CHEVIOT COUNTY

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 90, 16 November 1936, Page 4

CHEVIOT COUNTY

MONTHLY MEETING OF COUNCIL The November meeting of the Cheviot County Council was attended by Crs. J. Paton (chairman), F. C. de Lambert, W. L. Foster, D. McLaren, N. R. Wilkinson, and J. D. E. Winskill. An apology was received for the absence of Cr. G. L. Rutherford. BRIDGES AND CULVERTS LOAN— The Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple) advised that he hud examined the report submitted to the Council concerning its proposals to construct bridges and culverts at all openford stream-crossings in the Cheviot County. He understood that the Council desired to know what subsidy would be available from the Public Works Funds towards the cost of the works outlined and, in this connection, he advised that, providing application was made in each financial year, he would be prepared to authorise a £1 for £1 subsidy in respect of the Council’s programme of bridge construction.—lt was decided to thank the Minister for his undertaking- in this direction; but, at the same time it was considered that, as the Council’s proposals would assist to implement the Government’s policy of improving hackblock access and would also serve large areas of Crown land, an endeavour should be made to induce the Minister to grant a higher subsidy. It was, therefore, decided to ask him to receive a deputation on the matter when next he is in the district. AERODROME—

The Engineer-in-Chief, P.W.D., Wellington, advised that, owing to the situation of Cheviot, inland behind the coastal range of hills, and to the fact that Cheviot does not lie directly on the recognised air route to Christchurch, it would appear that an aerodrome at Cheviot would not be of any

great value in the main transport system. Any value it may have, would be ■directly serving Cheviot and district alone. Continuing, he advised that while his department was sympathetic in the matter, the provision of aerodrome facilities at Cheviot did not appear to bo an urgent matter. The department also required that an aerodrome to provide reasonable facilities for Cheviot should be of class C. standard. Should the provision of an aerodrome bo undertaken, local interests would be expected to provide the necessary land; control of the aerodrome should preferablv bo in the hands of a local body and the cost of construction of the actual flying field would be subsidised £1 for £1 by the Government.

STREET CLOSING, CHEVIOT— The Lands and Survey Office. Christchurch. returned, duly approved, plans of the proposal to close portion of Cadman Street, Cheviot, between Caverhill Road and Carroll Street, the resultant land to be vested in the Mackenzie Domain Board. —Tt was resolved that the Council’s consent bo endorsed on the plans and that the necessary further consents be obtained so that a proclamation closing the street, may be obtain < d.

HEALTH INSPECTOR— The Medical Officer of Health advised that consideration had been given to the question of the Council’s contribution towards the. salary of the health inspector. Tt had been decided to assess the Council’s contribution at 6d per head as from April 1, 1937. On this basis the Council would have to find £35 per annum as against their present quota of £26 15/- per annum. —It was decided to agree to the arrangement.

Tt was further decided to give consideration to the forming of joint bylaws covering all questions coming within the scope of the Counties in the district.

INDUSTRIAL MATTERS— The Local Bodies Labourers’ Federation, having filed an application for an award, citation papers had been served on the Council. —The Clerk reported that he had objected, on the Council’s behalf, to the Federation’s proposals, and had suggested that conditions approximating those embodied in the Public Works workers’ agreement as recognised by the Main Highways Board, would be acceptable to the Council. The Clerk’s action in the matter was confirmed. Mr H. E. Waters’ application tor renewal of a billiard-room license, in respect of his premises in Cheviot, was approved.

DOG REGISTRATION— It was resolved that tenders be called for the supply of 400 dog collars for 1937 dog registration year; and that the ranger be authorised to complete the 1936 registration before the end of the current year.

MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD— Advice was received that the Main Highways Board would visit Cheviot on December 2 in the course of an inspection of highways in the northern portion of the South Island. The Board would be pleased to meet councillors on that occasion and discuss with them matters concerning construction and maintenance of main highways. —It was resolved that councillors should meet the members of the Board and that the question of the date of their assumption of control of State highways be discussed. ACCOUNTS— Accounts, amounting to £763 8/- wore approved for payment. ENGINEER’S REPORT— The Engineer’s report, on work done during October, 1936, was adopted as

Main Highways: Christchurch-Blen-heim: A fair amount of gravelling and patching was carried out between Domett and the Hurunui River bridge, 232 cubic yards of metal being placed on this section. Between the Coldstream and Leader River bridges, 98 cubic yards of gravel wore spread; and between the Leader River bridge and Parnassus a further 224 yards were spread, making a total of 554 cubic yards of metal placed for the month. Regular patrol gradings were continued throughout the period. The Mina-Gore Bay, Leader-Waiau, and Domett-Huru-nui Mouth main highways were all graded while at Ben Cruachan, on the Leader-Waiau highway, a culvert was extended and another renewed in concrete, the road being widened several feet at this point. On tho Ethelton Hurunui highway patching was carried out and scrub and gorse were cut back wherever encroaching on the formation or watertables.

Riding Roads: On Limestone Road two wood box culverts were installed opposite the Black Rock property and catchwater drains in this vicinity were also put in order. On Sinclair Road protective work was done at the culvert at Abbott’s Creek and -was completed in grouted rip-rap, 13 cubic yards of boulders and shingle being used. On Stocker’s Road a 21-inch diameter concrete pipe culvert was installed together with dropped inlet and outlet apron in grouted rip-rap, on the

hill above Leamington River ford. The washout on the hill was also restored. On Smith’s-Phoebe patching was carried out, 48 cubic yards of Leamington River gravel being placed, while on Waiau East 19 cubic yards of patching gravel was placed. The construction of the Crystal Brook Bridge was commenced; willows were cleared from the site with a traction engine, and all piles were driven. An old stone and retting gabion weir were also cleared from the old ford, the material being salvaged for use in the work as far as possible. Cheviot Township: An additional street lamp has been installed at the corner of Seddon and Buckley Streets.