WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2896, 16 January 1886, Page 2

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following is a continuation of report of the County Council meeting on Wednesday last:— PUBLIC WORKS. The County Engineer reported on public works as follows ; “ I have the honor to report this month as under, on the various works in my charge.— “ The track from Larrikins to Loopline road is now completed throughout, the last section (No. 3) was finished and passed last month. “ I have surveyed and prepared plans and specifications, last month, for the extension of Boundary Road, Kumara, and raising the old crate protective work, Goldsborough, but I have not been able yet to get surveys made of any of the other works authorised to be done.” PROSPECTING. The County Engineer’s report on prospecting parties was read and received, and is as follows : “ I have the honor to inform yon that there are now four parties out prospecting in the Arahura, Kanieri, and Totara Ridings, under the County Council regulations. “ Mycklander and party have commenced sinking a deep shaft about a quarter of a mile ahead of the Larrikins workings, in the direction of the Kapitea Creek. The shaft is down 34 feet, and slabbed throughout. The first 15 feet passed through is a surface gravel wash, the I’emainder is through a pug formation. This party expect to go down a considerable depth before they reach the wash. “Grey and party are sinking a shaft a little distance ahead of the old workings in the right hand branch of the Kanieri river. This shaft is down 70 feet. Colours of gold have been obtained in the sinking but nothing payable. This party intend driving the shaft should they not bottom on payable gold.

“ Duskey and party, prospecting near tbe H.O. line, Ross road, have been compelled to abandon their first shaft at a depth of 102 feet, owing to the quantity of water met with in it. They are now sinking another shaft about 300 yards in from the road, in the direction of the Hokitika river, and are down 36 feet. At this depth, colours of gold can be got in each dish washed. “Moran and party.—This party purpose dtiving a deep-level tnnnel in Cedar Creek, to prospect the reefs in this locality. I have visited the ground and fixed the starting point and line of tunnel, so as not to interfere with the ground held by any existing company.” ACCOUNTS. The Chairman moved, “That the accounts for December, 1885, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £2175 13s be now passed for payment.”—Carried. HEAD-RACE AT STAFFORD. Mr M'Whirter moved—“ That the report of the Public Works Committee (dated 13th Jannary, 1885) in re the cancellation of the rights to Rodda and Co.’s h ead-race at Stafford, be now adopted, this Council agreeing with the recommendations therein made.” He thought the arrangements were satisfactory. Mr Dungan seconded. Carried. HIGH SCHOOL REPRESENTATION. The Chairman moved—“ That Mr M'Whirter be re-elected to represent this Council on the Hokitika High School Board.” It did not require much for him to say he felt sure all would support it. Mr Jack seconded. He felt it was due that something should lie said concerning the business of the Board. Ho

notification whatever had been made by the Board. It was most unsatisfactory. Motion carried, Mr M'Wlurter thanked the Council • he said he and his colleague. Mr Rae, had done whnt they could, but there was an obstructive feeling, and two men could' not do anything. If an alteration was not made soon, they would not find him on the Board. IMPROVEMENTS. Mr Dungan moved Larrikin’s track, near Government race, be extended six or eight chains is distrtnce, cost not to ©xcocd *£B,” Tt was i work urgently needed—Seconded by Mr M'Golclrick.—Carried. Mr Seddon moved—" That plans and specifications be prepared and tenders invited for widening the track from Nicholson’s tramway to Hamilton’s house, Mignonette Flat, into a ten-foot dray road. That the County Chairman and the mover he authorised to arrange with Cullen and party, Harris and party, and the Long Tunnel Gold Mining Company for the said road going through their respective claims, and to sign the necessary agreement that the road shall not interfere with the working of the said claims, & c .” The work was a much needed one, and would be of great value to the miners. Mr Dungan seconded—Mr M'Goldrick had no objection, provided no risk was incurred.—Motion carried.

Mr Seddon moved —“ That Mr Kerr prepare specifications for the drainage and improvement to streets, &c., at Dill man’s Town. Cost not to exceed £100,” It was desirable to have the streets of this township put in order; it looked in a neglected condition. Mr Jack supported,—Carried. Mr Seddon moved—“ That Mr Kerr he instructed to fence or cover in the drain running along the Greenstone road, near Duffer’s creek. Also, to have the titree scrub cleared off the sides of the road from Sandy’s hill to the Loopline road. Cost not to exceed £50.” This was very necessary, and of advantage to the Council, as by cutting the scrub the mad could be more easily kept in repair.—Mr Dungan seconded.—The Chairman thought the ti tree scrub was an ornament, and no detriment.—Motion carried. ACCLIMATISATION OF FISH.

Mr Seddon moved “ That the various Acclimatisation Societies be communicated with, with a view of procuring salmon, trout, perch and other fish, for stocking the rivers and streams in the County. Cost not to exceed £500.” He thought it necessary to provide for the future by stocking the rivers with fish. It would be of immense benefit hereafter.

Mr Jack seconded. He recognised the value of the fish industry, but would sooner see the steams discoloured through mining operations, as the Araliura now is. The sum asked for would not he sufficient.

Mr M'Goldrick supported. He would like to see the fish left in the lakes. Mr M'Whirter thought there was something wrong in the way the fish had been disposed of in the past. He would like to see where the fault, was before a large expense was gone into. The motion was carried. The Council adjourned at 6 p.rn.