WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 February 1937, Page 9

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING. [OUE OWN COBBESPONDENT.J HOKITIKA, February 17. The Westland County Council met yesterday: Present: Crs. J. J. McKay (Chairman), W. Jamieson, J. A. Murdoch, N. Brown, R. Chesterman, J. Donovan, A. Dale. An apology for absence was received from Cr. B. Ward. Cr. McKay referred to the death ot Cr. W. Jeffries, and moved a motion of condolence with Mrs Jeffries and relations, and putting on record the long and faithful service of the late Mr Jeffries- to the community.—This was carried, members standing. With regard to the. weekly halfholiday it was found that owing to a mistake, it had been decided on Wednesday instead of Saturday, as was intended. This was rectified. Mr Guthrey, manager of J. C. Mal|froy and Co., was introduced by Cr. Murdoch, who also reported on the ! river erosion and protection work at Malfroy’s bridge, on the Arahura River. Mr Guthrey said the position was ! caused by an eddy, caused by a groin constructed on the north bank. He suggested a truss span be built on the bridge to assist the piles. He also made suggestions- for temporary work.

’ It was. decided that the temporary iwork be proceeded with, Malfroy’s to supply the timber.* The permanent work to be held over until after the conference. It was decided to get in touch with Mr J. O’Brien, and ask him to inspect the works at his earliest convenience. * Concerning hawkers’ license fees, it was considered the number of itinerant traders was becoming serious. It was decided that a favourable reply be sent the Progress. League saying the Council would be prepared to prosecuite offenders. They would not increase the fee to £5 just yet, but would attempt to enforce the existing by-law.. It was decided to warn farmers against the depositing of noxious weeds, particularly ragwort, on the public roads. G. P. Rea wrote asking for road improvement and clearing at Totara. — Engineer to report. T. Cron, Hari Hari, wrote asking for repairs to access to his property.— Decided that Engineer confer with P.W.D. Engineer and report. Mr G. A. Perry, Mayor of Hokitika, and Mr P. Renton, Aero Club, waited on the Council with regard to the removal of trees on the property of A. Krokowsky, at south side, which were obstructions to the Southside Aerodrome. Mr Krokowsky claimed £5O compensation. It was decided that an inspection be made by'Air Perry, Mr Renton and Mr Murdoch. With regard to the payment of wages to Council employees, it was decided to comply with the award and pay fortnightly. . ' The Chairman and Cr. Jamieson were authorised to sign an agreement with Turiwhate Sawmill Company.

It was decided to grant £l5 each to T. Casey, Okarito, for the building of two ferry boats. Public Works Department notified road proclamation in respect to Deep Creek culvert; also stating that contribution in respect to Kumaru tar sealing would not now be required. Submitting for approval plans in regard to level crossings at Aickens and Kelly’s . Creek, Christchurch Road. Also submitting the engineer's report on Turnbull river erosion, estimated cost £9OO to £1,200, and suggesting the position be watched and attended to by small deviations and the planting of willows, meanwhile. Medical Officer of Health wrote supplying particulars of the licensing of camping grounds for an inspection fee of 10/- payable for each license, the licensee to provide sanitary requirements and water supply.—Referred to Southern members.

The Unemployment Board, Public Works Department and JC.D.V. Boxes Ltd. wrote agreeing to the Council taking over the La Fontaine road contract on the terms of subsidy. A. Cederman, Hokitika, wrote accepting £lO as subsidy towards track, Right Hand branch, Kanieri. Hatters Terrace Mining Coy., Ltd., applied for remission of rates and rent owing to liquidation.—Refused. T. Casey, Okarito, wrote agreeing to construct Five Mile Lagoon bridge, Okarito, for £ll5. Walter Scott, Karangarua, notification of application for slaughter house license. —Granted. The finance report showed: —Receipts for January £3.320/3/9; expenditure £2,812/4/4. Accounts amounting to £3,134/1/3 were passed for payment. Crs. Dale, Jamieson, and Chesterman deplored the state of the KanieriKokatahi road and asked that something be done immediately. Cr. Murdoch said his district had just as bad roads, but he was not complaining as he considered that with the weather and the plant, material and finance available, the Council had done its work in an efficient and creditable manner. He suggested the procuring of more up-to-date machinery to do the work, as he considered the present estimate of gravelling at 6/- per yard, as too high. Mr. McKay said they should do something definite that day. Mr. Jamieson said they should try putting crushed metal on the road. Cr. Brown thought 3/- a yard quite sufficient.

Cr. Jamieson asked for attention to Mehrten’s Road at Koiterangi, the drains being in bad condition; also at Little’s. Cr. Dale asked for attention to the drain at the back of Kanieri township.—Engineer to attend. The Chairman moved: “That pursuant to the provisions of the Counties Act, 1920, and in terms of the Noxious Weeds Act, 1928, the Westland County Council by special order declares Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) to be a noxious weed, within the County of Westland.” —Carried.

The Chairman- moved: "That the special order of the Westland County Council made on the l“th day of January, 11)37, in respect to a loan of £750 for the purpose of erecting protective works in the Camelback section of the Hokitika River, Koiterangi special rating district; and further in respect,to the striking of an annually recurring rate of one farthing in the £, capital value, for a period of six years, to provide interest and oilier charges for the liquidation of the said loan, be now confirmed at this duly constituted subsequent meeting called for that purpose."—Carried. The Chairman moved: “That the annual balance sheet and statement of accounts of the Westland County Council fund account for the year ended March 31. 1!>36. duly audited and

certified correct by the Controller and Auditor-General, as now before the Council, be received and settled.” — Carried. Cr. Donovan moved: “That the Tourist Department be asked to authorise the expenditure of about £2OO in improving access to the Trig or Look-Out point, Okarito; and that a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded to the Member for Westland, and his assistance invited to support the request.”—Carried. ‘ Cr. Murdoch moved: “That appreciating the shortness o/t' time precludes a visit from the Prime Minister at this juncture, the Council extends to the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. P.C., best for the success of his Home mission in the interests of the Dominion; and that on his return a cordial invitation bo offered the Right Hon. Gentleman to pay an extended visit to Westland.” —Carried. Cr. Jamieson moved: “That applications be invited fbr the position of County Road Foreman, returnable at the April meeting of the Council; wages £5 per week; the duties to include collection of certain revenues recommended by the Clerk.” Cr. Dale moved an amendment: “That a working roadman be appointed in the Kokatahi-Koiterangi district instead of a road foreman. ‘ The amendment lapsed for want of a seconder, and the motion was carried.