VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL

Dunstan Times, Issue 2961, 31 March 1919, Page 5

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Vincent County Council held in the Council Chambers, Clyde on Wednesday last, was attended by Crs, S. T. Spain (Chair) J. Ritchie, D. Middleton, J. Kane, and G. Patterson. An apology for non attendance was received from Cr. Me Knight, i The minutes of the last ordinary meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence was read and dealt with as under:—

The director of the Town Planning Conference wrote intimating that the Conference had been postponed until iylh and 20th May. The Repatriation Office wrote asking that assistance be given in the way ol finding employment for returned soldiers. The Chairman reported in. connection with this matter that as re quested he had forwarded the names of a committee of six, and his recommendation had been confirmed. He also entimed that the Hon Mr Merries and the Organiser were visiting the district at an early date. There was to be a meeting that afternoon to appoint a secretary, etc. Cr Middleton thought that the Cromwell Borough should have been represented on the Committee In reply the chairman said that lie did not consider the question of boroughs or anything else. He filled in the names of those whom he considered best lilted for the position It was a question of finding employment for returned soldiers and he had done what he considered the best in the matter. Cr Middle ton said that he thought it remarkable that there should be only two representatives froiti the northern end and four from the southern. The chairman in explanation said that lie had picked what he consider'd the best six, hiespective of where they residid. Cr Middleton insisted that the Cromwell Borough had as much right to a fepresentative as Alexandra, and he asked if it were too late to get a representative from Cromwell The Chairman replied that there was a probability that the Board would approve of another appointment. Cr. Ritchie also expressed his opinion that the Upper Clutha district should have had another representative. He did not think it too late to have Cromwell represented He had had no complaint from Cromwell people, but outsiders were complaining that neither Clyde nor Cromwell were represented, Alexandra appearing to be unduly represented. The Chairman said that he was prepared to resign to allow Cromwell to be represented. Cr Ritchie said that the Council would not hear of the Chairman resigning. The position should be explained that the district was a large one and that further representation was necessary. He\m®ved that the name of Mr D Jolly be added to the Committee. Seconded by Cr. Middleton and carried. Messrs Me Gregor and Ramsay, solicitors, Dunedin, wrote asking for information re the Blackman’s Water Race district. In regard to this matter Cr. Ritchie said that there should be 00 objection to these settlers getting their rights. The Council had done what they had been asked and the settlers had carried out their obligations. There was no reason why they should withhold any information that would give the settlers what they were asking for. It was agreed to comply with the repuest and to intimate that the Council had no objection to the settlers getting their rights providing legal proceedings were observed. A letter was read from the Dept, re peace celebrations, intimating that the Government were prepared to vote subsidies to local bodies, The luncheon adjournment was then taken. On resuming at 2. 15 p. m. Cr. Sheppard was also in attendance.

A letter was read from the Public Works Department re the Red Bank Fraser River, flood damage. Consideration was held over until Cr. Weave 1 was present. The inward Correspondence as tead was received and the outward approved. The ferry traffic returns for the month were laid on JJllio table. The County engineers icpuit, as under, was read :

Ha wea Riding —The roadman at Mukarora reports that the greater portion of the 0000 damage I has been repaired with the exception of the deviation at Blue Blip. This latter piacc has been inspected by the District Engineer, P.W.D., and vte have decided that the road can be restored by placing rocks bom the adjacent cliffs along the fedge of the river, 1 would recommend that a special vote of £IOO be asked for for this work. Lethbridge’s road has been jrepaired, but some protective work will have to be done in Waiwera Creek to prevent a iccurrence of ihe trouble. If the matter were le: t to the member for the riding and the county engineer to confer with the owner of the land some {scheme may be developed lo cope with the trouble. Owing to the difficulty with which the piles at the new bridge at Morrcn IH|lh were driven 1 bad to spend practically all last week at the bridge and was thus unable to complete the surveys for tbe new Luggate to Hawes road. Woik at the bridge is uow proceeding satisfactorily. Glutha Hiding—The approaches (o the Maungawera punt are now being repaired. The roadman has been carrying out general maintenance work during the past mouth A considerable amount of giavel was washed oil - tbe main road near tjueens berry and will have to be ieplnced before winter. The Minister of Public Works has authorised an expenditure of £450 for maintenance work on the main Cromwell to Pembroke road. This vet" is in addition to those already granted for new works on this road. Proposals for the expenditure of this £'4so have to be submitted for approval before the work is commenced. Hindis Biding—The worst places on the Cromwell Hindis Crossing road have beep repaired, but some work still remains. The ford at Hindis Crossing has been improved and is now satisfactory, Now planks have been put|iu the Cromwell bridge to replace tbe worn jarrah, borne work is still 00 tb» Eepdigo road, but this

can bo done by llio roadman. Garrick Riding —The roadman at Nevis reports thatftlie roads arc now repaired and bridges replaced. The roads at Bonnoekburn have been partly repaired, but a considerable amount ol work has yet to be done on several of the bye roads. Application will be made to the Mines Department for a vote of £'2oo lot the Nevis Valley roads, Dunstan Riding.— Most of the flood damage in this riding has been repaired, but a considerable amount of work has still to be done to put the roads in proper order. Annan’s road and Wuikeri Valley road wiil be attended to when men aro available. Govan’a Ford Ims been made fit for tiatlic The chairman and engineer inspected the Spriugvale track and would recommend that a small sum be spent in repairing it. Matakanui Riding—Work on the mam Matakanm road has been completed Spoil's' Creek bridge ha* not yet been attended to and 1 would like instjuetions regarding this work. Some work is also required to the Lauder Greek bridge on tire main road. I have arranged with the Maniototo County Engineer to earry out the work if we supply the necessary timber. The ends of the bottom cords on this bridge are showing signs of decay and it will be necessary to put in temporary supports to carry the truss. It will not be long before the entire bridge will have to be replaced. It will be necessary to secure a roadmau for this riding. Manuherikia Riding —The Poolhurn crossing near the school will have to be repaired immediately. In its present condition it is almost impassable for heavy loads. Two new sets of piles aso required for the motor bridge at the same crossing, but they cauuot be put in until the creek goes down to a low level The estimated cost of the stock bridge asked for at last meeting is £25 (Moa Creek). Homo work is still required in this riding to make good the flood damage. A roadmania required for this riding. Earuscicugli Riding Practically nil wash outs ami duo in this ndiag have been repaired and all tho main roads arc in good order. For repairs to the Fraser River bridge I would recommend that a back lining of cyclone netting and lock be put in. The piles on Ibis bridge arc perfectly Bound and the proposed back lining will bo cheaper than concrete and almost as eflective. To cope with such a flood as the last one the bridge should be lengthened, The question of the flood damage throughout the county has been fully gone into and attached Is a statement showing the different items and the estimated cost of repairs for each riding, 'iotal £I3OO. It would be advisable to make application to the Government for a vote to cover at least portion of this cost.

Dealing with Enginecrc Report Cr Kane asked that some planking at the foot of the Hawea Bridge be put into position. Cr. Patterson asked that the Government grant be spent on the portion at Kid’s Gully and Marklands. The Ml. Barker road for which there was a grant of Jlioo might also be done. The engineer said that there was a sum of £450 Government grants available for these roads. At Cr. Patterson’s request it was decided to call tenders for these works. Cr Middleton referred to the bad state of the Firewood Creek Bridge. It was really not safe, and he asked what position the Council were In If an accident occurred. Cr Middleton also mentioned the question of the width of tyres and he asked that the bye-law relating lo same be enforced

Some discussion look place re damage done to roads by races flooding over, and the engineer was instructed to proceed against offenders. It was resolved to have notices put up on Firewood Creek and Cardrona Bridges restricting the weight of loads. Cr Ritchie said that one bridge at Nevis had not jet been replaced, and repuired attention. The roads in the Valley were now in fair condition. Cr. Sheppard said that nothing had been done in his riding for a considerable lime. The roads were not in a good state and the bridges badly wanted attention. Nothing had been done to repair flood damage. Now that the gangs had been abandoned he would require a roadman for his riding. He asked that lenders be called for the Government grant Omakau to Matakanui road. The bridge at Donnelly’s was in a dangerous slate and must be repaired at once. At Cr. Sheppard’s request the engineer was instructed lo put the Spotus Creek Bridge in re pair at once, and also to attend to the bridge at Donnellys. Cr Me Knight wrote asking on behalf of Mr Jas, Wilson, Pool burn that wings be put up on the stock bridge in the vicinity of Auripo. If the Council provided t lie netting Mr Wilson would do the work, This was agreed to On the motion ofCr. Ritchie it was decided to ask the Government for a straight out grant for flood damage. Seconded by Sr Patterson and carried The Chairman explained that he and the engineer had authorised Gov an to put in protective works at the crossing over the Manuhciikia, This action was approved.

Gr. Weaver here took his seat at the Council table.

The Treasurer’s statement showing (he overdraft at the Bank lo he was read and approved. The debit balance at the present time was 5A million was turned (bat 10 per cent be charged in overdue rales on and after April 30th. The Inspector of nuisances for the town of Clyde reported l hat the place was in a satisfactory condition. The water supply was good. Thp Council, then went into Cp!Jt(ii}tlpp l(jeif report on resuming being— Resolved that tbe schedule of accounts amounting to £617 13s fid be passed for payment,- % The Council then rose.