KAIKOURA COUNTY COUNCIL

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21939, 13 November 1936, Page 3

KAIKOURA COUNTY COUNCIL

The monthly meeting of the Kaikoura County Council was held recently. Present: Mr F. J. Monk (chairman), Crs. E. H. Eccles, A. Howard, P. S. Humm, B. J. Mackle, and G. D. Smith. Mr E. P. Meachen, M.P., acknowledged the council’s letter about felling of bush at Ferniehurst, and said that he had suggested to the Minister that the bush be acquired for scenic purposes. The Hon. F. Langstone (Minister for Lands) said in a letter that the Government was not prepared at present to undertake the purchase of large estates for closer settlement. The manager of Ferniehurst said that some time ago there was no intention to mill the native bush (which was about 40 acres), but owing to the homestead been destroyed by fire a few months ago there was now a possibility of cutting about 250,000 feet of timber for homestead purposes. No doubt the department would consider, if the owners were agreeable, having the area declared a private scenic reserve under the Scenery Preservation Amendment Act, 1933, and arrangements were being- made for the Commissioner of Crown Lands to take up the matter with the land owners. , No action was taken.

Mr J. McDonald (Grovetown) applied for permission to lease a portion of the foreshore at Aniseed creek for the erection of, a store. The application was granted. The Hon. R. Semple (Minister for Public Works) replied to the council about the deputation from the council which waited upon him in Wellington about increasing the grant for the subsidy for the Puke Puke bridge, and has increased the Government subsidy from £2 for £l, to £3 for £l. Re'erring to the Government granting a loan for the council’s part of the cost, it was not possible for the Public Works Department to advance the money. In view of the fact that the council was saving £420 a year on the new arrangements under the highways, it should be possible almost to save the amount in a little more than two years without raising a loan. The chairman said the estimated cost was nearly £4OOO for a one-span bridge. It was agreed to accent the offer. Advice was received that the Highways Board woulji be visiting the district on December 2. Councillors decided to meet the members and discuss matters of interest to the district. Cr. Eccles mentioned the harnessing of the Clarence river for generating electricity. The chairman said that the Government was considering taking the whole electric power system over. It was resolved that a letter be sent to the Minister. Discusing the extension of the electric supply on Beach road, it was reported that the cost would be about £630. A loan would be required for the amount following the consent of the Peninsula riding ratepayers, and the ratepayers in the new area to the extension. It was decided to make a survey of the Kowhai site as being most suitable for aa aerodroma.