BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2066, 18 December 1907, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The Borough Council mot last night. Present: His AVorship the Alayor (in the chair), ami Crs. Williams, Mann, Aliller, Pettio, Sawyer, Whinray, and Sheridan. Air. H. J. Finn wrote stating that a carter had deposited several loads :>f most inflammable material near bis house, and lie was most uneasy, that if it was set on fire, his residence, as well as others in tlie neighborhood, would bo in danger. He asked that the matter be attended to at once.—The Clerk stated that tlie stuff was deposited 70 feet from tin house, and nothing could lie clone.— It was decided to reply to this effect. Air. G. Victor Beck wrote in reference to building a camera obscura in Gisborne similar to tlio one erected at the Exhibition. He applied for permission to place it near the Rotunda by the Haiti bridge.—Tlio ALa.yor said it would not interfere with anyone walking along the paths. It woulld not obscure the view of the river. Tlio applicant undertook to leave the place as he found it.—Tlio application was granted. . Messrs Trayes Bros., Auckland, advised that they wore erecting ail up- . to-date crushing plant at their quarries, Rangitoto Island, and would shortly be in a position to supply unlimited quantities of bluestone metal. They wanted to discuss prices.—lt was decided that the firm bo islced to quote a price delivered at Gisborne wharf. Mr. J. A. Gilrutli, Government veterinarian, wrote in reference to the xppointment of a head butcher at Alio abattoirs as manager. He point’id out that this was not a desirable proceeding, as he would be responsible to no superior officer to see that betid his work efficiently and kept the office in a sanitary condition. The Domicil would understand that by this lie did'-mot cast any reflection upon the present head butcher, who is a very capable man. It- was the principle to which objection was taken. There should be some preson between the actual operatives and the Council. Ho hoped to have Air. Aloore is inspector and manager, and with Mr. Burton supervising the whole, it would be, in tlie writer’s opinion, tlie very best possible arrangement. This would also avoid friction betweeii an officer with tlio authority of t'he Council and with one under the Government.—After considerable discussion it was decided to continue tlio present arrangement. The dog-tax ccl’.lector. Air. R. Tlielwall, reported that he experienced great difficulty in collecting the dog tax owing to the absence of any proper system of dealing with stray dogs. As a number were allowed to roam about the streets, it was difficult to establish ownership. He recommended tlie advisableness of doubling the tax as a remedy. He believed that this procedure would result in raising the standard of the canine 'race ir the borough and be the means of wiping out- a number of useless cur; now infesting the streets.—lt was decided to get further information and erect a pound. Requests for payment of salaries for two weeks were received from two 3ni] I’oyees.—The Clerk stated that the nien had left.—Cr. Alann moved that tlie request be refused.—The Engineer stated that- one man left without notice, and lie demanded a fortnight’s wages. He said this was monstrous, and declined tlie request. —Cr. AVhinray said the present trouble arose through all employees having been granted a fortnight’s holiday.—The Alayor gave notice to move to rescind the motion granting holidays.—Cr. Mann’s motion was carried.

The Department of Labor forwarded a copy of tlie Shops and Offices Act Amendment Act, 1907. The statutory closing day for shops can be determined by a poll of the electors. The Labor Departemnt forwarded a copy of the Factories Act, 1907, in reference to tlie half-holiday.—A largely-signed petition was received on the subject, asking for a. vote to be taken.—Cr. Aliller moved that providing the petition was in order the poll bo taken as soon as could be conveniently arranged after the holidays. —Carried.

Air L. T. Symes wrote in reference to a water-trougli at tlie corner of Balffince and Russell streets.—lt was -decided to bring up the application (when the question' of water troughs came up about Alarcli next. Air. Clarkson, Haiti, applied for water-main •connection. He required temporary assistance, and suggested tlie U6e of a liosel—Or. AA’hinray suggested that the Council should send a man with a hose and he could fill the tanks and get over the difficulty temporarily.—Cr. Sawyer proposed that the tanks be filled for 2s fid.— Carried.

The question of a culvert at the top end of Gladstone road was re ferrod to, the Public (Vor.cs Committee to report to next meeting. A letter was received from the Railway Department stating that a i d ill g would be. put in at Lytton road for the Council at a cost of £253, and the land, about one acre, granted at a peppercorn rental. The offer was accepted, and the Department would bo advised when it will be required. Unless special business crops up, tbero will be no meeting till January 14th. The Mayor referred to the state of Gladstone road. It was, he said, almost fit for a paddock of oats, and was a terrible nuisance- to shopkeepers. Authority was given for it t< be swept from Grey street towards the Post Oflico. Accounts amounting to £2026 19s 2d were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned.