MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 April 1934, Page 12

MEETINGS

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL [OTTP. OWN COBRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, April IS. The bi-monthly meeting of the Westland County Council was held yesterday; present: Crs W. Jeffries (Chairman), W. Searle, B. Ward, J. J. McKay, J. Donovan, J. A. Murdoch, M. Keenan and T. R. Chesterman.

Mr. Ashley, the newly-appointed engineer, was welcomed by the Chairman, and introduced to the Councillors.

The Treasury, notifying accrued revenue to the credit of the County Fund Account.

The Public Works Department forwarded copy of proclamation proclaiming land as a road in Block 1, Toaroha Survey District. The Public Works Department acknowledged a letter covering petition from 27 settlers in Koiterangi district regarding Station Road, advising same has been noted for consideration in 1934-35 estimates.

The No. 12 District Highways Council advised that there will not be time for the Highways Board to hold interviews at Hokitika in the evening, or visit Kanieri-Koiterangi Highway, but that a visit will be paid to Dorothy Falls road. Cr. Murdoch, Chairman and Cr. Evans were appointed to add anything which is necessary. The Westland Branch Canterbury Automobile Association wrote with regard to formatoin of a Scenic Board for Lake Kanieri, forwarding copy of letter from Lands and Survey Department on subject, asking for Council’s support and nomination of a representative of Council. The Chairman enumerated the duties of the proposed Board. It was agreed by Cr. Murdoch, that it was worthy of consent. He moved that the Council adopt the agreement, and that the Chairman be delegate, being seconded by Cr. Ward, and carriedThe Kokatahi Dairy Company wrote drawing Council’s attention to the large number of wandering stock on the roads.

Cr. Keenan suggested that the Dairy Factory Company help by forwarding names of owners to Constable Drujnmond. The Chairman said that the Council had spent much money on a pound and the number of cattle pounded by the roadman was nil. Cr. Ward said he thought it unreasonable to ask the roadmen to pound cattle, and suggested that an official note be sent warning the owners.

Cr. Searle referred to the cattle nuisance down south, and suggested that the roadman report owners to the Council, and have Court proceedings taken. Cr. Jamieson suggested a night drive, and alleged that the owners deliberately turn cattle out onto the road. They were a nuisance to cattle drivers.

The Chairman suggested that a couple of competent men be employed to drive the cattle. Cr. Searle moved' that the roadman again be written to, asking him to forward names. Seconded by Cr. Ward, and carried. J. Fleming and others wrote respecting turning of Kokatahi river, drawing Council’s attention to the encroachment of same on properties, asking that Council guard against river being turned on to properties again.

A. S. Havill, Koiterangi, wrote regarding river erosion, advising that he was unable to offer any assistance. A. Nolan wrote on the same subject advising that after conferring with Messrs. Houliston and Havill and inspecting erosion, he did not consider there was any immediate danger, but if the Council decided to do anything he would assist by giving labour. ~W. G. Havill advised that if the stream is deepened and widened to ease the flooding of Murray Creek, he would volunteer one week’s labour. Cr. Ward said that to do nothing would be a mistake . He moved that the Engineer report on deviating the stream. Seconded by Cr. Donovan, and supported by Cr. Jamieson, who said that Havill’s letter contained a very good suggestion, and the work should be done immediately. This would save much in the future.

Cr. Murdoch disagreed with the speakers. It was too big a thing for the Council. He therefore moved that, having seen the property and having received replies from the settlers, and that until the settlers come in and assist, the Council have nothing to do with it. Seconded by Cr. Keenan, supported by Cr. Searle, and endorsed by Chairman, who said that one item involved £1,300, which was too much for the Council to spend on protecting freehold properties. If the Council once started tinkering with the river, it was likely to cause much trouble. Property owners should help considerably with the cost of the work. Cr. Ward said that some farmers could not give money, but were willing to give labour. He suggested to carry on a small part of the scheme, which would cost £lOO, after the engineer had reported. Cr. Murdoch said that the best way was for the Council to take a firm stand.

Cr. McKay said that would be sufficient.

The amendment was carried by five votes to four.

A. J. Little, Koiterangi, wrote regarding road applied for by A. J. Cropper, advising if same is formed it will throw water over to house and property; offering to allow' Mr. Cropper to cart necessaries through paddock.

From Stuart and Chapman, Ross, reporting on inspection made of tramway bridge over Grant’s Creek near old Mikonui mill site.

Cr. Jamieson moved that, with data provided, the engineer prepare estimates for the work; seconded by Cr. Donovan and carried.

From T. Nolan, Matainui, offering Council 30/- for timber on footbridges at Matainui. —Resolved, on the motion of the Chairman, that the timber be sold.

From Park and Murdoch, forwarding copy of application on behalf of L. Tomasi for prospecting license, asking for consent of same. —Consent granted'. From Overseer Millner, reporting on lorry owned by John Thomas, of Nelson, obstructing traffic on main road. —Moved by the Chairman that action taken by Cr. Murdoch in the matter be approved.—Carried. From same, reporting on progress of work on Secondary Highways for March period. From Mark Wallace, chairman -Toaroha Springs Improvement Committee, applying for a grant of £2O to further improve access to the Springs and for material for a bridge over Wren creek. The labour to erect the!

latter would be voluntary.—Adjourned for discussion later. From Noah Harris, Koiterangi, asking that the netting of Kokatahi bridge be proceeded with as promised, for the safety of young children crossing the bridge to school. —The foreman said that the bridge had been under repair but the work would now be dealt with. The Chairman’s report, dealing with the year’s work, was adopted. The Chairman moved: “That the accounts for March, 1934, as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, amounting to £2519/5/9, be passed for payment. Carried* The Chairman moved: “That the Council borrow by way of overdraft from the Bank of New Zealand a sum not exceeding £3,500, such overdraft to be secured by revenues outstanding and uncollected as at March 31, 1935. —Carried. The Chairman moved: “That the annual report of the Treasurer on the past year’s finance, and the proposed allocation of estimated revenue and expenditure for the current financial year be now received.—Carried. Cr. Jamieson moved that the rebate as in previous year be continued; seconded by Cr. Ward and carried. Cr. Chesterman moved that a vote of £l9 be authorised for urgent improvements to Toaroha Springs track, Kokatahi.—Carried.

Cr. Chesterman moved that the Tourist Department be asked to provide a vote of £lOO for constructing track access to Toaroha Springs and vicinity, and be asked to feature the locality as a tourist resort. —Carried.

Cr. Donovan moved that application be made for a grant of £5O, £ for £, to improve Three Mile Track, Okarito, in accordance with the report of Overseer Millner. —Carried.

Cr. Donovan moved that representations be made to the Minister of Justice asking that the regular sittings of the Magistrate’s and Warden’s Courts be continued at Matainui, in the interests of southern residents, who would be much inconvenienced by the closing of the courts, and who would be put to extra expense attending sittings at Hokitika, in lieu of the Matainui location—Carried.

Cr. Donovan moved that the Member for Westland be asked to support the foregoing request, and it be explained the residents are formulating a petition in further support of the request.—Carried'.

The Chairman moved that William F. Ashley, County Engineer, be appointed an examiner under the Motor Vehicles Act for the issue of motor drivers’ licenses, and an inspector under the regulations, as to the use of heavy motor vehicles.—Carried.

Cr. Jamieson said the erosion of Hokitika River, opposite Doctors Creek was serious, and likely to come dowm Banar’s Road, and run right through the centre of the settlement. The position was getting worse every flood. The settlers w'ould have to do it themselves if no help was received from the Council.

Mr. Ashley said the cost would be £3B/10/-, apart from relief labour and assistance from settlers. The Chairman suggested that the settlers go ahead’ immediately, with the Engineer’s help, and relief labour, and when finished, the Cou/icil would give consideration—Approved. Cr. Chesterman with regard to the erosion of Hokitika River, at Ranieri, suggested that unemployed labour be engaged. Seconded by Cr. Keenan, and carried. Cr. McKay moved that the Engineer make a report on the erosion of the Big Wanganui River.—Seconded by Cr. Searle.

Cr. Keenan moved that £5 be granted to improving the Woodstock Domain. Seconded by Cr. Chesterman, and carried. Cr. Jamieson referred to the clearing of drains in the Koiterangi district, blocked drains taking surface of roads. —To be carried out as promised.

Cr. Searle made the suggestion to put before the Highways Board of tar-sealing by bitumen some of the roads in the district. The Chairman said there were bad roads between Hokitika and Arahura and Hokitika and-Ranieri. He proposed that the road from Arahura Bridge through the Borough of Hoki«

tika to Ranieri Bridge be tar-sealed or laid down with bitumous pavement. The cost annually now is £llOO to £l2OO.

Cr. Ward supported the Chairman’s proposal. Cr. Jamieson congratulated the Chairman and said it was a move in the right direction. He wished success to the enterprise. Cr. Chesterman said he was greatly in favour of the work. Cr. Murdoch moved that a committee consisting of Crs Chesterman, Jamieson, and the Chairman approach the Borough Council on the matter, >—Seconded by Cr. McKay and carried.