MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

Cromwell Argus, Volume VI, Issue 290, 2 June 1875, Page 5

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Town Council took place on Friday evening, 29th ultimo. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Arndt, Taylor, Talboys, and Whetter. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous ordinary, and a special meeting re bye-laws, held on 21st ult., were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE, The correspondence outward consisted of letter to Goldfields Secretary regarding validity of Corporation Bye-laws ; to Oliver and Ulph, drawing their attention to the apparent inferiority of last consignment of water-pipes ; to the Superintendent, enclosing a report from the Board of Health. Inward comprised letters from Mr F. J. Wilson respecting action necessary to be taken in the matter of water works ; from the police officer in charge notifying that the building set apart by Government for the use of the Fire Brigade was at the disposal -of that, body, and asking the Council to favorably consider a request to appropriate a smaller building, thereby saving the officers tome inconvenience. . WATERWORKS. Mr Wilson's letter on this subject gave rise to a lengthy conversation. It set forth among other matters that the title to Barker and Strahan's water-rights was n'ot altogether clear, and indicated the steps necessary for the Council to take to protect itself before paying over the purchase money. After a deal of discussion, the following motion by Cr Whetter, seconded by Cr Talboys, was carried—" That Crs Arndt, Taylor, and the Mayor consult with Mr Wilson as to whether the Corporation can pay some of the compensation to Barker and Strahan, and that a letter be forwarded to them (Barker and Strahan) intimating the result." THE FIRE BRIGADE AND POLICE QUARTERS. Constable M'Gann's letter was then dealt with. Although members individually were anxious to cause the police as little inconvenience as possible, it was felt that the Fire Brigade would require the larger building to meet their necessities. It was therefore proposed by Cr Arndt, seconded by Cr Taylor,! and carried—" That the officer in charge bej informed that the Council cannot see its way' to grant his wish, but the Brigade will con- j ■ent to occupy the »iualler building until

Sergeant Cassels vacates that granted by the Government." It was resolved that the Government be written to, urging the necessity for increased police accommodation, and pointing out the worthlessness. of the old buildings for removal. ACCOUNTS. Accounts were presented and passed for payment, as follows:—G. B. Douglas, £4 10s.; Ah Que, £O. CORPORATION DAYMAN. In accordance with resolution of previous meeting, the Public Works Committee reported that Mr John Baker had not conformed with the agreement entered into with the Council, and they expressed themselves as much dissatisfied with his work generally. The report of the Committee was approved. The Public Works Committee were authorised to make other and more satisfactory arrangements for scavenger's work. Ordered, that Mr Goodger be requested to remove manure-heap from his yard, or he would be prosecuted. SEEDS AND SAND. The Works Committee were instructed to make inquiries about suitable seeds or plants, with a view to reclaiming the sand reserve. UNREGISTERED DOGS, ETC. It was made an imperative instruction to the Clerk to prosecute all owners of unregistered dogs and goats. DISTRICT COURT AND GAOI. A petition signed by nearly 300 resident, praying for the establishment of a District Court and Gaol in Cromwell, was laid on the table, approved, and ordered to be forwarded to Mr MacKellar for presentation to the Government. REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH. The following report from the local Board of Health was placed before the Council and approved : Cromwell, May 22, 1875. The Board reports having made the hj If vearly inspection of the town of Cromwell, an I fids much pleasure in being able to give a favorable opinion of its sanitary condition. 1. They find that, with very few except'ons. premises and yards are in a satfefacfc »r« state, and those exceptional irstatice3 will be dealt with immediately. 2. They find a good supply of water in the town race, sufficient for ordinary uses, and apparently of good quality.

3 The Board cainot pass the subject o r water without referring to the action taken hv the Conned to procure a permanent and suitable water supplv by raising raonev on debentures—it beinu; conclusive evidence of the desire of the J 'ouncii to place Cromwell in a better position in that respect. 4 They find the earth-closet system to work satisfactorily, hut the Board regrets to learn ! ht this expenditure absorbs almost the entire ra'es revenue of the Corporation, and has prevented the ordinary work of town improvement from being carried out; 5. The medical practitioners have been invited to furnish reports, which will be found attached hereto.

6 The establishment of an excellent hospital in the district is agreeable evidence of tht> willingness of the public to tax themselves for uivthing tending to lessen the consequences of disease, and we are pleased to know that there are no from sickness thereiu.

7. The Board, in conclusion, ai-e pleased to report an evident sense of security in the town. a feeling which was rudely shaken about 15 months past;, but which the exertions of the Council in its sanitary measures has now completely restored.

Medical Enclosures,

Cromwell, May 22, 1875. Dear Sir,—ln compliance with your request. I have to inform you that within the past three months I have had under treatment six cases of typhoid fever (of a much milder type than characterised the epidemic last autumn), and one of facial erysipelas. In this I have not included any cases brought in from a distance. At the present time the township seems free from disease of any kind, the winter havinf apparently set in.—l am, &c, R. W. Stirling. The Secretary, Board of Health, Cromwell.

Cromwell, May 25, 1875. Gentlemen,—Tn answer to your note of 23rd instant, 1 beg to inform you that I have not any special cases of either infectous or contagion's disease under treatment at the present time. Yours, &c, James Cokse, M.D.