WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 May 1936, Page 3

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING

[OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

HOKITIKA, May 27

The Council met at 2 p.m. Present: Crs J. J. McKay (Chairman), B. Ward, N. Brown, J. Donovan, T. Chesterman, W. Jamieson, A. Dale, W. Jeffries, J. C. .Murdoch.

Mr Ward introduced a deputation consisting of Messrs Mills and Jellie, representing Ai’ahura settlers, with regard to river protection. Mr Jellie said that the Arahura River was threatening the whole He contended that as the .land was really in the name of the Native Trustee, the Government should grant a suitable sunt to ensure the safety of his own land. The money already spent was inadequate. The grant from the Native Affairs .‘Department was on condition natives were employed, but as only one or two were available this was not practicable. The Chairman said that Mr Evans (the County Clerk) was going to Wellington and would bring the matter before the Minister. —It was suggested that Mr Jellie should go as well as this would carry more weight on the urgency of the work. The following correspondence was dealt with: — From Commissioner of Crown Lunds supplying sketch of ferry reserve at Okarito and stating the road line was under the control of the Council.

From Labour Department, Employment Branch, regarding workmen engaged on : La .Fontaine contracts. It was decided to write .to the Commissioner, stating the Council had no alternative suggestion to make. From J. O’Brien, M.P., replying he was supporting t;he application for flood damage grant Kakapotahi bridge. a,nd protection; also enclosing a letter from Minister of Public Woi;ks indicating that the Dorothy Falls-Styx-Kokatahi road mainly served tourist traffic, and the application for a vote wojild be discussed when the Estimates .were being com-J piled. ■' MJO Considerable discussion took place concerning the condition of Dry Creek Road and the matter of Tlmpqrley and Rotokino Roads. —It was decided that the Chairman, Cr. Brown and the En-! gineer visit the locality at the earliest; possible moment.

From Bank of New Zealand concerning overdraft limit at amount applied for. i From Hokitika Borough Council agreeing to the Council undertaking the collection of heavy traffic vehicle, license fees from the Ist. June. From National Federation of General Labourers citing County Council in connection with' a national agreement relative to wages, hours of working and conditions, suggesting a weekly rate of £4/10/- of 40 hours, between 7.30 a.in. and 5 p.m. on five days, Monday to Friday, overtime on ordinary days at double rate, and on Saturday, Sunday and holidays at treble rate. From N.Z. Counties Association regarding same subject, stating the matter was being taken up on behalf of the Councils, and asking for particulars of local conditions in respect to the new proposal. supplied. From Hokitika Aero Club suggesting the management and control of Southside aerodrome be vested in the Club, and asking an agreement be

completed to that effect. —Mr Murdoch suggested that the matter be held over until the major work on the aerodrome was finished. Mr Jeffries said he doubted very much if the Council could legally delegate its powers to the Aero Club. It was decided'to defer consideration of the matter.

From Okarito School Committee asking that portion of an unused s treet in town of Okarito be granted the school for a required playing area. —No objection. ■From ,W. D. Nolan in respect to road grants for Okuru district, and complaining the Ministerial reply refusing grant for Turnbull road metalling did not suit local ideas for promoting back block settlement. From Inspector of Mines, agreeing to Roadman Williams preparing a specification for McDonald’s Creek track work, and stating Mr A. W. Turner had been appointed associateinspector, and matters in the district will receive earliest attention.

From Royal Exchange Agency, regarding accident claims and rates for premium.— It was decided that any such claims for insurance should be reported to the employers and through them to the County Office. From E. H. Shirley, contractor, enquiring ,his position in respect to rise in prices for material and pay, in regard to accepting tender for Stripiand’s Creek bridge—lt was decided to forward Mr Shirley the copy of a letter from the P.W.D. Engineer on this subject.

From J. Taylor, Kokatahi, appreciating the work done by unemployed on Dawson road drain, and hoping the drain clearing would be continued. From A. J. Searle, explaining jnatter of absence from duty at time of Engineer’s visit to Ha: ihari, and explaining overtime for Sunday work not charged—The explanation of Roadman Searle was considered unsatisfactory, and it was .decided to dispense with his services and to call applications for the position. From -W. D. Nolan, replying regarding Upper Okuru ferry, and the need for extra boats on Waiatoto and Arawata, towards which a subsidy was asked.

From County Engineer, reports on highways and district roads. Fi-om Public Works Department regarding deviation through land leased by Mr Jackson. —Authority was granted to sign agreement. From Mr Jackson, ferryman, Okarito, regarding supplies.—Granted. .From District Engineer regarding stock wandering on to the Southside Aerodrome.

Regarding the matter of royalties payable on timber carried over County roads it was decided to defer consideration until next meeting. Mr Chesterman asked for pipes for drainage at approach to Church at Ranieri. —Granted.

NOTICES OF MOTION. The Chairman moved: ‘‘That the accounts for the month of April as approved by the Financial Committee, amounting to £2067/3/8, be passed for payment.”—Passed. The Chairman moved: ‘‘That the accounts for the month of May (part) as revised and recommended for payment by the Finance Committee, totalling £1512/9/9 be passed for payment.” —Passed. The Chairman moved: “That any and all existing Committees of the Council be discharged and that the Committees be appointed as follows: (a) Finance Committee, Cr Ward

(Chairman), and all Councillors who can attend conveniently, three to form a quoroum.

(b) Public Works Committee. Cr Chesterman (Chairman), and Crs Dale, Brown. Murdoch and Donovan. (c) Mining Executive, Cr Murdoch (Chairman), Crs Jamieson, Chesterman and Dale.

id) Councillors to sign cheques etc., any two Councillors, with the Treasui er.—Passed.

The Chairman moved: “That Council meetings be continued as at present, every second month, with such special variation as may be considered expedient from time to time. The Chairman moved: “That pursuant io the provisions oi the Rating Act, and its amendments, public notice be given of the intention of the Council to make and levy on Tuesday, July 11. 1936, a general rate of five farthings in the £ on the capital value of the rateable property in the Northern, Central and Southern Ridings respectively of the County of Westland: such general rate to be for the period commenced on the Ist day of April 1936, and ending the 31st day of March, 1937, and to become payable in one instalment on the 31st dav of July, 1936.” —Passed. Cr Murdoch moved: “That the Government be urged to amend the Rating and Valuation of Land Acts to the following effect: (a) “That all occupied Crown lands, including lands being farmed by the Crown, be r<ite<ible tor all rates, and that the statutory provisions for the collection of rates in respect of lands owned or occupied by private persons be applicable to such Crown lands. (b) “That all rates on lands mortgaged to the Crown and any of its .Departments be collectable in the same manner and with the same statutoiy powers as rates levied on lands moi.tgaged to private persons. (ci “That the Government be asked to give full consideration to .the question of valuation qf lands held ,by soldier settlers with a view to benqfiting the lands to a value at whiqh it will be possible for the holders to meet the ordinary liability for rates due to local bodies.” —Passed. Cr Murdoch moved: “That representations be made through the Member for the District to approach the Hon. Minister of Railways regarding the earliest installation of a rail car service between G'reymouth, Hokitika and Ross passengers and parcels service, such as was under favourable consideration by the Railways Board.”—Passed. . the Cr Donovan moved. That tne Engineer be authorised to repair Gillespies’ Bluff tunnel track at a cost not exceeding £5. Passed.