VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1050, 2 June 1882, Page 2

VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.

The annual statutory meeting of the Council was held in the Council Chambers, Clyde, on Wednesday last the 31st inst. The full Council in attendance.

Cr. Colclough took the chair, and opened the meeting by explaining that the business of the meeting was the consideration of the annual balance sheet and the transaction ot ordinary business.

Cr Jolly, the Honorary Treasurer, exp'ained that as the balance sheet had not yet been audited the balance sheet could not be considered.

Cr McGinnis rose and said it was not his intention to contest the question as to whether Cr Colclough was legally or illegally in the Chair, he desired, however, at the outset o the proceedings to enter his protest against Cr Colclough acting as Chai man. He then explained the position of affairs aud suggested that Cr Colclough should vacate the Chair, as any and everything that might be done under his ruling would ba illegal, and instanced the striking of a rate, saying that thougli a rate might be struck the C nioci! would have no power to coder . He Hilly impressed it upon the minds of ihe Council hat in acting as he did it was nut in ihe spirit of obstruction but in the i-de.-ests of the whole body , f the ratepayers Crs. Stronach, Welsford, and Pitches all spoke against Cr Colclough occupying the Gh ir. Crs. J iiy, M.-P„ail, and itlclvc b r in fa.oi of him .eiamiiig it. Ur Colclou i .h spoke at el ear length in Support „f J, 13 po it 1011. liven ually as there was no p, H . si illty of coming to a satisfactory cot euson the Comic 1 adj .nine 1 till 7 p.m., An iiitimaii m to the Uleik being that the opini ui of Mr P. J. Wilson, comity solicitor, be taken on the situation. On resuming at 7 p.m., the Clerk read opinion of Mr Wilson, woich was to the <fl ct that it was very doubtful if Cr Colc<ou gh was legal.y in the Chair, and further that at the in eting nothing but the business relative to the balance sheet could be transacted.

A protest signed by Crs- iM ‘Ginniss, Welsford, Stronaeh, and Pitches was now handed in against the transaction of ordinary business ; these Councillors then left the Chamber. A desultory and aimless conversation now ensued, after which it was proposed and carried that the ordinary business of the Council be proceeded with. The Clerk then commenced to read the minutes of the last proceeding meetings, but afier getting through a few paragraphs it was resolved that the balance of the minutes he read at the next meeting. The Clerk then read schedules of correspoudence—betters from Messrs. M‘Kersey and Co. (owners of the Alexandra punt), and others respecting the opening of the Alexandra bridge were' read, after which it was proposed that the Alexandra bridge be opened on Thursday, June 1, and that it be named (the “Alexndra Bridge.”. After a great deal of bickering and talking it was resolved that Cr. Mfflinniss bo requested to perform the opening ceremony. .Resolved :• That Cr. M'Phail be authorised to sign cheques in place of Cr. Pyke, resigned.

Resolved : That the meeting stand rub journed for 14 days

Cr. Jolly gave notice to the Clerk to call a special meeting of the Council for the 13th June, the day of the adjourned meeting, for the transaction of ordinary business. The meeting then broke up.