ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1027, 21 August 1883, Page 2

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The regular fortnightly meeting of the above Council was held last evening, there being present—The Mayor, and Ors A. Orr, Bird, Nelson, J. Orr, St Hill and Harrison. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. mayor’s statement. The Mayor said that the debit balance at Bank at present amounted to L 798 18s 7d. BANK OVERDRAFT. Mr Shury wrote in reply to an enquiry as to a further overdraft, stating that an examination of the books did not show how the overdraft asked for would be met. The Mayor said that he had called on Mr Shury, and had pointed out that they were In possession of a quantity of pipes for which an offer from the Rakaia Road Board was expected. No final arrangement had been made as to the overdraft, but the account would go on as before. RAILWAY LEASES. A letter was received from Messrs E. G. Wright and J. Ivess, M.H.R.’s, regretting that the Council had not given more explicit information as to those lessees of the railway sites who had not fulfilled the conditions of their leases. Without such information they could not act in the 'matter, but if it were forthcoming ‘they would do their best to meet the views of the Council.

The Clerk, at the request of the Mayor, read the correspondence between the Council and the members for Ashburton and Wakanui, which included a list of the leasees and a description of the buildings. The Mayor said that the Council had no objection to any individuals, but to the system under which the leases were let. He did not know under what influence Mr Wright was when he wrote the letter, but he (the Mayor) thought that he might be suffering from the adverse criticism of the Wellington press. The Council had given their member all necessary information, and he should have acted upon that. Cr J. Orr might mention that he had received notice that unless the conditions of the lease he held were observed it would be cancelled. He understood that Mr Back had given this notice to all the lessees on these sites.

Or St. Hill did not agree with the Mayor in his opinion as to the letter of Messrs Wright and Ivess. The members had to please everybody, and if they blindly agreed to what the Council asked they might be told they were being used as catspaws. It was not for Messrs Wright and Ivess to say who were violating the leases, but that the Council should clearly say what they wapted, and not leave the responsibility with the members.

A conversational discussion ensued as to letter of Messrs Wright and Ivess \i as an answer to the one sent by the Council. The former was dated August 10th, and the latter on the Bth, and opinions appeared to be pretty equally divided on this matter.

Cr Harrison would suggest that the question be held over till, the next meeting.

The Mayor did not see the use of following this course. He would move that a letter be sent to the members, saying that the Council considered that they had sent all the necessary information.

Cr J. Orr did not see what more was wanted. Mr Back had made a special trip, and had given notice as to the leases and the Council had better wait to see the result of this. The motion of the Mayor was then put to the meeting and carried. MOUNT SOMERS RAILWAY. The Mount Somers Road Board wrote asking the Council to use their influence in obtaining the further extension of the Mount Somers railway, in accordance with the wishes of the district. It was resolved, that the members for Ashburton and Wakanui be asked to do their best to urge the carrying on of the work required. BURNING RUBBISH. Mr A. Saunders a«ked permission to burn rubbish on his section.—Granted. INDUSTRIAL EXHIBIIION. A circular was received from Mr Sheath, asking the co-operation of the Council in the Christchurch Industrial Exhibition. —lt was decided that all the assistance in their power be given by the Council. MILL RACE. Mr 0. W. Turner wrote, forwarding an account of the Council's share of the cost incurred in clearing out the mill race.— It was resolved that the Council pay their share of the cost as previously arranged. IRON PIPES. The Clerk of the Rakaia Road Board wrote stating that the Board was willing to take 12 tons of the iron pipes belonging to the Council at the price stated in a circular sent some time ago.—Accepted. CAMERON STREET. A petition was received from several residents in Cameron street asking that a few loads of shingle be placed on the road. —lt was decided that the matter be attended to. A REQUEST. Dr Leahy wrote asking permission to erect a lamp opposite his premises in Tancred street. —The request was granted on the understanding that the lamp be kept a-light as long as the ordinary street lamps. RESERVE LEASE. The Mayor reported that the lease of reserve 704 had been disposed of to Mr James Jameson at L 25 per annum. SURVEYORS’ REPORT. The following report was read ; “ Owing to the recent heavy freshes in the river the intake channel at the mouth of mill race was filled up, and the labor gang have been engaged during the past few days in opening up a new channel. The gang have also been employed in lowering Alford Forest road, and filling Walker street, fencing reserves, spreading shingle, clearing side channels, etc., making and fixing culverts, attending to water supply, etc.”

The report as read was adopted. NUISANCES REPORT.

The Inspector’s fortnightly report was read and adopted. In reference to the clause dealing with a stagnant pool at the back of Mr Kidd’s section, it was resolved that the Inspector be instructed to have the nuisance abated. The same instruction was given relative to a section in Tancred street, the state of which was reported to be dangerous to health. RIVER ENCROACHMENT. The Mayor said that he had, in accordance with an invitation received from the County Council, visited the mill-race in company with Mr Walker and Mr Stitt, to examine where the river had encro'ached. He had mentioned this matter to the County Engineer some time ago, but nothing had been done. The County Council had now taken up the question of river encroachment, and there could be no doubt that this Council would be asked to contribute towards the cost, as indeed they would be forced to do. The place he mentioned especially needed looking to, and he would more that the County Council be communicated with in regard to the matter, this Council to contribute towards the work. Cr St Hill seconded the motion. Cr Harrison could endorse what the Mayor had said about the damage, as he had personally seen it. He had intended himself to bring the question forward, if the Mayor had not done so.

The motion was carried. THE BOROUGH SOLICITOR.

Or St Hill, in accordance with a notice given at’ last meeting, moved that Mr Crisp be appointed Borough solicitor. The . Mayor had great pleasure in seconding this. Mr Ciisp had previously been the solicitor of the Borough, and he

((he Mayor) had never advocated any change. Or Nelson suggested" that 'Mr'"Wilding be appointed. Or J. Orr proposed, and Cr A- Orr seconded, that Mr, Purnell be elected. Cr Hamson was sorry that two names had beein’ brought forward. He had no choice between the two, gentlemen as to. their respective abilities, and he would like to see the name of one of .them withdrawn. i Or J. Orr withdrew his motion, and Mr Crisp was then unanimously appointed. LICENSES. A driver’s license was granted to Samuel Rountree, ACCOUNTS. The usual monthly ’ accounts having been passed for payment, the Council adjourned.