AKAROA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 347, 14 November 1879, Page 2

AKAROA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Wednesday, November 12

The usual fortnightly meeting of this Council was held in the offices, Balguerie street, on the above date.

Present—His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Crs Penlington, Meech, Bruce, Henning, Cullen, Bridge and Wiggins.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. The Clerk read the outward correspondence. Letters were read—

From Mr A; T. Johnson* regarding to the fencing of a portion of the Ashburton Reserves, stating that • the cost would amount to £21 4s for 80 chains.

The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the receipt of the letter.

From Messrs Matson and Co., offering to undertake the letting the Ashburton Reserves at five per cent on tlie first year's rent.

From Messrs Edraiston Bros, and Gundry, of Ashburton, offering to do the same at 2-k per cent.

From Mr J. H. Wood, at five per cent. From Messrs J. T. Ford and Co., on the same subject, asking for further particulars.

Or Wiggins proposed that the offer of Messrs Ediuiston and 00.,& c., be accepted. He thought that a local firm would be able to devote more attention to the business than a Chrisfehurch firm, which had larger affairs in hand. Cr Cullen seconded the motion,»which was carried. '. - From Mr C. F. Barker; acknowledging receipt of the .Council's letter withdrawing the Reserves from his hands, and enclosing the conditions, &c. To be acknowledged. From the Treasury, advising payment into the Bank of New Zealand of subsidy for the half-year ending December 31, 1879, amounting to £124 9s Bd, less a deduction of £41 13.S 4d charged against the Council for survey of reserves. CHARITABLE AID. An application for charitable aid was received, and the Council went into committee to consider it. - It was resolved to defer the consideration ofthe matter till next meeting. FINANCE. . ; The Chairman of the Finance Committee reported that the overdraft had been reduced to a little over £200.

A considerable discussion ensued on the financial position. It was suggested that during the present state of affairs the lighting should be dispensed with.

Gr Henning thought it would be absurd to leave the town in darkness while so much money was due to them. Let them make an effort to get in the money due them for the footpaths and the outstanding rates. On the footpaths being mentioned the usual stereotyped discussion took place, and the legal aspect of the question /was go/ib into', at considerable, length. Ul.ti,- - nVatcily tyiree resolutions were,,agreed x4 ; t6 the following efilefct:— ■•-* -. rf ,:'v. v : l.|That the' Chairman of the 'Liglitirig" Comtnittoe see thq contractor for the Jartips and ascertain, whether ha js wiljingito' ■ tonnit the lighting for a time. '■ ' 2. That the Clerk visit those from whom money is due on account of footpath's, and inform them that summonses will be issued"forthwith.if the yamaunta ja?e pot paid. (The Cr , Btucip vcfted' against this proposition.) 3. That all rates unpaid after December 1 be sued for. HALF-YEABLY ACCOUNTS. The Mayor reported that the half-yearly accounts up to September 30 had not yet been placed in the hands of the auditors. He had done his best to get them completed, but the Clerk yet failed to carry out his instruction. I The Clerk made an explanation. . . ~ Cr Wiggins moved that the Clerk be directed to forward the balance-sheet to the auditors at once. Carried.

The Council then adjourned,