COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1933, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL

WESTLAND FINANCE COMMITTEE

UNEMPLOYED WORKERS’ HOURS

The Finance Committee met at 7.35 p.m. Present: Messrs J. A. Murdoch (County Chairman), W. Jeffries and Al. Keenan. Apologies weue received from Crs. Searle and Jaime,mil. The accounts for the month of January totariLig £1583 15,-j lOd were presented, examined and passed for payment.

J\l«ssi(i S. 0- V. Holley and F. Howard waited on the Committee and complained in respect to a notice from tiro Clerk regarding working short hours on the 6«. h. inst. They stated they had knocked off early for lunch and made up the time by redlining early. The Clerk explained lie was notified shortly after noon that the men had left off work, and notice had been sent them by letter that the full eight hours must be worked daily and unless an assurance was nueivpl that thin Would be done their names would be removed from No. 5 list. Both Messrs Holley and Howard made further statements to the Committee,, In answer 'to a question by the Chairman it was stated that all the men had knocked off e rly at the time complained of which was owing <o a mistake with the time, and they thought they should not have been picked out, It was stated the only names reported were those of the present complainants'. In answer to further questions it was admitted that all the men had knocked off before .five o’clock.

The Chairman said the meeting would hear further evidence on the matter, and. the complainants withdrew. Later, it was decided to confer with the Mayor in respect to the work on the aerodrome where County and Borough men were employed, and the two bodies to co-operate ms to action in lespect to the workmen not putting in full time daily.

INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From District Engineer, notifying grant of £lso' £ for £ for the restoration of Malfroy’/s bridge.—Received •with thanks, a reply to be sent regarding the piles to He supplied. From same, regarding Waitaha Settlement protection suggesting the Public Works contribute £45 and the settlers and the County £45, each towards the cost of the work.—Received.

From Geo. Linklater, Wajtaha, regretting ' the settlers were unable to make any contribution to the. work. —Received. It was resolved to notify the settlers that if their contribution could pot be p-roviclecl,the Council would not contribute. . From 0. Cook, Ivaihinu, asking folan extension of 'Callaghans road for a. distance of 7 or 8 chains for transport of mn ter ini to Lawson's Flat claim,—Received, the Overseer to report ag to cost. 1 From Dr. Telford, health Officer writing regarding plan of Okarito cemetery and removal of bodies, the cost of which would have to be borne by the Council and Trustees.—Received. A reply to be sent that the charge was a legitimate one against the Government. From Marine Department, enquiring if it was l desired to have the management of Okarito wharf vested in the CbuinciS. —{Received. It was resolved to defer consideration pending possible developments at the port of Okarito. From A. L. S'. Robertson, contractor, for Petersen road, enquiring regarding removal of gravel from roadside {and 'other matters. —Received. Matter to be left in the hands of Inspector Cooper and Overseer Millner to see' that the terms of the specifications were carried out. From W. Morris, Kokatahi, asking for over the fence assistance with unemployed labour. —Received and granted a,s labour available, Mr T. Casey, detailing work on Wataroa foot bridge and asking consideration of an extra.—Received, £2 was approved in respect to extra work authorised. From Overseer ‘Millner, reporting flood damage on Poerua road—Received and work had been authorised, j From same, recommending an expenditure of £5 on Whitcombe track to remove slip.—Received and approved. From same, reporting benefit of ' recent improved drainage at Detour road.—Received. From C. J. P. Sellers, notifying application by Messrs Mclntofcli and McQudlkin for prospecting license at Blue Spur.—Received and approved on usual condition,?'. From A. R.. Elcock, notifying application by An this and party for water race, Totara district,. —Received and approved on usual conditions. From Marine Deportment and Westland Shipping O'oy. regarding salary for the harbour master at Okuru.— uoccivod, explanation to be made to the Department. j

GENERAL. It was resolved (to take action with regard to arrears owing on ferry reserve..- 10-.c-nfl i., v the* Corneal. It was decided to write to the Rail-

ways Department in regard to the centre spans of the Hokitika, railway bridge which had been endangered by the late flood. The Chairman was empowered to arrange with the Overseer regarding leave of absence. Three weeks’ leave was granted Miss Ross of the office staff. It was decided to write to the Certify - ing Officer regarding unemployecTrcVistored in the County. The meeting rose at 9.20 p.m.