MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF PORT CHALMERS.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2258, 2 August 1870, Page 2

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF PORT CHALMERS.

(from a correspondent.) August Ist, 1870. The first regular meeting of the new Town Council was held in the Town Hall last night. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Hugh M‘Demid, and a full Council: Councillors Fernie, M'Kinnon, Ennis, Miller, |Law, Clark, Gordon, and M'CuUum, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Councillor Miller objected to Councillor Femie taking his seat. The Mayor considered the late Council condoned the offence by their granting him leave of absence after his legal time had expired. ;He then took his seat. The Mayor said we were in a very good position as to funds, for he found there was a balance sheet of L6O at the Hank, L2OO rates still remained to be collected, the rents of municipal estate, Ll5O, and the Government grant of Ll6O. By passing the bye-laws a sum of L 75 would be raised for licenses, &c. He hoped to see the Town Belt and rural lands bring in L2CO or thereabout. This year’s rates would amount to L 450, and Ll6O he considered due from the Government, would make a grand total of L 1,455. If this was properly spent he thought they could go along without borrowing, unless for reproductive works—such as water supply, &c. ; and he thought a few repairs in George street, about eleven chain*, at the expense of LIBO (if the owners of property benefittod by it) would pay itself say, L9O. The path to the Post Office also might be repaired for a small sum. —The correspondence was then >ead. T1 e surveyor’s report was read and discussed, and Councillor Miller wished it only to be received, but Councillor Feruie moved, and Councillor M'Kinnon seconded, that the report be adopted. After a very angry debate it was adopted. A letter from Mr J. Morris, claiming a month’s wages for wrongful dismissal as the day man, was postponed for a special meeting to consider. A letter from Mr Crickmore with respect to the tovn pump being out of repair, was referred to the public works committee. With regard to the construction of Constitution street. Councillor Ennis wished that tenders would be called for at once, but Councillor Law moved, and Councillor M'Cullum seconded, that the specifications lie on the table until next meeting. This was carried. The com* mittee was then appointed for public work; • Messrs Ennis, Law, and Clark. Finance committee : Messrs M'Kinnon, M'Culhnr, and Gordon. Or. Miller gave notice that he would move that LSOOO be borrowed; and Councillor Fernie gave notice to move that certain streets be formed. Councillor Femie moved that the chairman leave the seconded by Councillor Clark. Carried. Councillor Clark was appointed ’chairman; Councillor Fernie moved that a salary of LSO be paid to the Mayor. There being no seconder, Councillor Mi ler said there should be something allowed fop expenses, and proposed which was seconded by Couffi cillor Law and carried.’ ; Auditors’ salaries, L2 lOs each for the ensujng year, was carried by the ousting vote of the Mayor. As to the Town Clerk’s' salary, Councillor Clark moved, and Councillor Fernie seconded that it remain as before—LUO, with the understanding thatjhe should also act as assessor for that sum. It was postponed for inquiry whether he can act assessor or not. Councillor Law gave notice of motion that tenders ho called for forming Constitution street, and the Council adjourned until Wednesday, the 3rd instant, at 7 o’clock in the evening.