GREY COUNTY COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1928, Page 2

GREY COUNTY COUNCIL

ORDINARY MEETING. The ordinary meeting of the Grey County Council was held this morning. Present: Crs A. Robinson (Chairman), H. G. Carter, W. Ogilvie, G. Blair, A. Donnellan, J. Ryall. Apologies for absence were received Iroin Cis J. W. Hannan and D. Baybutt. The Treasury advised having made the following payments to the credit of the Grey County Fund Account: — Forest Revenue £284/13/-; Public Works-Nets £221; Haupiri JunctionHaupiri £175; Public Works £541. Total £1221/13/-. The Main Highway Board forwarded authority for the following works: Spring Creek Crossing £274; GreyPunakaiki on a/c. £5OO From Public Works Department: —Crooked River £400; Haupiri Junc-Haupiri £900; Arnold Creek Bridge £155. The Minister of Public Works wrote stating that the authority for the Haupiri Junction to Haupiri road was being issued. The Chairman of No. 12 Highways Council forwarded an extract regarding an increase in subsidies payable to local authorities under the Main Highway Act. Cr Carter Remarked that the new regulations gave more discretionary power to Local Bodies than previously.

The County Engineer stated that the HBoard could increase grants if good cause was shown therefor. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote regarding a road survey between Te Kinga and Rotomanu and asking the Council’s views on the matter. —Referred to the Engineer for reply. The Bellvue Co-operative Coal Coy. wrote asking for a rebate on the rates on their property at Nine-Mile.

On the motion of Cr Ryall, and seconded by Cr Ogilvie, it was decided to refer the letter to the Finance Committee, the County Clerk in the meantime to get out a return of the royalties being paid by the co-operative parties as well as a. list of the rates paid. P. Dwyer wrote asking for a revaluation of his land at Teremakau, the farm having been practically destroyed by river erosion. Cr Ryall said the application disclosed a case of hardship. He moved that the. letter be forwarded to the Valuer-General. —Seconded by Cr Robinson and carried.

The Greymouth Patriotic Association forwarded a cheque for £l5 towards relief work for unemployed sol diers., to be utilised as a subsidy on the amount spent by the County on work carried out by ex-soldiers.

E. W. Riddiford applied for the right to occupy part of the road reserve at Camptown. It was resolved to reply that the County offered no objection. Messrs Baty Bros, were granted leave to carry a water pipe across the County road at Coal Creek to their property. A letter was received from R. McDonald regarding the Blackball Cemetery.—Moved by Cr Ryall and seconded by Cr Robinson that the letter

be considered at the next meeting of the Council.—Carried.

Cr Carter asked if any survey had been made for the purpose of giving

access to Kileen Island. The County Engineer stated that there were other urgent works that had precedence to that enquired about, and it would have to come in its turn. The Medical Officer of Health forwarded a copy of by-laws that have been adopted by several South Island Counties and suggesting that the

West Coast Counties might adopt them also.

Cr Ryall moved, and Cr Robinson seconded, t-hat the letter be referred to a committee consisting of Crs Ogilvie, Hannan, Carter, Ryall and the Engineer and County Clerk for a report to next meeting.—Carried. Tile Engineer-in-Chief advised that it was proposed to hold a conference early in the New Year to consider the Motor Lorry regulations, and asking the Council to supply certain information.

’the letter was referred to the County Clerk for reply. The following transfers were approved: D. Armstrong to Lake Brunner Sawmilling Coy.; M. Blewman to P. Thompson; E. A. Fagerlund to R. H. Mosley; J. and C. Taylor to J. and A. Priest.

The Secretary, Mines Department, wrote regarding assistance towards the development of mining in New Zealand. The letter was referred to the Engineer and County Clerk to supply the information. The Grey Electric Power Board forwarded for execution by the Council agreement for the supply of electricity for street lighting purposes at Blackball. The agreement was drawn up for a period of fifteen years. The County Engineer pointed out that the County wished the term to be for five years.

The agreement was referred to 'he County Solicitor and Engineer for a report to next meeting, before it is signed on behalf of the Council. ft was decided to take steps to fill the seat on the Council, rendered vacant l)y the death of the late Cr. Irvine.

Tho clerk stated the legal aspect of the matter, which was that the election would have to take place on December 28. Tile roll would close at 5 p.m. to-day, the notice of the election would be advertised to-morrow, nominations would close on December 14. Polling booths would be open at Greyinouth, Roa, Atarau, Lee’s Ferry and Blackball. It was resolved that the name of Josephine Irvine be added to the valuation roll as representing the estate of the late J. P. Irvine. The Clerk stated that no ratepayer wliose rates were six months’ in arrears would be eligible to vote. There being no other business, the Chairman wished the Councillors and County staff a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, the Councillors, County Clerk, and Engineer reciprocating the Chairman’s good wishes. It was decided to hold next meeting on January 10.