BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2183, 6 May 1908, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

FORTNIGHTLY MEETING. Tho usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night in the .Council Chamber^,when there were present His Worship the Mayor (In the chair), and Crs. Williams, Mann, Darton, Bright, 'Whinray, Somervell, Sawyer, and Pettio. Mr. Darton took his seat for the first time, and having signed the customary declaration, was welcomed by the chairman. A considerable quantity of correspondence was received and dealt with. REPORTS. The nightwatcliman (Mr W. Fraser) reported that since last meeting there had been no fires in tho borough. Tho overser (Mr. M. Morgan) reported as follows: “Wi Pere Street: At yom; request 1 have prepared the following estimate for this street, from Ormond Road to tho bridge. There is a fall of nine feet, which is ample to take all water that might bo brought to that point in Ormond Road. I estimate the cost of formation and gravelling Wi Pere Street from Ormond Read to the bridge, together with the lowering of Stout Street, at—Formation, complete, £97 10s; gravelling roadway and footpath, £l7B 10s; total cost, £276. ' Temporary work from Ormond Road to Stout Street— Formation and gravelling, £49. The gravelling on this work is light, as it is probable it will have to be altered in the near future.

“Esplanade Road: This road leading from Wainui Road to the little bridge is at present much lower at one point than the reclamation work being done by the Harbor Board. When this work is completed it will be necessary to raise the road, aa suitable material is now available. I would agk your Council's advice as to filling it in at the present time, as the water will soon be over the road. On the other hand, the water will keep the new filling very wet and boggy, which would probably be worse than tho water in tho meantime. “Herbert Road: Tho paths in this road aro formed up, but no gravel is yet available. ■ “Roebuck Road Bridge: The work of fencing the approaches of this bridge is in hand. “Parau Street Footbridge: This bridge has been put in good order. “Stout Street: Tho upper end of Stout Street having got in bad repair, I have repaired same with hard burnt bricks from Mr. Devery’s brickyard. “Ballance Street: The hill part of this road has been considerably torn with the water rushing down the centre of the road. I have trimmed up the road to turn the water into tho channel, but it badly needs some gravel to hold it together. “Tarring: The footpaths on the south side of Stout Street are being tarred with the second coat, from the bridge to Sheehan Street, and the paths on the north side aro being trimmed up, as walking there was very diflicult. The patlis in Grey Street from Gladstone Roati to Childers Road have been tarred with two coats of tar. The path in Fitzgerald Street has been tarred from the bridge to opposite Clifford Street with one coat-. The path from Rawari Street oil the Esplanade to Wainui Road is also tarred with one coat of tar, but gravel is coming to hand very slow for the remainder of the paths up Wainui Road, which will bo tarred as soon as the path can be made ready. X Yiope to hare all the patlis and work authorised to be tarred completed in a short time, if tho weather continues favorable. The borough in general is receiving attention.” , . It was decided, on the motion of Cr. Williams/seconded by Cr. Pettie, that the work on Wi Pere Street bo proceeded with immediately. Cr. Sawyer said that the only remedy for the supplying of gravel was that the Council should acquire trucks. He moved that the Works Committee enquire into tho matter. Cr. Whinray moved as ail amendment that representations be made to the Minister for Railways to provide the necessary trucks and engine to bring in the” metal. The resolution was carried. The chairman proposed that tho overseer proceed with tlie necessary work of raising the Esplanade road, as referred to in the report. This was seconded by Cr. Williams and carried. GENERAL BUSINESS. The usual accounts were passod for payment. It was resolved that Crs. Williams, Maim, Darton, and Bright be a committee to attend to the furnishing of tlie new offices. . It was proposed by the chairman that the rates, as laid before the Council, bo the Tates for the year. It was also stated that the total rate was just under 3s. The motion was agreed to.. Cr. Darton referred to tho prospect of getting metal supplies from a site on Whataupoko adjacent to Gray’s Hill, .miles from the borough boundary. ' The Inspector was instructed to accompany Cr*. Darton to tlie site and to report upon 'the quality and quantity of stone available. At the conclusion of the business of the Council Cr. Bright, in a feeling speech, referred to the fact that it was the last evening on which obey would have 'Mr Townley in the chair, a matter which was deeply regretted by tlie Council. He referred to Mr Townley’ continuous service of thirtyone years and to the unswerving courtesy which had always been received from him as a chairman. Tlie speaker concluded his remarks by moving that it he placed on record. “That on the eve of his retirement from the Mayoral chair tho Council desires to place on record its high appreciation of the services rendered to the Borough by Mr. John Townley during his 31 years of continuous service as Councillor and Mayor of the Borough. His unswerving courtesy in the conduct of public business, his incessant devotion to the duties of the office, and his many acts of friendship, kindness, and hospitality will bo long cherished by the" people amongst whom lie has lived and labored.” Cr. Whinray seconded the motion and in doing so said that Or. Bright had given voice to the sentiments, not, only of the Council, hut of the people generally. Each of the councillors present added tlicir expressions of esteem anti respect and Cr. .Bright requested that the motion should stand in Cr. Whinray’s name, as senior member of tlie Council.

Mr Townley said that ho experienced great difficulty in replying to the many kind' things which' had been said. -It had always been a pleasure for him to meet the Council, and it was the duty of the Mayor to he courteous and considerate to the councillors. After briefly reviewing his term of office, the speaker concluded by heartily thanking the Councillors for the many kindnesses which ho had received at their hands, and also .for the manner in which the present resolution had been proposed and received.

Cr. Bright apologised for the absence of Cr. Sheridan through illness and the meeting concluded with cheers for. Mr and Mrs Townley. [A considerable portion of our report has been unavoidably held over.]