COUNTY COUNCIL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1940, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCIL

MONTHLY MEETING, TUESDAY, JULY 9th, 1910.' The Westland County Council met ai 2 p.in. , Present—Crs. James Donovan (County Chairman), W. A. Jamieson, A. Dale, 13. Ward } W. Searle, G. Rowley J. A. Murdoch J. McLean, and T. P. O’Neil. The minutes were confirmed and correspondence outward approved. Deputation. A deputation consisting of Mr Mill holland and Mr A. R, Elcock, waited on the Council in connection with rivei protection works at Upper Kokatahi which Mr Mulholland claimed was affecting his land in an unfavourable man nor. Mr Elcock stated a survey was to be made to locate the actual boundaries. ' The Council decided to adjourn further action until a survey was made. Second Deputation, , Messrs Leo Stopforth and M. Wallace, waited on the Council in regain to road access to timber lands in Uppei Kokatai, where there iwas valuable white pine timber, Cr/Jamieson said -Mr Stopforth had come to place some new facts in regard to his previous request. Mr M. Wallace on behalf of the Kokatahi branch of the Farmers’ Union supported the proposal. The extension would definitely break new ground, thai holds a fair prospect of possibility of improved production. The new road proposed w’ould also be on the line of the route to the tdp of Lake Kanieri towards Dorothy Falls. . Ci’. O’Neil supported giving every possible assistance to the request made. Consideration wa-s deferred pending receipt of detailed estimates of the Government proposals for which a grant had been applied for. Inward Correspondence. Fropi Treasury, forwarding credits to County Fund account.—Received. ! From Minister "of Public Work*?, promising to look further into the Subsidy rate for the ' Waitangi Bridge restoration. —Received; question referred to Chairman, Engineer and Clerk to report at. next meeting. From P.W. Engineer, Jackson Bay, regretting incident with ferry boat at Waiatoto crossing, and steps taken to prevent a recurrence. —Received ; lotto; of thanks for attention to be font aid ed to the writer. \

From District Engineer, Greymouth, stating new damage at Arahura River was not result of protection work, and that funds Were not available for work at AguewV ' corner. —Received. Cr. Wal’d! expressed his regret at the attitude the, Department was taking up. Ho expressed his astonishment at the contents of the letter. . He thought the Government sh° l, id find a larger proportion of the money, more than cue, wefe offering,-for the restoration of Malfroy’s bridge. He knew the .urgency of tlio work, 1 arid would- urge that every speeding up of.the repairing of the possible step be taken to assure the bridge. He asked for the urgent attention -of '.the -members of the Council.

Cr. Murdoch stated that the Goveniment were receiving over £28,(D0 per year as a result , of the Arab lira dredge’s operation. The £ for £ offer was illogical and unfair and he would not favour the Council finding one hall of the cost. The bridge was urgently required, hut the Council had not the money and they would have to wait until the dredge people and the sawmillers found some of the money that was necessary.

Cr. McLean urged that Cr. Murdoejbe asked, when in .Wellington, to wait on the Minister to urge the case, for the Council. At Okarito, Mr Semple had stated in reply to the representations: made that the Council had made out a clear case, for assistance but this had not been forthcoming.

Cr. Murdoch thought that the Gov eminent, should find £2 for £l, the dredge company £4OO and sawmillers £IOO.

From same,' notifying cancellation of votes for Greek’.s Creek bridge and Wnitangi river bridge.—Received. From same, further letter explaining the latter item, and stating vole could be replaced when more monej was available.—Received.

From J. O’Brien. M.P., telegraphed Minister-was not prepared to increase the vote for Malfroy’s bridge.—Received, the estimate now being" £2,800.

From same, stating be was interviewing the Employment Office relative to No. 13 scheme.—Received. From same promising to interview Minister in regard to Waitaha river erosion at Lower Kakapotahi.—Received.

From same, conveying congratulations to Cr. Donovan on election as Chairman, and. promising to do bis best iii regard to bridge votes.—Received.

From Commissioner of Crown Lands, submitting an alternative plan in respect to the closing of portion of La Fontaine road, which bad been under discussion proviousy.—Received. Cr. Murdoch objected to a reference in the letter, suggesting a change of front by the Council. From Valuer General regretting delay in completing Valuation Roll, due to lengthy investigations as to ownership description etc. —Received.

From Intern' 1 1 .Affairs Department, circular respecting rv°eunted children, and intimating; that Westland Counry was included in the Greymouth zone.

—Received; the whole Council was appointed a committee to deal with upplieatinos from the County.

From Mayor of Greymouth, notifying a- meeting in respect to the foregoing.—Received.

From Lady Galway Guild appreciating Council’s action in appointing a representative for the Wellington meeting.—Received. In connection with a proposed clothing postal drive on July 20 it was resolved to ask County employees throughout the district to assist in the movement.

From Westland Hospital Board, notifying levy for year was fixed at £3,G8«1/15/3d (the decrease being £l,-l(p/19/6).—Received; with appreciation of the substantial reduction. From Minister of Housing forwarding particulars of Rural Housing A eland Employment of labour on farms, and asking the Council’s interest, in the matter .also supplying particulars of subsidised labour under Scheme 4F. commending the Rural Housing scheme to the attention of County Councils. —Received. After discussion it was resolved that the Chairman, Crs. Murdoch, 'Word and Jamieson report at next meeting. From N.-Z. Counties’ Association commending the Rural Housing Scheme to the attention of County Councils.—Received. From A. R. Elcock for 11. N. Adamson, Wataroa, applying for consent to grant by Public Works Department of a transmission line and the crossing of a county road. —Received; application granted subject to the approval of the Engineer.

From Gibb Brothers Doeherty Creek renewing application for protection work.—Received. The Council decided to renew the previous offer made. From W. F. Ashley intimating ho had enlisted and asking for leave ol absence on entry into camp. —lteeoi.ed ; request granted. It was resolved that on leavinor New Zealand one month’s salary be granted.

From Hon. R. Semple, stating provision for Ferguson road was included in the Estimates, and enquiry would be made if the necessary provision could be made.—Received; Council’s share £l2O, was passed for payment.

From J. O’Brien, M.P., telegram advising Minister had approved grant on lines indicated as soon as formalities com pletod.—ll ecei ved. From District Engineer, asking for further particulars regarding Waitangi river bridge undertaking, in respect to the economic position.—Received., From Government Court, New Zealand Exhibition, offering model of Karangarua suspension bridge free, the Council to pay cost of transport.—Received.

From Commissioner of Transport, notifying motor drivers’ licenses to enemy aliens were--prohibited under the War Regulations.—Received. From Department of Agriculture, approving five applications for renown, of slaughterhouse licenses. —Received.

From South Westland Estates, urging construction of Waiho road to timber belts. —Received; referred to Government. From G. Hewlett and R. Wilson, H umphroys, drawing attention to river erosion.—Received; referred, to Engineer to report-. In regard to a suggestion for the Vine Creek water to he transferred to Pigeon Creek, the Engineer reported against the suggestion and it was decided to take no action. ' Far South Roadman.

Only one application was received, from Charles Black, 38, single, of Okarito. The appointment was made. Tenders for supplies of timber were received and referred to the Clerk and Engineer to deal with. Finance Committee’s Report. Your committee hay the honour fco report that the accounts presented fu: the month of June have been examined carefully and beg to recommend th;if the amount as approved totalling £0,1)49 14/7, he passed for payment. Your committee desires to place mi record its appreciation of Cr. Murdoch's action in placing financial assistance at the disposal of the Council whereby there was a substantial saving in interest liability.—Received and adopted. HIGHWAYS REPORT. The Engineer reported upon the progress of work on Secondary High ways during the past month ns follows: — Kanieri-Koiterangi Main Highway. A County truck was .engaged delivering maintenance gravel throughout this highway for 11 working days, to the extent of 242 yards. The power grad' ] operated along five miles of highway, from Kanieri Township in tlnve da\s The bridge gang renewed one button chord and two hardwood truss blockson the Kokatnbi bridge. A culver near Marshall’s property was lengthen tti with three 12-inch concrete pines Forty chains of roadside and out'e drains were cleaned and deepened nea” Houston’s property. The two-way bridge over Duck Cre 1 o-erflow, near Diedrichs’ homestead, has been completed. The* handrails will be painted and the* decking tarr and sanded as soon as the weather is suitable. The decking of several bri-igc throughout this highway have been sanded for horse traffic.

Proposals have been submitted foi the renewal in timber of Baird's bridge, and No. 3 Dock Creek bridge, near Longford Hotel. Lake Kanieri M.H.

Local labour was engaged cleaning watertables near McKay’s Creek, removing minor slips, and general surface repairs throughout. The fifteen'chains of footpath extension through Kanieri Township, has been completed satisfactorily. Owing

to tlio continuous cold woodier, the formation was scaled with two coats ol Conllix in place of one coat of No. 1 tar, as specified. Upper Kokatahi M.H.

A County truck was engaged lor one day pafelunctalling to tile" extent ol 20 yards. I lie surfaceman and local labour were engaged cutting back roadside growth and general surface repairs. Proposals were ,submitted to the Highways Representative for the reconstruction in timber of No. 3 DuckCreek bridge, near B'ailiir’s .Road. Forks-Okarito M.H. The local County I nick was engage, delivering maintenance gravel fioji roadside pits for two days. Local mci were employed along the lower, sect in. of this highway cleaning watertable and drains. Order Paper. The Chairman moved: “Thai the accounts for the month of June likJO, as revised and recommended fo payment by the Finance Committee amounting to £'5949/14/7 bo now passe for payment.” Seconded by Cr. MiLean and carried.

The Chairman , moved: “Thai the Council do now make and levy pursuant 'to the provisions of Section □l-58 of the Rating Act, 1925, and its amendments and Section 129-121 o the Counties Act, 1920 a General Rati as follows: —

(a) Two-pence in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property in the Northern Riding of the County of Westland; (b) 1 wo-peiiee in the £ on tin capital value of all rateable property in the Southern Hiding of the County of Westland; (c) Two-pence in the £ on the capital value of all rateable property in the Central Riding of the County of Westland.

Such general rate to be for tinperiod commenced on the Ist day ol April, 1940, and ending on the 31st day of March, 1911, and to become payable in one instalment on the 31st day of June, 1940. Seconded hv Cr. AleLean and carried. The Chairman moved: “That : n terms pursuant to the provisions of the Local Bodies Finance Act, 1921.-22, and to tho teims of a Special Order confirmed on the 16th day of February, 1937, the'-Council will make and levy a ‘Special 'Manual recurring rate ol one farthing in the £ upon rateable capital value of the Special rating aiea in the Koiterangi District, for tilt Camelback Protection Works, for tinyear commenced on the Ist day 7 of April, 1910, and ending on the Ist day of March, 1941, and to become payable in one instalment on the 31st day of July 1940.’’ Seconded by Cr. McLean and carried. The Chairman moved: "That terms of the Local Bodies Loans Act. 1926, and in terms of a Special Order confirmed on the 12th day of July. 1938, the Council will'make and levy a Special annaul recurring rate of fiveeighths of one penny in the £. upop rateable capital value of the special rating area in the Arahura Valley of the Northern Riding of the Westland County Tor the Arahura iriver protection works, for the year commenced on the Ist day of April 1940, an 1 ending on tile 3st day of March, 1941 and to become payable in one instalment on the 31.st day of July, 1940. Seconded by Cr.-McLean and carried. The Chairman moved: '‘That in terms of the Local Bodies Loan* Act, 1926. and in terms of a Special Order .confirmed the’ 12th day o' March, 1940, the Council will mak; and levy a Special annual recurrin rate of eleven-thirty seconds of on penny im the- .£ upon rateable capital value of the special ratin ’’, area in the Inter-Wanganui District of the Southern Riding of tie Westland County for the Little Wan ganui (Poerua) river protection works for the year commenced on the Ist day of April, 1940. and ending on the 31s day of March, 1941, and to become pay. able in one instalment on the 3Lst day

of Jnlv. 1940.” Seconded by Or. -\lc Loan and carriod. Tile Council rose at d p.m.