MURCHISON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 4 February 1930, Page 8

MURCHISON

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING

BUSINESS DEALT WITH

■ The Murchisoii County Council met on Thursday. The following members wore present: Councillors H. J. Stewart (chairman), J. Badcock, M. Cole, H. T. Morel, F. Newman, and J. Thomson. The clerk reported that the bank balance, was £2184 0s 7d debit.

Recommendations from the Hydroelectric Committee were considered. Concorning the charging of batteries, and the recommendation that no plant be installed, Councillor Badcock moved that the recommendation of the commitleo be adopted, provided that batteries are charged by private firms at a maximum charge of 2s 6d all round. TJiio motion was carried.

On the recommendation re heating current for 11. J. Hodgson and Co., Councillor Newman moved that the recommendation of the committee be adopted for n term of five years. Seconded by Councillor Cole and carried.

Mr T. Collins waited on the Council in connection with Mr Hunter's notico in the press to tho effect that he was applying for permission, to erect a gate on the Blackwater road. The gate had been erected, and he objected to the gate because ho could see no reason for it excepting that it made a run of the road. Both sides of the road were fenced.

The clerk stated that no application for permission to erect tho gate had been received.

The chairman remafked thai the gate should not have been erected without tho permission of the Council. Ho moved and it was carried that Mr Hunter lie requested to remove the gate or keep it open until he has the permission of the .Council to erect it. Mr Collins also referred to erosion of tho Blackwater road by the Blackwater river at the ford. There was a drop of three to four feet into the river. It was resolved that Mr Watson inspect the road with powor to act. (Moved by Councillor Morel and seconded by Councillor Newman.) \ Mr Conway waited on the Council concerning the erection of a sign which would be partly on Halifax street. The sign would be about 15 feet long and 15 feet above the footpath level. Councillor- Newman moved, seconded by Councillor Morel, that permission to erect the sign be granted subject to .approval by Mr Watson and Mr Schultz as to position and height, the applicants to be responsible in case of any accident. The motion was carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mr P. A. Cumings wrote re thirds; and it was resolved that Mr Watson inspect and attend to the matter. Messrs H. J. Hodgson and Co. wroto re footpath fronting their premises. Councillor Cole moved that Mr Hodgson be notified that the Council will find naif the cost of the work as set out by the overseer. Seconded by Councillor Thomson and carried*

Dr. Potaka wrote advising that he would accept £3OO subsidy for the Murchison practice. It was resolved to write to the Nelson Hospital Board on the matter. The Minister of Health wrote as to i medical subsidy. Resolved to send a copy of the letter to trie Nelson Hospital Board. Mr G. C. Black, M.P., wrote regarding several matters referred to him. Mr L. Baigent waited on the Council as to the Owen Valley road. The road was in very bad condition. Concerning rive'r erosion, he understood" the protection work woiild cost about £IOOO. It was resolved that, the overseer inspect and report.. -

OVERSEER'S REPORT

The overseer's report was read. Councillor Cole aSked to the road near Sutherland's. The overseer stated that he had not an opportunity of going into it yet.

Councillor Newman referred to Gilroy's road. He had been up as far as T. G. Irvine's. The ford at Irvine's was very bad and he had authorised temporary repairs pending inspection by Mr Watson. There was urgent need for some metal on the level portion of this road near to R. Win's. Also, past Gilray's house, the water was scouring the road very badly. A big watertable and culvert was needed. Mr Watson would know when he viewed it what \vas required. A deputation of the settlors conce'rned had intended coming to the meeting, but he had undertaken to represent the matter to the Council.

It was resolved that the overseer ascertain what was required to place six inches of metal.on the bad portion and apply for a grant. :; ■ Councillor Newman . also referred •to the need for a bridge over Brewery Creek.

It was resolved that the Council support the request of the settlers to have a bridge erected. Councillor Morel asked if there was a balance of a grant for Owen North block.

The overseer stated that the Public Works Department might have an unexpended balance, the Council's grant had been overspent. It was resolved that the Public Works Department be approached in the matter, either the Department or the Conncil to do the work.

Mr McConochie referred to the Howard road between Boreka and Mead's. Councillor Morel referred to wages paid by Thomson and Hodgson for work done- on road near Matatitaki bridge. The overseer stated that he had certified the account, and the Public Works Department would pay the amount. Councillor Cole mentioned the Buller river erosion near the mouth of Doughboy creek. The clerk reported having conferred with the District Engineer of the Public Works T)epartment on the matter. It was resoived that the chairman and overseer go into tho matter with Mr May. Councillor Cole referred to'the road through Sutherland's, and the overseer said he would go into it. Councillor Badcock stated that the Matiri road was in very bad condition, and he would expect some expenditure on it as soon as funds wero available. | As to the Gowan Valley road, the matter was left in abeyance in the ■ Ihe meantime.

Accounts as read were passed for pay nent.

It was resolved that the chairman fix the date of the next meeting when information required is to hand.