Borough Council.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 367, 21 May 1903, Page 5

Borough Council.

The adjourned statutory meeting of the Alexandra Borough Council was held on Monday evening last, when there were present—Mr J. Kelman (mayor-elect), Crs Schaumann, Anderson, Laidlaw, Ryan, Appleton, M'Math j and Buchanan.

The business of the statutory meeting was for the purpose of installing the Mayor-elect (Mr J, Kelman). Or Appleton was appointed chairman, and, in installing the Mayor, said that Mr Kelman had in the past filled the position with credit to himself and to the town, and it was very satisfactory to know that he had consented to again accept office, especially in view of the fact that the waterworks were not yet completed. Crs Schaumann, Ryan, and others referred in similar terms to the able manner in which His Worship had fulfilled the duties of his office, and each of the speakers expressed the hope that he would be found in the position for many years to come. His Worship thanked the speakers for the kind remarks they had made. He also thanked the Council for the assistance they had given him in the past, and he hoped that they would work together as harmoniously iin the future as they had done in the past. He referred to ? the fact that they would have a shortage to meet in the waterworks loan account, but if Obey pulled together they would be able to carry the scheme through successfully. He spoke of improving the recreation ground, and he thought that a Reserves Conservation Society should be formed among the citizens to carry out this project. A drainage scheme was also required, but this would be considered later on.

The ordinary meeting was held subsequently, the same members being present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Inward correspondence was read as follows: —From Mr R. Hay, engineer, re matters relating to the waterworks. —From Mr J. Rivers, re complaints made re non-supply of water. —From Stationmaster, Ida Valley, re railage on pipes, —From the secretary of the Molyneux Hydraulic Company, complaining that the company were not getting their proper supply of water. —From Mr Jas. Kirby, Naseby, thanking the Council for having elected him as their representative on the Naseby Hospital Board, and enclosing a report of the last meeting of the Board.

The inward correspondence was received an the outward approved. Moved by Or M'Math and seconded by Cr Schaumann—That the dayman be instructed to pay particular attention to the division of water for the Hydraulic Company and the town.— Carried.

On the motion of Or Ryan, seconded by Or M'Math, it was resolved that Mr J. Kirby be thanked for having sent reports re Naseby hospital meeting. Some discussion took place re the necessity for more lamps in the street, and it was resolved that a lamp be placed at Mr D. Bringans' corner. Resolved That the works committee be authorised to deal' with the gravelling required in Shannon-street, and other places as mentioned in the dayman's report. Ors Appleton, Buchanan, Spencer, and the Mayor were appointed a committee to draw up bye-laws re water supply and submit to next meeting of the Council, It was decided that the draft of the bye-laws after being passed by the Council should be submitted to My Bartholomew, solicitor, for revisal. The Mayor brought up the question of forming a Reserves Conservation Society, and after some discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Or M'Math seconded by Or Ryan, that a public meeting be called for the purpose of forming a Reserves Conservation Society. On the motion of Or Schaumann, seconded by Or M'Math, it was resolved that the Inspector of Nuisances be written to re complaints made about the state of some back-yards in the town.

Some discussion took place regarding the question of approaching the Government for a subsidy for the waterworks. - On the motion of Or Laidlaw, seconded by Cr Schaumann, it was resolved that the Hon. the Minister of Mines be written to re subsidy for waterworks, and that copies of the letter be sent to the Premier and Mr J. Bennet, M.H.R. Cr Buchanan moved and Cr Anderson seconded That the County Oouncil be approached by the Council with reference to obtaining a proportion of the Government vote of £4OO for road maintenance, Clyde to Tuapeka boundary.—Carried. It was resolved that the Mayor and Cr Buchanan be appointed a deputation to wait on the County Oouncil, re the above matter, at their next meeting. Resolved—That in future the Council meetings be held at 7.30 p.m. On the motion of Cr Appleton, seconded by Cr M'Math, it was decided that an escape valve be pkced on the upper line of pipes to convey any sui plus water to the town race. Tenders were then opened and dealt with, The tender of Mr A. Bruce was accepted for pitching gutter in Ennisstreet. No tender was accepted for street formation in |Brandon-street, as it was considered the prices were excessive. The statement of balances was read as follows:—Dr general account,

£B6l 16s Id; cr charities account, £9B 6s 6d; cr cemetery -account, £45 lis 2d; cr interest account, £297 Is 8d; cr contractors deposit account, £65 17s; or library account, £9 6s lOd; total debit balance. I £350 12s lid. Accounts amounting to £l2l 5s 9d (including £IOO on account waterworks) were passed for payment. The Oouncil then rose.