ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1712, 15 November 1887, Page 2

ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the abova Council was held at their Chambers, Baring Square, last evening. Present— The Mayor, I and Councillors A. Harrison, A. Robert?, R. Friedlander, H. Friedlander, D. Thomas, J. Tucker, C. Reid, and a. P. Scott. mayor's statement. The Mayor said that the debit balance at the bank was £1289 17s 4d. The amonntfl wbioh had been received Bince last meeting wem :— Licenses, £5 ss ; asphalt account, lie 88 ; library, 8s ; rents of reserves, £17 ; rates, 1887, £10 2s. Total, £33 6s Bd. The amount of rates remaining unoolleoted was £50 12s 7d. The Mayor also reported that a gentleman, who did not wish his name mentioned, had majcle a donation of three valuable towards the library. CORRESPONDENCE. Letters were read (1) From the Canterbury Fire Insurance Association, confirming thb grant of £70 towards the purchase of a steam fire engine for Ashburton, as had been reoommended by a Committee of the Association, provided the engine met with tha approval of that body.— Reoeived. (21 From Inspector's office, Wellington, m regard to the election of representatives to the Chati. table Aid Board.— Received. (3) From the County Counoil, enclosing copy of resolution passed by that body at its last meeting on the subject of Charitable Aid. — The letter was received and acknowledged. (4) From Mr W. Hyde, offering 10s for the privilege of eptfing grass m Baring Square. — Consideration was deferred. (5) From the Wakanui , Road Board, requesting that the Counoil should take steps to suppress the email birds nuisanoe within the limits of the Borough.— The Mayor said that he had great sympathy with the request, but he could not see what the Council could do. It could not distribute poisoned grain, as that would be dangerous to domestic animals, and the burgesses would not thank them if they offered a pre* mium for eggs, as that would lead boya to climbing over fences and damaging treea. Of R. Friedlander suggested that the burgesses should be asked to take steps to suppress tho nuisance on their own premises. It was decided to issue a notification to thisefleott engineers' report. The Engineers reported as follows:— Protective Works : Owing to the holidays and wet weather, not much work has been done at the river beyond willow planting, completing fenoing, etc. The river has risen considerably to-day, but does not threaten any damage.— The remainder of the report referred mainly to the work that had been done during the fortnight by the labor gang.- The oarter driving the water oart reports that much danger arises from traps and carts being left ' m East street unattended, and sometimes with a ohild left alone m a trap, while tha water cart is passing, and frequently causing horses to shy. He endeavors to water tha side of East street next the shops the first 1 thing m the morning, but he has to be at r work m the street all the day.— lt was . resolved that the attention of the polioe be called to the matter oomplained o! by the man m oharge of the water oart.

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE. The Mayor reported verbally what had been transacted at the Muniolpal Conference lately held m Wellington, and whioh he attended as the delegate of the Council. LIVE STOCK MARKET. The Mayor stated that while m Wellington he interviewed the Minister for Lands, and urged him to vest m the Borough nineteen sections m the block near the Pound as a Bite for a live stock market. He also waited on the Minister for Publifl Works m regard the question of a crossing at Moore street and the planting of railway reserve. In consequence of his representations, the Assistant Bailway Engineer had been sent to Ashburton to report on theaa matters, and he (the Mayor) had no doubß the Council's wisheß would very shortly ba I acceded to. The Mayor further informed the Council of various matters he had attended to while m Wellington. Cr H. Friedhnder moved that the Mayor be accorded a hearty vote of thanka for the manner m which he had attended to the interests of the Borough while m Wellington. Cr Thomas seconded the motion, whioh was supported by Cr Harrison, put to the meeting by Cr R. Friedlander, and carried unanimously. STREET WATERING. The question of extension of street watering wag, on the motion of Or Beid, referred to the Works Committee, as was also a motion proposed by Or Scott, to the effeoft that the water cart commence its rounds an hour or two earlier, the man to have that time off m the afternoon. GRASS. Cr H. Friedlander moved that the question of letting the privilege of cutting grass npon the roads and squares be referred to the Works Committee. Cr Thomas seoonded. Cr Reid moved as an amendment that the offer of Mr Hyde for the grass m Baring Square be accepted. The amendment lapsed, there being no seconder, and the motion was carried. Auctioneers' bill. Cr H. Friedlander moved that the member for the district be asked to Bupport the recommendation of the Municipal Conference m regard to the Auctioneers' Bill now before Parliament. These recommendations wera to the effect that those clauses should be struck ou' of the Bill whioh enacted that fees for licenses should be colleoted by the Government, and then divided acoording to population among the various local bodies.

Or Harrison seconded tho motion,- whioh was carried. BTEAJX FIRE ENGINE. The question of proonring a Bteam fire i engine for the Borough, whioh had bean post» poned from laßt meeting, oame up for con* ' sideration. Or Thomas asked the Mayor's ruling as to • whether a fire insurance agent could vote on thia question, there being four or five agents present ? The Mayor aaid that any Counoillor was entitled to vote if he so chose. If he voted m an improper way the burgesses could pro« oeed against him. After a short disoussion the report of tho Fire Brigade Committee, submitted at last meeting, was considered. This vraa ai follows :—•" Steam Fir« Engine: The Com. mittee having had more information on this matter before it, now begs to recommend that the Council procure one of Shand, Mason's b vertical engines, at a ooit not exceeding £500, delivered m Ashburtoa provided that the Fire Insurance Association contributes the sum mentioned m its letter. Further, the Committee wishes to state, when the question was before the Conncil at a previous meeting, it was stated that a substantial sum would be forthcoming from private sources." Or Thomas said he had traversed the report at last meeting, and he would do so again, on the ground that it was not tl}e report that had been passed by the Committee. Cr li. Friedlander rose to a point of Qrd«r. At last meeting when Cr Thomas toot exception to the report, all the other members of the Committee had testified to itfe oorreot. ness, and he thought Cr Thomas was debawei from speaking m regard to that matter again, Cr Reid was on the point of speaking, when The Mayor said that it would be advisable for a motion to be proposed before continuing the disoussion. Cr H. Friedlander said that if Cr Thomas moved that the report be referred baok to the Committee, and gave a substantial reason (or so doing, he bad no doubt the Council would support him, but nothing could be done if he merely impugned the report's accuracy. In compliance with a suggestion made by Cr H. Friedlander, Cr Reid moved that the report be divided into two parts for convenience of consideration— the first affirming the desirableness of proouring a Bteam fire engine, and the Beoond the consideration of ways and means.— Cr Reid as a member of the Fira Brigade Committee wished to say that though at last meeting he mentioned tfbthing as to the correctness of the report be now wished to state that it was substantially oorreot. Cr Friedlander seconded Or Reid's motion, whioh was carried, Cr Harrison wishing it recorded that he did not vote. Cr R. Friedlander moved the adoption ol the portion of the report to the effeot that one of Shand Mason's B vertical engines be pro. oured at a cost not exceeding £500. Cr Roberts seconded. Cr Harrison would lodge his protest against the aotion contemplated by the motion. Tho matter was one that should go before tho burgesses. He had no desire to- create a heated discussion, and i'or that reason hq v/ould be as careful as possible m his chojoij df words. Ho wished the Uduucil to uddt>r.< stand that He was not opposing this' niotufa just {or the sake of stonewalling, but beoauso he believed the burgesses did not »J?j>tOY§

it, and he thought the proper course would be to ask them. It would not be an expenEive matter to take the vote of the ratepayers, and the expense might be nearly all avoided by taking the vote on the same day as the mayoral eleotion, He would briefly state the objections to the engine being procured. First, m regard to expense, there was the cost of the engine itself. Then, as there was now no place for its reception, a buildinp would have to be ereoted; large additions to the present system of water supply would be necessitated if the engine were to be of practical utility ; harness, etc., would have to be procured ; then the maintenance of the engine would be a large item, for, though some said that it might bo kept for a few pounds, it would not be efficient unless it was m a constant-state of readiness. When, to the foregoing, were added other necessary itemß of expense it would be seen that they would have to pay a large sum for the engine. Outlying portions of the town had no protection m the way of water. Take that part of the town near the High School for example, though on his motion the question of sending water along Aitken street had been referred to the Works Committee. Other parts of the town had no water, and they should take into consideration the matter of extending the water supply before procuring this engine. He intimated that be would have to oppose the motion, and ask that the matter be taken before the burgesses. If they were agreeable to the engine boipg procured then he would no longer oppose it. Cr Thomas moved as an amendment to Cr R, Friedlander's motion—" That no action m regard to proouring a steam fire engine be taken at present." His grounds for moving were : — Ist, he thought with Cr Harris m that the burgesses should be consulted, because they were the proper persons to settle the matter; 2nd, it was illegal for the Counoil to spend more per annum than their income, as would be the case if they procured this engine [Some _ Gra cried " Queition," but Cr Thomas maintained the accuracy of his statement.] There were Cra at the table not q a'ified to vote (" Question") Cr Thomas: "Oh you can question as much as you like. I say there jure Crs here not qualified to vote, and I will see the matter brought to an end." Cr Thomas continued : They had a threat held ever their heads that unless they did a certain thing 25 per cent would ba added to their premiums, but they had no guarantee that if they did that thing the 25 per cent would not be impose. Last meeting he moved m the direction of asking the Association if they would guarantee not to impose the 25 per cent if tha Council procured a steam fire sngine, but he was told at the table that he should not do such a thing — that it was^ not a proper question to put. He maintained that it was a perfectly proper thing for one body of gentlemen to ask another for a guarantee of a continuance of a concession if the former were asked to prooure improved appliances for saving ths latter's property. At present they had no guarantee that after the angina were obtained the 25 per cent would not be imposed. If it were imposed, they would have been " got at " to the extent of a fire engine, that to bis mind would be a white elephant. Immense waterworks would be required. (Same Cr here interjected a remark, end Cr Thomas replied that the matter would be more expensive than represented. They were frequently told that something was required to be done at a small expense, but that expense ganerally swelled considerably before the work was finished. There was something wrong here and the Sooner it was put a stop to the better.) When ihe (Committee considered the fire engine question it was stated that £200 would be subscribed privately, and it was on that consideration that his vote m favor of the engine was got. They now heard nothing about these subscriptions, and when they were got m they would be next to nil. He said that, they should not procure the engine till they heard how much they could get from private subscriptions. Cr Eeid rose to a point of order. The question now before the Council was the first part of the report, affirming the desirability or otherwise of procuring a steam fire engine. The Mayor said Cr Thomas was quite m order. In considering whether an engine should be procured the question of expendi ture was a moat important one. Cr Thomas said that the second clause of the report was fudge; it was moved as a Btumblinf block. If they got the engino they would not have enough water, and £400 or £500 would be required to bring water to the Somerset hotel or some other point. This was a matter that should be looked into, but they were shoved on and egged on, why, he did not know, but there wasjomething behind it. The £70 offered by the Fire Insurance Association by way of subscription, was a perfect absurdity, for the Council was asked to procure a steam lire engine to save the Association's property. The Council were now getting £40 for running what was called a water cart. Had they any guarantee that the £70, or even the £40 would be continued towards a eteam fire engine.

Cr Scott seconded the amendment. He took exception to the motion on the ground of tbe expanse that would be involved. If they procured tbe engine where would they put it. Surely not m the hole whero the brigade now were? It would have to be placed os the site of the old Brigade Station (Cr Friedlander—" Question "). Cr Scot laid that fee was m a position to'know by this tinus which was tbe more advantageous of the two sites* That tho bell had not been removed led him to think that the Council was now convinced of tbe mis ake it had made m ibifting the station. However, whether they •bifted tbe Btation or not, they would have to make ft place for the reception of the tngine. They would have to keep somebody continually o» the prfcmiseß to look after the engine. Then there wag tho cost o! water supply. Besides not more than twenty persons would be benelitted. He had reckoned them up that day, and he couldn't make twenty. fCrieß of " Name." Cr Scott went into details.) Someone bad eaid that £25 a year would be sufficient to keep the engine, but be thought the amount would be nearer £100- There were only three or four streets of the town that would benefit, because that was as far bb tbe water went. He bad beard it stated that tbe Association did sot guarantee to abstain from imposing the 25 per cent if tbe engine were procured. He thought their overdraft was large enough now without jncairing a large extra liability. If Cr Thomas's amendment were lost, be would be m favor of moving another m the direction of referring tbe matter to tbe burgesses.

Cr H. Friedlander had much p'easure m supporting the motion that a steam fire engine be procured. Some Councillors had hinted there was something behind this matter, but be could state that he was not moving from any personal consideration whatever. Some Councillors were fond of making insinuations as to the Vonajide action of others, without adducing the Blighteit bit of proof, and b> thought ?uch conduct was degrading tp the Council. He would consider some of the remarks that bad fallen ' from Councillors opposing the project. Cr Harrison bad said that by taking the rotes of the burgesses on (he matter on the day of the mayoral plection expense would be Bayed, Where trould the saving bo effected? The setme advertisements would have to be inserted and* a returning oi&cor wpuld have to be appointed, as the one officer oould not attend to the two votings. Crs Harrison and Scott bad said that outlying property would have no protection. The question was not so much tbo protection ; but whether thsy would have to pay th« extra 25 per cent. This latter would be the protection at present. Ac soon as the Councjl could euord to lead water to these outlying portions then the second saving would come m. The saving of this 25 per cent, would mean a saving of £1000 annually to the property holders of the Borough, and he thought this was very gpod protection to be derived from the purchase of a steam /ire engine. Cr Friedlander deprecated Cr Thomas' statement that it was possible the Association might impose the extra 25 per cent even after the engine was obtained. He did not think it likely that a body of menllike the Association, men who represented millions of pounds, would turn round like that and hd would give them credit for a little more honor than did Cr Thomas. In regard to the matter being referred to the burgesses, why should they take suoh action m regard to expenditure under their control and witbin their power. Nino competent Councillors were sent there to do the work o the Borough, and part of their duty was to ■irrange for th.a protection o£ p.'oper^y. Wherefore why Should they solicit 'the opinion Of the burgesses m regard to this more than aby otberteatter. If they were not competent to oond3ot the affairs of the borough let them bavt publio meetings every week on every subject that came beiore the Council, and let ? re air tgtir?lo4w &t thcee suQetiPgs, as

Kotue did at that table, and see how the burgesses would like it. Mention had been made of an immense overdraft, but at the last installation of Mayor an old and able Councillor had truthfully remarked that there were few men who would not put up with an overdraft such us tho Council's m proportion to its income. It would be four or five months before the engine could be obtained, therefore tho expenditure would be m the next financial yeai-, when provision could be made for it. In regard to subscriptions he did not think the burgesses should be asked to contribute directly, when they would have to contribute indirectly through the rates, but he thought that those who were not touched by the Borough rates, but who would be participators m the benefit to be derived from the engine, should be asked to oontribute. The engine would be. a very great benefit to the burgesses at large — (Cr Thomas dissented). Ho was sorry Cr Thomas was so dense. He said again that it would be a great benefit to the burgesaei at large, as it would save them £1000 per annum.

Cr Reid denied that the enpine would only be of benefit to a few. It would benefit every ratepayer m tho town and country. If the 25 per cent were put on, goods lying m the stores would be raised so that people would have to pay indireotly by that means. Then again people letting houses would raise the rent if they had to pay more for insurance. In regard to the quebtion raised by Or Thomas as to the Council's income, the Council could deoide to inoreaso its income at any time. Cr Harrison had taken some credit, m regard to the water supply down Aitken street, but that matter was brought before the OoHncil by a ratepayer. If the burgesses had ; been as anxious as represented to have a say !in this matter they could have asked the Council to call a public meeting. Cr Harrison denied having sought credit for the wafer being taken along Aitken street. Cr E. Friedlander said that Cr Harrison said one thing first and chewed it up afterwarda — — Tho Mayor said this discussion was foreign to the matter before the Uounc3. Cr Roberts wanted to say a few words m regard to the fie engine. He was not m favor of a public meeting being held about this subject ; he did not like public meetings. He took it that when Councillors were elected, the burgesßes who voted for them had full confidence m their ability ' ; to manage the affairs of the Counoil. His advooacy of the engine being procured was disinterested, for tho 2~> per cent discount would not affect him for some time to come.

Cr Tucker would remind the Council that the principle o* procuring a steam fire engine was affirmed some time ago, and the matter was shelved for the reason that the Association refused to contribute towards the purchase of an engine. Immediately the Association agreed to contribute, the matter was referred to a Committee to report as to a suitable engine, and this (hey had done, although the Association had not yet intimated its approval of the sort of engine recommended. The Committee came to the conclusion that a B Vertical engine, delivered m Lyttelton for £186 wou'd be the proper one. This engine would work 1500 feet of hose. He was assured on the authority of the Engineer that the water supply m East and West streets was equal to 360 gallons a minute, of which the proposed flteam engine would use 2GO leaving 100 for the little engine, which threw 50 a minute. If the pipes under the railway line were replaced by 12 inch pipes GOO gallons a minute m East street could be obtained. Tho engine proposed to be obtained if stationed at the Domain could cope with a fire as far down East street as the Union Bank. The cost of erecting a shed for its reoeption would be but slight, and he was confident that a man could bo obtained to look after the engine and work it for £25 a year. The money that was at present paid to pumpers at fires would go a long way towards keeping the steam engine m coals. The only persons who would not benefit by the engine being procured were the owners of unoccupied sections, and he did not think the Council had any special regard towards them.

The Mayor said the question was a very important one. Much smaller places than Ashburton had deemed it necessary to procure steam engines, and he thought we should have one here. At the same time he agreed with a good deal that had been said about the Council'a liability. If a motion were proposed that the matter be referred back to the Committee with a view to ascertaining what amount is likely to bo subscribed privately he would support it, but he could not vote for a motion shelving the matter altogether.

Cr R. Friedlander, m bis reply, pointed £ out m regard to the statements made that ' outlying portions of the town would not be < protected, that the engine could throw a stream of water a very long way, and almost any part of the town could be reached, Cr Friedlander referred to Cr Thomas' remark about something being fudge. What was fudge ? Cr Thomas ; Fooling. Cr E. Friedlander asked if Cr Harrison was tired. Cr Harrison said he was tired of that sort of discussion. Cr R. Friedlander said that Cr Harrison ( had looked with a tired expression at his watch. ' Cr Harrison said that ho presumed he had ' a right to look at his watch. ' Cr B. Friedlander said that when Cr Harrison was tired he could take a rest. Cr Harrison expressed his intention of bo i doing. Cr B. Friedlander, referring again to Qt Thomas's remark, said that it would load tho outside public to think that tho Council discussed a lot of nonsense, and he did not wish that impression to go abroad. In reply to Cr Scott's remark that it would not be advisable to place the engine at the present ' Fire Brigade station site, he wished to say that this matter had been fully discussed before, and he hoped it was not gping to come up again. The bell had not been moved, because the Council thought it more convenient hot to interfere with it. After come discussion of an irrelevant nature, the amendment that no action be taken was put to the meeting and lost. Cr Thomas intimated his intention of moving another amendment, when Cr H, Friedlander moved, " That further consideration be held over till nexr meeting," It was then a qaarter-past ten, and there was a quaniity of business to be done, Cr Thomas asked if he could be forestalled m this way. He had been the first to intimate his intention to move. The Mayor said that it was m order to move an adjournment at any time. Cr Thomas indicated that his amendment was that the matter be referred back to the Fire Brigade Committee for further information as to cost, etc., for twelve months. Cr R. Friedlander said that to savo misapprehension he would tender his resignation as a member of the Fire Brigade Comrnittps. ' ' ...*.-.-.• Cr Harrison aupported the adjournment, but other Councillors wore m favor of the matter being disposed of that night. Cr H. Friedlander withdrew his motion for adjournment. Cr Thomas's amendment was lost. Cr Scott moved, as a further amendment, . that a poll of the ratepayers be ta.ken on' the fjuestion of the purchase of a steam lire engine. Cr Thomas seconded. After a discussion the amendment was put and lost. Another amendment, moved by Cr Thoroae, that the Council atlirmed the desirability of procuring a steam lire engine, but that f public meeting of ratepayers to consjdor the' matter be held, was also lost. Cr Tucker moved, as another amondment, that the Council proceed to procure a steam tire engine, as recommended, when £'.'pp is guaranteed by subscjrip }o<iy, Cr Thomas 'gecpnded the apopdment, which, after discussion, waß carrieo,' pr HB.iris.on dispoptipg. The report was aipepded m accordance with Cr Tucker's proposal apd waß adopted. SWIMMINCI JjATuS, The matter of swimming baths, postponed from last meeting, next oamo up for oonsideration. After a long disoussion the following motion waa carried: — "That this Council request the Domain Board to allow bathing m the Domain on tho upper Bide of the dam m a line with Park street, between the hours of 0 and 7.30 a.m , provided the batherß are properly dressed." . MrscEiLAtfro-ji:. Come carriers' liq^nseo'w^o grauted, ao* counts were passed for payment and the Council adjourned,

i'urify the blood, cleanse the Btomaob, and sweeten the breath with Hop Bjttvfß, AtnericaqGo.'SQuly gguyiue, Road,;

M