BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 87, 10 September 1874, Page 4

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

LYTTELTON. Monday, September 7,

The usual weekly meeting was held on Monday last, at the Council Chamber. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and all the councillors.

The minutes of last meeting having been read and confirmed, the following correspondence was read : From T V. Whitmore and thirty-six burgesses, asking the Mayor to call a public meeting that the ratepayers might have an opportunity of hearing the views of the various candidates.

From the Secretary for Public Works re the Governor’s Bay road, between the town and Corsair Bay, stating Mr Fenton had completed the survey for the Government, and that the property would probably be purchased by the Government. From Public Works Office, informing the Council that the second instalment of the Government grant was payable. A memorandum was also received, with Gazette,

from Mr Maude, stating that Mr Thornton had instructions to at once provide a berth for the Halcyon or other small steamer trading to the Bays, and that conveniences for travellers were ordered to facilitate passengers’ movements. Accounts, amounting to £lll 15s 2d, were passed for payment. The clerk stated he had received during the week £4l 2s. Or Rouse said he wanted to drain his stable and was going to lay down pipes for that purpose. Two-inch pipes would do for himself, but he thought that the other residents might join him, larger pipes put down, and the drain made useful for others as well as himself.

Or Graham thought that Or Rouse was right, and such a drain would be of great service.

It was decided—“ That the works committee be asked to report on the matter at the next weekly meeting.”

Or Graham called attention to the fact that serious accidents might be expected to occur to boys climbing over the fence at Miles’ corner, and suggested that the Government should be communicated with on the subject. The following resolution —“ That a letter on the subject be written to the Government,” was moved by Cr Graham, seconded by Or Kenner, and carried. Or Allwright moved —“ That the advice of the Borough Solicitor be taken as to the nominations rejected by the Mayor being valid or not, as such nominations were received by the town clerk and,posted on the board in conformity with the Act, and no objection was made at the time such nominations were tendered,” He trusted the Council would pass the resolution. He would not speak now as to-morrow night would be a better opportunity, but might mention that in all other municipalities, nominations were tested before being publicly posted. Cr Grange seconded the resolution which, after a few remarks from the Mayor, was carried.

His Worship mentioned that Mr Parkinson had made an application to the Resident Magistrate’s Court to renew his slaughtering license in Dam pier’s Bay, and he saw by the report that the Resident Magistrate would like to have the Council’s opinion on the matter.

Considerable discussion took place on the matter, and it was thought better that, as the matter was not formally before the Council, they should not interfere. Cr Kenner then moved, and Cr Rouse seconded —“ That a vote of thanks be passed to the three retiring members of this Council.” Cr Allwright would oppose the motion, and objected to have his name included. He did not think they should vote thanks to one another. He did not know that the ratepayers approved of their actions, and perhaps the meeting to-morrow night might censure them, Cr Grange thought that they should accept the compliment, forget '.their wranglings in the past, and part good friends. Cr Graham coincided with Cr Grange in his opinion, and thought that to reject the Council’s thanks would be to treat them with contempt. Cr Allwright moved, as an amendment—- “ That the words three Councillors be struck out, and the words nine Councillors substituted.” The amendment, on being put, was lost. The original resolution was then carried, and the Council adjourned. KAIAPOI. Tuesday, September 8. The ordinary meeting of this Council was held on Tuesday evening. Present —The Mayor, Crs McDonald, Blackwell, Beharrell, Wearing, Parnham, and Funston. Letters were read : From the Secretary for Public Works, stating that £125 would be paid to the credit of the Council, and the matter of handing the £SOO voted for protective works to the Council would be considered. A letter was read from Mr B. Packwood, asking for an advance of £BO on contract for forming and metalling Hilton street, the same being endorsed by his security. On the motion of Cr Blackwell, seconded by Cr McDonald, the application was agreed to. The balance-sheet showed the receipts for the fortnight to be from rates £lO 15s 9d, and a total credit in hand of £196 Is Id. Cr Parnham moved, Cr Beharrell seconded —“ That the accounts, viz, foreman’s (salary) £4, town clerk’s (salary and commission) £4 9s 3d, F. Pearce (carpenter’s work) £2 3s 9d. Pearson (labor) £1 7s, W. Smith (do) £1 16s, A. Cameron (do) £2 12s 6d, G. Gaskey £2 12s 6d, J. Harper (carting) £3 3s 3d, B. Smith (do) £2 12s 3d, and B. Packwood (on contract) £3O ; total £54 16s sd, be passed.” —Agreed to. The Mayor drew attention to the state of the swing bridge, and the fact that the footbridge approaches were still unprotected. He had written a private note to Mr Joynt, as the member of the provincial district for Kaiapoi, stating that the Council received no replies to their letters, and asking that he would desire the Government to perform the ordinary business functions of public bodies in replying to letters sent to it. Cr M‘Donald moved, Cr Parnham seconded —“ That the clerk write to the Secretary for Public Works, drawing attention to the unsafe state of the swing bridge and approaches of the footbridge, which required that immediate steps be taken to prevent accidents.” Carried. Cr Wearing, chairman of the works committee, reported that the foreman and his men were preceding with repairs to the footpaths. He had considered it advisable to procure all the timber which he could in the town suitable fur kerbing, which was, however, insufficient to complete the work required. The Hilton street contract was being carried out in a satisfactory manner. The footpath on North road would be commenced next day. It was necessary to extend the footpath on the east of Charles street to the footbridge. The report was received, discussed, and on the motion of Cr Wearing, seconded by Or Parnham, the clause referring to the Charles street footpaths it was agreed should be acted upon. Cr Funston, chairman of the sanitary committee, reported that an interview had been held with Mr Beswick, and amicable arrangements made to abate the nuisance. The report was received.

The Mayor drew attention to the necessity for collating the bye-laws of the borough, and having them printed ; also, that he intended to convene a meeting to swear in members of the fire police.