WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 December 1940, Page 11

WESTLAND COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING. [OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, December 10. The monthly meeting of the Westland County Council was held today. Present: Crs. James DonoVan (chairman), W. A. Jamieson, W. Searle, G. Rowley, B. Ward, P. J. McLean, T. P. O’Neil, J. A. Murdoch, and A. Dale. Correspondence included: From Public Works Department, notifying grant available for Cron’s access road, £2OB, £2 for £1; stating Poerua River protection was at present in incomplete state: question of additional work under consideration; Mr Ferguson was being asked to carry out fencing with the posts supplied by the Department at Little Wanganui; explaining that although the first estimate for restoring Waitangi bridge was £1,900, the cost would be not less than £3,500, complete details of the proposals and estimates will be supplied later. From J. O’Brien, M.P., explaining that at the interview with Mr Semple, he was disposed to grant 30/- for £ 1 subsidy to restore the bridge. From Public Works Department, notifying Gillespie’s Beach Road had been dedicated, and was under the exclusive care, control and manageixient of the County, and suggesting road be classified to prevent excessive loading; from same to like effect, in regard to Ferguson Road; indicating that all plans for bridges include a note as to the loadings for which they are designed. From same, explaining the need for unifoimity in painting posts for the bettei aid of drivers; circular regarding biidges on back country roads, which should be up to the standard of the classification fixed. • From the Town Clerk, Ross, stating it was convenient for Total a and. Mikonui to join with the local Home Guard, but Waitaha was rather distant. „ . . „ From J. O’Brien, M.P., supplying information of position at present regarding the flooding of Lower Block Settlement, Waitangi. From E. T. Stoop thanking the Council for its generous consideration shown him owing to illness from his accident, and hoping to return to his duties shortly. The Chairman said they were pleased to know Mr Stoop had recovered so well. They would be still more pleased to know that he 'was well enough to return to his work in the New Year. From R. D. Foley in respect to storm damage to Toaroha Track. From H. Osmers, Harihan, reporting on position in respect to access to his property. From Mayor of Runanga, appealing for funds for the sufferers in the recent coal-mining accident.—Referred to Cr.'Murdoch and Clerk. , From Chief Surveyor, forwarding plans affecting closing of portion of unused road at Lake Kaniei i or scenery preservation; supplying plan of portion of Lake Arthur road extension, and pointing out where the constructed road encroached on leased land. It was for the Council to take action as thought, best. —deferred to the Clerk for attention. From Highways - Council, submitting plan and report on Waitangi bridge for restoration of traffic, estimated to cost £3712/10/-, asking special attention to the highways over the holiday period. From Warden’s Court, Hokitika, stating following requests for treatment of rents an non-recoverable, were submitted for the Council’s action: Estate Herbert E. Winter, Okanto £6/6/10; Stafford Gold Dredging 'Coy., £5B/16/5; Stafford Sluicing Ltd., £2/7/3; V. A. Cron, £l/13/B.— Agreed to. From South Island Travel Association, applying .for assistance in connection with issue of a revised guide book for the West Coast, and submitting particulars.—Referred to Clerk for attention. From Stuart and Chapman Ltd., Ross, explaining the position in respect to Kakapotahi river protection, making an offer in regard to supplying siding and supply of slabs. —The thanks of the Council to be conveyed for generous offer. From Gibb Bros., Waiho, applying for £ for £ subsidy up to £25 for urgent protection work on the south bank of Docherty Creek. —Referred to Overseer to inspect. From Health Inspector, notifying 42 inspections during the month. From Mr. Harris, Kokatahi, reporting probable serious damage to Kokatahi river bridge owing to flood. —The Council instructed the Overseer who went out at once to make an inspection. The Overseer reported before the meeting had concluded that he had inspected the bridge and there was no alteration in the condition of the Kokatahi bridge, which was in quite safe condition. The Overseer was instructed to report at next meeting on the cost of approaches and bridge over Duck Creek on Bladier road. In connection with road access required by Mr. A. Cropper, at Koiterangi the subject was referred to Crs. Jamieson, Dale, and O’Neil to interview the settler. The Finance- Committee reported that the accounts presented for the month of November had been examined and recommended that the amount as approved, totalling £3280 4/7, be passed for payment; - also that the County Clerk’s salary be increased by £5O per annum from November 1. MOTIONS APPROVED The Chairman moved: “That pursuant to the provision's of the Heavy Motor Vehicles Regulations, 1940, the Council proceed with the classification of the roads within the County under the control of the Council, in ■accordance with the list of classification before members; and that upon confirmation of the list, the necessary steps be taken to notify the public in terms of Regulation 2, section (2), sub-section (6), and that any obligations thereto be lodged in writing at the County Office, Hokitika, not later than January 11, 1941.’"’ Seconded by. Cr. Dale and carried. The Chairman moved: “That Edward T. Stoop be appointed Mining Valuer for the County of Westland for the year commencing January 1, 1941, at the usual remuneration.” Seconded by Cf. Dale and carried. The Chairman moved: “That the fees for registration under the Dogs Registration Act, 1908, and its amendments, be 10/- for all dogs other than those kept solely by. any shepherd, drover or farmer, which shall be 2/6 for each dog, not exceeding three dogs, and 2/6 for each dog kept solely for the purpose of destroy-

ing rabbits.” Seconded by Cr. O’Neil and carried. The Chairman moved: “That in view of the necessity for the reconstruction of the Lower Waitangi bridge to bring in a large extent of highly productive country, a public meeting be held at Wataroa of the residents of the district to consider a loan proposal to meet the Council’s contribution. —Seconded by Cr. McLean. (Note: Under the offer of Mr. Semple of 30/- for £l, the payments required would be: Government subsidy, £2263/10/-; Council’s contribution, £1509). After discussion it was resolved that a public meeting be held at Wataroa on December 18, to place a proposal before the ratepayers affected to raise a loan of £lOOO for the purpose, the County Fund to provide the balance required. The Chairman conveyed his good wishes for the coming festive season to members of the Council and the County staff, trusting all would have a- pleasant, happy Christmas, and that the coming year would prove a happy one.