ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.
The ordinary inertias of the Council w B held last ev^tilng. Present— Tb •• IMUyor, and Ora Taoker, B'rd, Robarfca, Sea'.y, Reid, Thorn is, -William's m, Scott, and fl. Friedbnder. mayor's statement. The Mny >r said ih-ifc ih» debit balance at the Bink was £1426 7a 9. Thy armuats which had b^en received tt!no.i laat meefi'jf were : —Library, £1 ; rents of Roaorveß, £17; rent .nf pound, £5; costs of Baram>UJ, refund, 15i 6d ; expenses at fire, refund, 103 ; eaith, 4i ; dog licenses. £3 l(h ; vrtei, 1887, £2 10i ; rates, 1883, £12 19* : total, £43 8i 6i. ' , OOaRESjPONDKNCE. Letters were read (1) From Messrs A. and T, Burt, Dunedln, applying for Iron pipes.— The pipes had been forwarded at the prioj hithorto arranged. — It was resolved that m future all pipas should be weighed before leaving the Oonnoil'e possession ; (2) From Engineer's departmeat, atatlag that the matter of planting treea on Railway RteervM would be enquired Into. — In reply to Council's letter m reference to the foregoing a subsequent communication was received stating that the planting of eastern Bide of reserve between Havelook and Kermod9 Btreets, exoept where sections were leased, would be commenced during the present planting aeaaon, and arrangements were now m contemplation for fencing the land.— Or Scaly moved that the letter be acknowledged, and that the department be urged to extend the planting aa far as Cameron street. Carried; (3) From Oouaty Ooanotl making application for share of oertain expanaealncurred m oonneotion with the traffio bridge.— lt waa resolved that thearaount should be paid ; (4) From ELampstead Town Board, enoloslng amount of expenses incurred by Western Fire Brigade at fire In town district, and renewing intimation that m fatare such claims would not be recogniaed. — Received ; (4) F/ora Ashburton Fira Brigade, applying for payment of subsidy. —Agreed to j (5) From Mr Tasker, applying for Council to baar ahare of oertain repairs required by the roof of a building on a reserve he recently leased. He had expended a good deal m improving the place. — After dlaouaaion the Council decided that It could not do anything m the matter; (6) Fcom Mr 0. R, Harold, applying for lease of certain reserves. — Application referred, to tha Reserves Committee ; (7) From Mr H. Mutton, applying for permission to erect culvert. — lit f erred to Works Committee ; (8; From Mr. 0. J. H. Neate, asking permission to burn rubbish, — Granted subjaot to the usual conditions WORKS OOaiMITIBB's EEPOBT The Works Committee reported as follows;— (1) Metal: Temdera were Invited for tie supply of 500 yards of street and footpath shingle, and that of .Mr W. ■Munro at llfi waa accepted ; (2) Ksr> mode street : Four Committee deotded that for the present only the quantity of soil applied for should ba taken fcom this street, whioh oan be done without injury to traffic. Mr Tucker had kindly lent a horse to the Oounoll to carry on this work. (3) During the fortnight the men have bden engaged at the Protective Works below the bridge, carting and handling gorae for same, attending to intake; carting rubbish off streets^ and carting soil from Karmode street. (4) The Town Clerk regrets that owing to Mr Fooka' illnf sj he has been unable to see him so as to make any arrangement, and requests a few days' extension of time. Clauses 1, 2 and 3 were adopted. In reference to clause 4 Or Frledlander aoked . If. the Oounoll shonld not have something definite before it. The present occupant of the office was to have taken over the duties of Engineer last, week, and the present application came m the nature of a surprise. He would like to hear something more about it. The Mayor said, that Mr Braddell had informed him that he had endeavored to Bee Mr Fooks, but as that gentleman hid been ill he had not been able to interview him. He '{the Mayor) had suggested to Mr Braddell to put the matter before the Cbonoil bj that the question might not arise cf the matt jr having bean overlooked Or Bird asked if Councillors were to understand that Mr Braddell oontem plated arranging with Mr Fooks to carry on the Engineering work. Or Thomas thought that before that question was answered the wlshea of the Oounoll on the subjoot should be aaoertalnedt The Mayor Bald that he understood from Mr Braddell that the latter would ba able to overlook all works where no professional engineer's assistance would be required. Should an Engineer's services be wanted, Me Braddell would employ one. Or Friedlander said that the explanation did not give him the information he asked for.' Or Williamson said that he thought the Council expected the services of an Engineer m the terms of the eohedule of duties adopted some tlme'ago. Or Friedlander thought the Council would surely not pay the extra aalary when they did not get the services of an engineer. He thought that m a matter like this the Mayor should lead the Oounoil. It was an important aubjeot and the Mayor should not thrown the entire responsibility on the Oounoil. The Mayor said that for his part he did|aot think the services of a professional engineer were required to auperintehd the laying of onlverfcs. Or Reid was about to apeak when the Mayor said that a motion would have to be tabled before he could allow the dlsoussion to proceed. Or Bird was of opinion that having appointed Mr Braddell Engineer the Council should wait till another meeting to see If the arrangements made were Batiafaotory. If they were not, then the Oounoil could take auoh atep3 as were thought necessary. He moved that Mr Br-addell's request ba granted. Or Roberts aeoonded Or Bird's motion Ha said that at the time the appointment was made it was understood that whenever an engineer's aorvioeß were required Mr Braddell should call In the aaalatanca of either Mr Fooks or Mr Baxter. Oc Thomas said that he had voted for the appointment feeling firmly that if aa engineer was wanted-, his services would bo obtained. The Borough did not require an engineer now, but when such ahould be the case Mr Braddell would have to obtain his aaalstanoe no matter what it cost. Or Soott agreed with Or Thomas as to the appointment. He thought the Council Bhould say what it expeotea before Me Braddell was led into making expensive arrangements, Or tiealy maintained that the Council had already said what it expected. The schedule of duties showed that. Although he did not objoot to Or Bird's motion he thought that the Clerk had' had ample time to make arrangomants. The Council should cow have tho aervicos of an Engineer, but it had not those services, Or Frledlander waa surprised at the i»round some Councillors were taking up. The new oppolutuoents were mooted first on the ground of retrenchment, but they found now that Instead of paying the Olerk £125 a year they were now paying Mm £200 and letting the foreman supervlae the works. If it waa the OounoiPs opinion that they did not require an 1 Engineer then let them reduce the salary. Or Williamson considered that the Oouaoil were aimply being tr.fljd with. When the aucoaseful applicant for the offio9B waß appointed, he ahould have neen preparod to fulfil the dutloa of those uffioes If he could not do It, he Bhould have otked for time when the appoint<n?nt w a made, The Oounoll were given o •. :i then that arrangements had o.tu made by which their position
w< aid be (be same aa it bad baen previously. Now he had found that at the fcirao (he appointments were made Mr Braddell had never spoken to Mr Fooks. Waa that like endeavoring to make arrangements ? The other night when this noa'ter cropped up, Mr Braddell might have eeen the fooling of the Oounoll, bot n-j Arrangements had been made, and the Oounoli still ht»d no Engineer, Wan it for him, as Chairman, or for any member, of the Works Committee to wait <n Mr Bra3del ! as being the Engineer". Mr Bifaddell vtuh very well m bis own pace, bod ho (Or Wliliamson) did not reo.vnoUe him, and would not recognise him ub Engines. He was not oapable of doing the^ESglneeclng work, A 'gentleman m the building trade had bad to go to the late Engineer for levele. This wait the Engineer's office, bat people Bad to go elsewhere when they wanted an Engineer's services. He had no objection to Mr Braddell db Town Olerfc, but he was ' oak of place aa Engineer.. He would . have protested against the appointment at the time it was made, • but for the aaaaranoe that an engineer's Bervfoas would be always available. If Mr Fooka was ao ill it was strange that people had been able to get levela from him, and that the Council's foreman could see him. He believed now that so proposal had ever been made to Mr Fooks. The Council had been trifled with and he waa not going to submit to it. He felt strongly on this matter ; more strongly than he had felt on anything for a long tlma. Of Reid said that the Clerk had had ample time to nuke his arrangements* The matter had been brought op at the last meeting of the Oounoil, when the Gle'k must have known some of, the 0 >uno!llors' feelings o*l the matter. He bad the schedule cf duties to go by; Taat was bidding on the officer appointed, an 1 if he did not go by it the sooner the Oounoll got some one who would the better. Or Williamson said that he would aup« por; Or Bird's motion if an addition was male that no salary should be paid on acciunt of the Engineer till the services of a professional man wsre obtained; It was monstrous that the Oounoll should p¥j for services that they had not had Or Bird explained that he voted for Mr Braddell's appointment on the representation of Or Tucker, who went down to see Mr Braddell on the matter, that that gentleman was prepared to . engage pro* fesßional asßietauoe „ Or Tacker said that as his, name wai brought In he would state what he actually said, and those Councillors, who did not understand it mast be very deose. ■._ What he said was that Mr Braddell was prepired to employ either Mr Fooki or.Mr Baxter should professional assistance be required. At the time the amalgamation of offices was made it. was distinctly, sa(d the alteration was carried -info) effect a~p that one man could live comfortably <gi the combined salaries, Instead of two men starving on email salaries; Applications for the offices a*me m and Mr Braddoll Was aeleoted Until Mo l^ooks oeasecl to hold his appointment Mr Braddell ooulH not speak to him ; staoe thea.he had beea ill. A good deal had been said about thU illness m reference to Mr Bcaddell making .' ; ! his atfaDgemeatß, buthe would like to ajsk how often the Engineer had been (11, the Works Committee batug delayed weska m ,oonßequenoe.. Ha contended that the Town Oierk could do almost all (he work r where actual engineering was required the services of a professional man would be available. The late Engineer had done a great deal of work, sqoh as ohecklngaooounts, that belonged entirely to tha Town Clerk's department, It had been said that the Engineer mast supervise all works, but he would like to ask had their late Engineer done that — some* tim9s he walked round onoaday, and sometimes not for a week. Be agreed with a reuia k made by Or Thomas, that they had got these offices into a worse meat than before, aud they would oost just as muoh. ' . Ors Thomas and Tucker protested against Or Williamson's proposed addition to the motion. - • Or Soott wanted tojknow If Mr Braddift would have to pay the Bslary of au Engineer. Or Roberta said tbat that qusstion was a serious one. Was the Engineer to be engaged by the year to devote bis time to the Oounoll, or was he only to be called m when hia sesrvloes were required? ' Or Williamßon stated that In aooordanoa with the schedule of duties, the services and advice of an Engineer should be available at any time. If they did not want an engineer they Lad better kuook off the office, Or Scott asked again if the Oounoil was to understand that Mr Braddell was to engage an Engineer by the year. Or Williamson said they did not osre as long as an engineer's services were available. Or Thomas said that might be a cheap way for the Coanoll to get an engineer but It was not a right way. He bora oat Or Tucker'a remarks as to what had tranaplred at the appointment. Ifc was understood that the clerk should oall m professional assistance when it was required* [Or Frledlander said the schedule of duties spoke for itself] Was the Engineer to act as foreman and to stand over work while it was being done. [A Councillor said that had been done previously.] Oe Thontaa maintained that It was not so. All that was required and all that was. necessary was that before apy work was passed the Engineer should be satisfied that it was well done. After some dlßcassion, as to whether « free debate should be allowed au argument arose as to whether the clause properly belonged to the Works Committee's report. Ors Frledlander and Reid, as members of the Works Committee, objeoted to it, maintaining that it should have corns aa a petition from the oletk. After Borne discussion the Mayor asked that the clause might be withdrawn. This was agreed to, and no further discussion at this stage of the meeting could take place. LIBRARY. Or Roberts asked what were the hours during which the library was opened to subscribers. As the recent change m office hoars necessitated fresh arrangements being made, the matter was referred to the Library Committee. STEAM FJRK ENGINE. Or Thomas asked when the £200 promised towards the purchase of a steam' fire engine would be forthcoming, He also asked if the respective merits of the Shand Mason and Merry weather engines had been considered. Or Tucker, the Chairman of the Committee explained the present position of affiira. The money had been promised and it should now b& collected. The con* aent of the Fire Brigade Association should also be obtained to the Council proouting any Buitable engine. ggENQINEEB. This matter ag*ln came up, Or R. Frledlander wanting to know what arrangements were to be made. At the Mayor's request the Oierk briefly explained. He desired to see Mr Fooka In order to oms to an arrangement tha.t would be satisfactory to the Works Committee, He asked for a few dayo extension of time, beoause he did not like to go on business t:> man who was laid up; After . aome desultory dlsoussloc Or Thomas moved, that the extension of time as asked for be granted. Or Soott seconded. Or Bird did not now know whether it" would be advisable to bring forward the motion he had previously tabled. Ha had acen Mr Fooks on- englnearin » buaineso, Mr BeaJdell having sent lura, aad he supposed Mr Braddell would have to pay Mr Fooks for the work done, Taer*
fore he dfd not know IE it would be fair * to deduct any salary. Cr Williamson would bring forward a motion and see how many council -.rtwere inclined to vote awcy money for which they had received no return. He moved, '• that the Council graals tha Town Clerk time to nwke. hia arr.-v.ige-nrnts regarding tho Beivloea of an Engineer, tc tbo terms of the achedu'e of duties, with the understanding th.-»t no salary be paid for such a^r vices, till the Council have those services." Or Friedlander made bod to second the amendment. He bad been given to tmderßtaod that tbe services of either Mr Fjoka or Mr Baxter wpuid be at the disposal of the Works Committee. If the Coacoil had thought that thsy ware not to have tha services of an Engineer they would not have given the additional salary of £75. It was monstrous that they should have to pay the salary of an Engineer and then have to give notice to the Town Olerk when one was wanted, He thought the Olerk should accept the amendment as he could not expect payment for the time tbat elapsed before making his arrangeinsnts. In reply to Of Thomas the minute m reference to the appointment of Mr BraddeU|aß " Cleik and Engineer" wm read. Or Tooker said that a great deal had been said abont squandering mony, but ha wanted to know who equandered the £60. They oould not get out of the fact that Mr Braddeil had been appointed Engineer, and had undertaken the duties of tbe office; They could not behave as they liked, or they might find that the man would turn round and sue them Or Roberta opposed the amendmant. When the appointment wbs made it was understood that, whenever necessary Mr Brtddel ehould call m the services of Mr Fooks or Mr Baxter, but they oonld not expect an engineer to be always waiting on the Works Committee. He asked if any engineer would do all the work for £75 a year. He thought it only reasonable to grant the Clerk's request . Or Bird, although the amendment was oarrying oat his views, would, after Or Tucker's statement, have to oppose it. Or Scaly said tbat some Councillors were very willing to talk retrenchment but they did not praotise it. The officers were appointed according to the schedule ' of duties, and no matter what any conn* oillor might have understood they oould not go beyond that schedule. It seemed to him that they had appointed an engineer, but were not receiving the services of one. Some gentlemen believed they did not require an engineer, bat tb&t was beside tbe question which was tbat- they should have the services they were paying . for j if they did not, then they were giving away the burgesses' money; He would support the amendment bacauao it gave the Clerk time to make- arrangements, and the Gounoii would not have to pay any salary during the time that was loat. Or Scott did not think the amendmont fair because tbe clerk had been laboring tinder the same mistake — if it was amis take— aa a good many of the Councillors. It was •musing to hear Cr Williamson throwing out threats about squandering the ratepayers' money when he had been prominent in* voting £50 to Mr Fooks. He was not going to be frightened out of voting m the way he thought right. Or Williamson said that he had been attacked personally and he would have to ask the Mayor's indulgence to reply. Or Reid reiterated his opinion that the olerk should have had all his arrangements completed. Or Thomas said that the business of tho Council seemed to be to do things, and; then undo them. Five months ago they passed eulogluma on theic servants, and* said they were the best men m New Zealand, and they voted one a retaining fee. Then the Oouncll went m for retrenchment and informed tbe men they mast go. He told the Council at that time they would get into » mess. They had now appointed Mr Bf add ell and the choomstauces were as Cr Tucker had itated, that Me Fooks or Mr Baxter would be oalled )n,{should their services be wanted, but no arrangements' had then been made with either of them. It was all very well to talk about the schedule of duties but he would like to see the man who could do all the work set forth m it. He deprecated what had been said about the money voted to Mr Fooks ; that gentleman deserved It all, and a good deal more. If they passed the amendment they would be acting illegally. They had got rid of one Engineer by paying him, and they were now trying to get rid of another by not piying him. Cr Williamson Bald he was not ashamed of the part he took m voting the £50 to Mr Fooks, who was entitled to every penny of it. He told the Oounoii at the time that it was for them to either grant or refuse it. They granted it, and it now came with a very bad grace from^ Councillors to talk about it. However, he waa quite prepared to take any blame over it, but be was not prepared to vote money for services that had not been rendered. If the Oterk said that he did not want any salary till he arranged with an engineer then it would have been proper, but some weak thing was brought forward that people had gone to the Engineer and Mr Braddeil would have to pay. If Mr Braddeil did not get the salary would the Council object to pay tbe Engineer the small sum for these services 1 The promoters of the motion were not there m the interests of the ratepayers! but m those of Mr Braddeil. (Or Thomas; "No.") Or Williamson :" I say it again ." He main tamed that it was the Council's intention that the services of a professional engineer •hould be available. The amendment would mean no unfairness to Mr Braddell, who ehould suffer for his own neglect He asked Cxa to be reasonable and to act as they would m their own private affairs. If thiß money had to come out of their own pockets they would act differently However, if they did not agree to the amendment it would not affect him much ; the money would not come out o£ his pocket except as regarded his share of the rates. Some one had raised the question of law, but if Mr Braddeil liked to turn round m that way, the Council could also turn round and give him notice of dismissal, Cr Williamson's amendment was then Sut to the meeting and carried. For : Irs Beid, Scaly, Bird, Friedlander and Williamson. Against : Crs Scott, Thomas, Boberts and Tucker. When the accounts came up at a later stage m the eveniDg, the item for Engi neer's salary was deducted, after a good deal of diacu6sion. TESTIMONIAL The letter drawn up by a Committee, expressing appreciation of the services rendered to the Council by Mr Fooks was adopted, and the Mayor was appointed to sign the document. FIEB ENGINE. The following motion was adopted, after having been re-cist several timea— " That a Committee, consisting of the Mayor and Or Williamson, be appointed to draw up a letter to the Canterbury Fire Jaourance Association, requeatiug . permission for the Council to seleot, after trial, either a Merry weather or a ShandMaaon engine as the Counoil may think fit," MISCELLANEOUS. I Accounts were passed for payment, tome miscellaneous bus ness transacted, ' and the Council adjourned,
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Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1841, 15 May 1888, Page 2
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3,848ASHBURTON BOROUGH COUNCIL. Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1841, 15 May 1888, Page 2
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