COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1933, Page 4

COUNTY COUNCIL

INSPECTION VISIT,

IN SOUTH WESTLAND

On Tuesday last Mr J,. A. Murdoch, County Chairman, with Mr Evans, County Clerk, paid a visit to South Westland. At Harihari, Councillors J. J. McKay and W. Searle joined the party and a visit was njade to La Fontaine Swamp where a considerable amount of Government money has already been spent in drainage, -and mad making. The- extension of La For-, taine Road for a further section is q under way and >?.n early effort is now to be made with the assistance of the Unemployment Board to have a camp established in La Fpntaine district to have the road further, extended when it is anticipated that quite a number. 1 of settlers could be, placed on the land. The Councillors were very favourably impressed and intend to do all nossiblo to push matters ahead.

The matter of a dispute concerning encroachments by settlers on La Fontaine Road Reserve was sett’ed to the satisfaction of the settlers and the Council. ,

A visit was then made to the Poerua district and various matters were arra.need concerning road to properties of M. Connolly and T. Ferguson.

PTeavy floods have had their effect in this district and the Council have been called on a cotisid* sidable amount of flood damage. ■ A visit was made) also to Okarito, S nd with Cr. Donowan the matter of river encroachment on the Cemetery reserve was inspected. The Chairman after seeing the actual danger gave * instructions to he carried out in event-*-of further encroachment. On rp-'i“! turning to town the Chairman realising how urgent the matter was wired to the Prime Minister as follows: — “Thanks for telegram re" Okarito Cemeterv hut reerret inability . to assist. Was at Okdri to yesterday arid saw danger for myself. .Riyer sea has eroded one corner of cemetery fa,nee. Eight or nine graves in imminent danger if this’ erosion continues' fc r another tide. Fortunately during yesterday’s- tide the river' worked eway from danger noiut a litle. Position ,hffi,ng watclieH by resident county councillor whom instructed to diograves in safe part of area and will report daily and act ,in any emergency and susrgeqt that protection : works proposed by Souter. Sou+h Westland Estates he proceeded with without delay to effect a cure. Residents greatly ooncefned hope for nvomn.'t action by Government. J. A. Murdoch, County Chairman.

A renly has now been rpc°iyed‘ from the Minister of Marine as follows: “With reference to your telegram of yesterday’s date I find that South Westland - Estates have submitted tentative plans only kind thel-C . ate being investigated." th order tc) facilitate matters Department has instructed the engineer at Grevmouth to meet Scmtev on spot within next few days and discus* details fully hut even with this it will probably he some weeks before commencement could he made with work. John G. Cobbe, Minister o f Marine. ' ' . . )

The Chairman states that the matter receiving the careful attention of the Council which i,s doing everything possible to see that thq Cemetery, is protected.