would like to see the weir lowered a foot.

Cr. Ward said, that Mr Andrews bad only made a reasonable request, but he did not know what the Council’s position was regarding the rights of Kanieri Electric Ltd.

The chairman said that at present the Council was not in the position to do anything. Mr Andrews said that his property had not been troubled to any extent through flood water until the weir had been put in by the company. Kanieri Electric, Ltd., in a letter to the Council, said that applicant’s re-; quest for a lowering of the Lake level by a foot was unwarranted and unreasonable. and gave in detail the reasons by which it lmd reached this decision. The chairman said that the Council was in an unenviable position, between cross-fires as it wore. , Or. Chestorman said that he and pr. Wells had visited the scene just after tlfe weir had been- put in, and the flood water was deeper' than he bad seen it before. The Lake, bad been risen threo or four feet, and the flood waters were unable to get away as easily as it could prior to putting in the weir. The present flood conditions in that locality wore attributable to the weir.

Mr Andrews: Can the Council not force the Company to keep the water off the road? The chairman: That is a question that will have to be goue into.

Cr. McKay; It’s a most contentious affair. If the Council takes no action, it is an admission - it. can do nothing. Kanieri Electric Ltd. in a- further letter acknowledged the Council’s reply in respect to Mr Andrews’ complaint regarding .flooding at Lake Rnnicri, and assumed any further complaints would be made direct to the company.

DOn, the motion of Ors. Jamieson, and Keenan it was decided that the matt® 1 ’ be referred : back to the finance, com-: mittee with instructions to reconsider the matter, and if necessary to obtain legal advice. ' \ Mr Searle also waited on the Council, regarding the distance he had to walk, from Mananui to Ruatapu, to his work religf. 'the jf could ..provide- work nearer his place.’ There was certain useful Works which could be done there. He utlso spoke of other conip]aints r and -the Council promised to look into the matter, .referring them to the overseer. ; '>

from Wairoa Hairbour 'Board, forwarding circular re rating and.payment of rates by the Crown, and suggesting local body deputation. The chairman moved that they fall into line with the Board’s suggestion. From West Coast Farmers’ ..Lime Coy., Ross, thanking Council for - contribution towards damage to road at kiln.

From Gillespies Beach Gold Dredging Coy., Dunedin, asking for permission to erect private telephone line from Fox Hostel to claim.—Granted. From South. Westland Shipping Coy., Hokitika, forwarding balance of contribution towards signalman’s salaiy an Okuru, hoping Marine Department will be induced to continue to control same. —Received. From South Westland Shipping Coy., explaining the anxious nature of the work which fell on the Okuru signalman and justified the payment suggested. The Council added its (support to the CompanyV.,request to the Department. From Standard Insurance, Coy., Christchurch, with regard to Public Risk Insurance.—Received. From R. C. Trevathan, Bruce Bay, asking for some assistance towards feuci,n Maori cemetery.—Received. From W 7. Buchanan, Okuru, regarding application made for gate across Turnbull road, advising same is not required at present.—Received. From John Condon, Maintain, in reference to request, for road made by J. Mulvaney, advising same should be done, cost of same £2o.—Received. From W. D. Nolan, Okuru, with reference to several district matters' at Okui'u and Turnbull roads.—Received. From, same, with regard to visit of County chairman; also waiting authority to .plant willow t-rees ; —Received. From Overseer Millner, reporting on culvert complained of by W. Chisnau, Harihari, advising cost of same £81; —The chairman maintained his opinion that, this was a highways matter. The letter wo* received,

'The overseer also reported on in* Epectioh ttiade of unmade portion of Petersen road beyond Searle’s residence'.—The matter was deferred. From same, reporting northern bank of Arahura river from above and along northern abutment of Malfroy’s bridge is being eroded and requires protecting at a cost of £loo.—Received. From same,' reporting on .progress of work on secondary highways for past month,—Received. From County Chairman, forwarding report on inspection.made with assistant District Engineer and the County overseer of Vine Creek erosion in the Koiterangi district.—Received. From health inspector,, reporting on work performed in district for past month.—Received.

From British Empire Cancer Campaign Society ..forwarding copies of booklets, “The Truth. About Cancer. v . for , distribution. —-Received. ' , From W. H. Little, Koiterangi, asking access to section on Neilson Road, —Work to be. attended to. ; From H. H. Monk, Koiterangi, applying for removal,of culvert opposite residence to. improve drainage.—Work to be attended to. • ' From M. B, and Henry Friend asking street at Okarito to new sections be opened up. Cr. Donovan said it wos q matter of clean n’g tTieVoad of gorse and growth and could be done by unemployed labour. * ‘lt was decided to give .attention to the work. ‘ From James Thompson, Okarito, ap* plying for the position of ferryman.— Received.' : From A. R. Wallis Ltd., contributing £5 t-o Turnbull River protection near Okuru, and agreeing to protection work ;on section.—Received with thanks. From Overseer Millner reporting on improved state of Okarito road and working time?, of unemployed in that locality-.—Received.

From same, forwarding estimate for GraliaV Rotad extension, Waitangi. It was decided to ascertain what Mr Graham was prepared to contribute toward the cost of the work.

The overseer’s reports on work done during August, as published yesterday, were adopted.. The Harihari Domain Board and Hall Committee wrote requesting the supply of a few more dr'ayloads of gravel to enable work at Hall to be completed.—Granted.

Tlie report regardng Vine Creek, as published yesterday, was adopted. The chairman was congratulated upon, his comprehensive report published yesterday on his recent visit to South Westland. Regarding the Okuru track, the chairman thought it unfair, that the burden was too much for the Council to repair and maintain each year for the benefit of the Land Board. The Council received a small, but inadequate return. He thought the Department should be asked to contribute something, ’and it was decided that the matter be referred to the Department.

The report a whole was received and the recommendations adopted. Cr Ward said that the discovery of gold was going to help in the recovery of South Westland under the present conditions. He, with Crs Donovan, and McKay congratulated the chairman on his trip, as well as his report. Cr Murdoch said he thought the Council might spend 'a little on the Arawata cemetery in deference to old pioneers. Cr, McKay considered that no real progress would be made until the south road was pushed on. The chairman said that he could not blink his eyes to the fact that population, and progress had not advanced ns he would have liked to see, but, as Cr McKay pointed out, it was desirable that the south road should be advanced, ns it was the keynote to progress in South Westland. He was genuinely pleased to receive so many inquiries on nil sides regarding Mr Evans’ health, a compliment to both Mr Evans himself, and the Council too. He wished to place on record his -appreciation of the assistance given by the advisory committees at Okuru and Bruce Bay.

Cr Murdoch drew attention to the deposit of tailings in the Shenandoah Creek a- few feet from the bridge, which was contrary to regulations. The overseer was instructed to look into the matter. •It was decided to call for applications for the position of ferryman at -Okarito, applicants to state what salnpv they are prepared to do the work for. v

OVERSEER’S DISTRICT REPORT.

The overseqr>(Mr s AV,i M illner ) re P ort * ed upon the progress 'of work during the month of August.

Maintenance.

Northern ' Riding,r-Unemployed labour, assisted by casual labour, restored the damaged crossing over Acre Creek j op the Kuinara-Kapitea Road, cleared growth and repaired portions of Ku- ! mara Beach Road, also forming a large turnout on Kumara Road at Kumara cemetery gates, cleaning watertables and repairing motor worn holes on Kumara Road, repairing protective works with manuka scrub and stone at the northern abutment of Kapitea Creek bridge, Kumara Road. Unemployed labour attended to the improvement of Kumara Junction, school ground, clearing and repairing Lamplough and Fourth Terrace tracks, also tracks to mining claim, German Gully; repairing motor worn holes and scours on One Mile, Arahura Valley Roads, renewing decking on culverts and a bridge on Humphreys Road; clearing growth ancl removing stone to allow an island in Arahura River to scour during high flood, continuing the filling over pipes in Paddy’s Gully, Blue Spur-Arahura Road. Permanent labour attended to the removal of a large log from a 36inch diameter pipe culvert ° n Spencer Road, also filling over the pipes with gravel and stone. Central Riding.—Hokitika Gorge suspension bridge. The contractors for this work have made good progress and are doing good work. The two main towers being placed in position, and a quantity of timber prepared in . readiness for erection. All the timber is good quality heart of rimu ercepting somo totara heart bracing.

: ICokatahi bridge protection. The lower loose manuku scrub fascine and the loaded fascine enclosed within a continuous wire net have both been placed in position for more than 200 links in length. Kokatahi bridge repairs. The timber for this work is now in readiness to be carted to the bridge by No. 1 lorry on September 12. Lake Road protection, McKay’s Creek. A. quantity of manuku scriifb has been cut and stone carted in readiness to start on September 8.

Maintenance. —Casual labour assisted ; by unemployed labour completed the ■renewal of the upper and lower side ;wings and back lining of the northern ' abutment, of, Murray Creek bridge, also restoring the northern approach with 7 2cnbio yards' of gravel. Casual labour attended to flood damage repairs on McArthur Road, also to lifting and repairing Muddy Creek bridge, McArthur Road, and removing timber from nduic of TMedriehs Creek bridge Unemployed and casual labour attended to repairs to a portion of Whiteombe Valley. Municipal and Wall Roads, also portions of McArthur and Hokitika Flat Roads. Ontliing manuka scrub and protecting.a. threatened portion of Upper Municipal Rond, filling gravel for repairs to South j Hokitika Road end approach to Muddy ,Crook hridcre. Unemployed labour cleaned watertables on Holcitika-Hau Han Rjoad and cleaned and {repaired the

upper portion of Blue Spur Road, also assisting with construction of concrete pipes at the County yard. Ivamen. Th power grader was used restoring the scoured surface of Whitcpmbe Valley Hoad from Hokitika -Flat Road to W. Ritchie’s residence.';. ; Southern Road extension. The contractors have completed the formation and metalling from peg 0 chains to 80< : chains. : The metalling has been completed to specification and is a fair job. ' ’ ‘ • ' La Fontaine Road extension. No work has been done during the month. Little Wanganui track. This work is not completed yet; short unfinished portions still remain to he completed according to specification ß * Graham Road—No work was done on this section during the month but will he completed during September. Three Milo Creek bridge.—Better progress has ben (maintained during ! the month, and .all the piles, caps and 1 i half caps are in position.,, With aver- • age weather conditions this work should I be finished in four weeks. I Docherty Creek Road protection.— i Messr s Gibb Bros, completed two totara log and stone groins, also one scrub and stone groin in a very satisfactory manner; also completing the dismani tling and renewal of a large culvert on Docherty Road. Maintenance.—Casual labour attendI ed to the repairs and removal °f slips from Totara Road, clearing wind blown trees from Happy Valley track, clearing blackberry from County cottage reserve, Matainui: . clearing gorse from , Whale Road and attending to renairs to Wataroa Flat Road. The resident I roadman attended to repairs to Inter

Wanganui Roads, constructing a pipe culvert and removing a tree froiiVPoerua Road. Unemployed labour attended to repairs to Waitahn Settlement Road, Three Mile track, clearing and metalling Okarito Road, erecting a new-hand-rail to replace a damaged one on a brido-e on Okarito Road, clearing and grubbing Okarito Domain, and improving the Domain at Waiho.

NOTICES OF MOTION. . The chairman moved that the accounts for the month of July, 1933, passed by the Finance Committee, totalling £2,700 2s lid, be now approved and the action confirmed. — Agreed to. The chairman moved that the account for the month of August, 1933, as examined and recommended by the Finance Committee, totalling £2143 15s 6-d, be now passed for payment.—Agreed to. The chairman moved that pursuant to the provisions set out in Regulation 4 of the Heavy Motor Vehicles Regulations, 1932, application be made to the Minister of Transport, to classify that portion of Scully road, Wataroa district, South Westland, from the junction with Wataroa Flat road to the junction with Brandt road, from Class IV to Class 111, permitting | maximum gross loads as follows: two-axled vehicle, 6J- tons; multiaxled vehicle 10 tons ; trailer. 4" torr, any objections to be lodged by 21st September, 1933.—Carried. Cr Keenan moved that urgent repairs be effected to Seddon’s Terrace road at a cost of £5.-Carried. Cr Keenan moved that repairs to cost £5 be carried out on ’ B ack Creek rofed.—Carried, ■*', Q r Keenan proved ' that - the Overseer be instructed to attend to the draining and repairing of Camelback road at a cost of £s—Carried.