WEST COAST NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16922, 22 December 1922, Page 8

WEST COAST NEWS.

(Special to the “ Star.”) GREY MOUTH, December 21. TJ AIBER ROY A LTIES Threatened with considerable depletion of their revenue by tho removil of timber royalties, local bodies on tho West Coast' arc presenting a united front to the Government and demand a full inquiry into the position in ;>c cordance with section 40 of the Finance Act, to decide what action should be taken. A conference was held in the Borough Council Chambers to-day, at which West Coast members ot the legislature and representatives of Duller, Inangahua, Grey and Westland County Councils were present. Assu :• a nee of support from Collingwood and Motueka County Councils also was received. Air J. Jeffries, chairman of the Westland County Council, wan voted to the chair. After a long discussion tbe following resolutions were unanimously carried :—S “ That this conference of local bodies agrees to recommend the respective county councils to send a deputation to Wellington during the approaching session of Parliament to urge the Government to act in accordance with section 40 of the Finance Act. 1921-22. and set up a royal commission to : n quire into and report upon the extent to which local authorities have incurred loss of revenue from royalties consequent on the passing of the Forests Act, 1921-22. and to decide upon provision which should consequently (in terms of the Act) be made from the revenues of the State Forest Service oi otherwise, and that the members of Parliament present be asked to arrange for a deputation to meet joint tv the Prim© Minister, tbe Minister in Charge of State Forests, the Alinistar of Lands and the Afinister of Alines, to discuss the foregoing.” “That the deputation further before Afr Massey the promises made in 1913. and subsequently with respect to past revenue, particularly in regard to treating certain rents and goldfield-, revenue, and that a request he made for full inquiry to show the amount of revenue so involved and payable to the local bodies, and that in* respect v> payments made on account, including a vote of £5830 appropriated at the late session under miscellaneous ser vices. Department of Lands and Survey. local bodies be supplied with state ments and satisfied that an equitable payment has been made.” VALEDICTORY. A representative gathering took place at Hokitika Town Hall y ester da v afternoon to bid farewell to Mr R S. Galbraith (Commissioner of Crown Lands) who has been transferred to Invercargill, and to his wife and family. The Mayor (Air Geo Perry.) ocupied the chair. He said it was fitting that Air Galbraith should reeeiv •, a public farewell on leaving Hokitika. In connection with his office as Commissioner efficiency was most marked and all who had business with him were treated with utmost consideration. He had control of a large district, and throughout it his departure was much regretted. The citizens* wished to mark their esteem bv presenting Mrs Galbraith with something with which she could purchase a memento of her stav. He handed Airs Galbraith a lt sheaf 1 of notes. Hie Hon H. L. Alichel, the Rev P. B. Fraser, the Rev A. O. Purohas, AJessrs B. Ward and J. A. Afurdoch also spoke and Air Galbraith fittingly replied MTLLERTON MINES.

Air Duggan, Chief Inspector of Coai Alines, paid an official visit to the Alillcrton mines on Monday in connection with the recent burning accident there. Portion of the mine i s idle and every precaution is being taken for the safety of the menl in the part working. The two victims of burning are progressing favourably. THE UNEMPLOYED.

So far as the town of Greymouth is concerned there has been a decrease in the number of unemployed. A mil’ boom in shipping has absorbed most of the waterfront labour. Some men rendered idle by the fire at Blackball mine still arc unemployed but it is expected that the Public Works Department will provide work for them.