BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 98, 23 September 1874, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

■ ■* LYTTELTON. Monday, September 21. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Rouse, Murray, Grange, Young, Buist, Kenner, Hawkins, and Graham. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The inward correspondence was then read and considered as follows: — From Mr G. Thornton, provincial engineer, with reference to the adoption of some plan by which the large accumulation of debris can be prevented from passing down the main drains into the harbor to the serious injury of it by shoaling the water to 4 feet at low water for a considerable distance from the sea wall at the mouth of the iron culverts, and that these accumulations were being removed by the Government at considerable expense, and that it would probably become an annual affair unless some means were taken to obviate it, and suggesting that the best way to mitigate it would be to clear the gullies and gratings periodically of all rubbish and loose rubble. In reference to Mr Thornton’s letter the Mayor stated that that gentleman had sought a personal interview with him on the subject, but he had requested him to put his views into writing, as it opened up a large question. He supposed the only way in which effectually to stop the debris from going into the harbor would be by means of gratings. Three of the gullies had gratings already, but the bars were six inches apart, and of course did not stop small stuff from getting through. If the bars were put sufficiently close to stop the debris, from getting through it was likely to be attended with a possible stoppage of water, and consequently would be dangerous for the town. Cr Grange said that gratings should be put down large enough to stop kerosene tins or things of that size, but agreed with the Mayor that it would be very hazardous to attempt to stop the smaller stuff. Or Hawkins was of opinion that a grating should be put in each gully, the same as that at the mouth of They should certainly do their utmost to prevent the accumulation of rubbish in the harbor compatible with safety for the escape of water. (Jrs Buist and Rouse also took part in the debate. Cr Grange said it would certainly be better to draw the Provincial Engineer’s attention to the fact that gratings were already at the mouths of several of thegullies. He begged to move —“ That the Mayor communicate with the Provincial Engineer, stating what the Council has done in the matter, and that the subject be left in the hands of the Mayor.” Cr Rouse seconded the resolution, which was then put and carried. A letter was read from Sutton and Weastall, asking permission to erect a verandah in London street. The Mayor stated he had granted the request on the usual conditions. From the Secretary for Public Works, re application that had been made by Messrs Miles and Co, Cameron Bros, T. McClatchie and Co, and Joseph McLean, to allow a pipe to be laid to take water from the tank near Messrs Miles and Co’s to the wharf for the use of steam lighters, and stating that the Government would grant the request on condition that they remove the pipes when called on, make good all damages incurred by laying down the pipes, pay the Borough Council the sum of £2 per annum for the water, and not obstruct the railway work in laying them down. It was also pointed out that the best place to lay the pipes was at the west end of Messrs McClatchie and Co’s shed. From the same in answer to his Worship’s letter respecting the dangerous condition of the stone wall over the mouth of the tunnel, stating that the matter was referred to the Railway Engineer. From the same, refusing to allow clay spoil to be deposited on the reclaimed laud. From the Borough Council’s solicitor, Mr H. N. Nalder, in reply to letter of Bth instant, referring to the nomination papers posted at the late election, which were not signed by three burgesses, as required by clause 83 of the Municipal Corporations Act, and stating that the posting of these nominations could be of no avail unless the requirements of the above clause had been strictly complied with, as the following clause 84 provides that no person shall be, or be deemed to be a candidate except those nominated in compliance with the requirements of the foregoing section. From Mr William Clifford, stating timber ordered by Council from Mr Webb, of Laverick’s Bay, was ready four weeks ago, and that Cr Kenner had been apprised of the fact. That an arrangement had been entered into when timber was ordered that it should be shipped in Mr Kenner’s own vessel ; that a verbal order had been given to him (Mr Clifford) to fetch the timber in his vessel, but that on his vessel arriving the Blackwall was there and took the timber, and that he intended to sue the Council for the freight, as his own vessel had been there twice and returned not fully loaded when the Council’s

timber was lying there ready f or shipment. Cr Kenner said Or Grange was present when the timber was ordered in Christchurch. Or Grange said he was certainly present, but took no part in the conversation between Mr Webb and Cr Kenner. Cr Hawkins said he supposed no loss to the Council had been sustained by the timber waiting to come in Cr Kenner’s vessel. The Mayor stated that no real loss had been incurred. Or Kenner said that the timber had been procured at a cheaper rate through his arrangement. From Mr Carder, as secretary of the Lyttelton Regatta Committee, asking the Mayor to call a public meeting, at the Colonists’ Hall, for Tuesday, the 22nd. His Worship stated that he had been unable to call the meeting till Wednesday, as the Colonists’ Hall was engaged on Tuesday. He had called the meeting for Wednesday, 23rd, and would be happy to take the chair on that occasion. From Mr T. Greig, asking permission to deposit surplus earth in any vacant space near the new Post-office. In answer the clerk was instructed to write saying the Council had no power in the matter. From H. Heywood, clerk of works at Lyttelton Gaol, asking permission to close the road leading from Oxford street to St David’s street by the gaol iwall until the retaining wall was completed. Cr Rouse said it would be a great inconvenience to the public. Cr Grange said the application would not have been made if there had not been urgent necessity for it. Cr Hawkins moved, “ That the application be granted.” It was for the general benefit of the town. 'Jr Grange seconded the motion. Cr Graham proposed it should only be stopped whilst prisoners were at work. Cr Buist also spoke. The resolution was then put and carried. From D. H. McKay, asking for one of the Council’s cottages. Referred to estates’ committee. From Mr Jno. Cole, asking permission to erect verandah at corner of London and Dublin streets. The application was granted on the usual conditions. From Mr W. J. Mcllroy, asking the Council if they were willing, and on what terms they would lease the corner section in Oxford’and London streets. After some discussion, the matter was referred to the estates committee. From Mr Nalder, concerning a deed of transfer from the New Zealand Provision Company to Mr Mcllroy, and asking for the Mayor’s signature, which was granted, and it was duly signed. Captain Chapman had an interview with the Council, in reference to having been overrated on house property for 1873 and 1874. The Mayor gave full explanation as to the circumstances, and Cr Buist moved and Cr Young seconded : “That 25s be refunded to Captain Chapman, and that the house rated for £2O, be struck off the roll 1874.” After a long and desultory discussion, the motion was carried. The weekly report of the works committee was read and fully discussed, and the following works ordered to be carried out. Moved by Cr Rouse, seconded by Cr Grange, and carried :—“ That the sum of £3O be granted to the works committee for the purpose of continuing the Dampier’s Bay road, and that the road in question be specially reported upon by the works committee. Cr Rouse asked if more was to be done to the Catholic Cemetery road. After a long discussion, in which Crs Graham, Grange, Rouse, and Buist took part, Cr Kenner moved—“ That the approach to the Roman Catholic Cemetery be metalled.” The motion was carried, with three dissentients. Or Rouse moved, Cr Grange seconded, and it was carried, that the road in front of Mr M. Allen’s be attended to. The clerk stated that he had received during the past fortnight— Government grant, £250 ; rents, £5 ss; rates, £B9 6s; incidental, 5s ; making £344 16s, Accounts amounting to £95 6s were passed for payment. The Mayor then drew attention to the fact as this was the first meeting of the Council after the annual elections, it was necessary to elect new sub-committees, and stated that Messrs Murray, Chalmers and Buist had been duly elected to serve as Councillors, and that they respectively received 154, 94, and 83 votes. Cr Young moved, and Or Buist 'seconded —“ That the matter of electing necessary sub-committees be an order of the day for next Monday.” After some discussion, this was agreed to. Cr Rouse said they were all aware that a cottage in the rear of Cuff and Graham’s store, was used as a casual ward for the town, and that a man who had lately had his leg amputated was lying there. The man’s life was in danger from the filthy condition of the yard outside the cottage. This yard was attached to that part of Mr Savage’s hotel, which was used as an immigration barrack. Eight families lived in this place, and there* was only one closet for them, situated in this yard, and containing a five gallon pan. The stench was terrible. After amputation bad odours of this sort tended to produce erysipelas, which often proved fatal, and the sick man showed strong symptoms of this disease and was by no means out of danger. Besides this there was another great danger to all of typhus fever breaking out amongst the immigrants. He hoped that the town scavengerwouldbeatonce ordered to empty the pan every night and so lessen the evil. There was also a heap of potato peelings and other refuse in a state of decay, which ought at once to be removed. The Mayor thoroughly agreed with Cr Rouse, and Cr Grange also spoke strongly as to the best method to be adopted to abate the nuisance. The clerk of works stated that the town scavenger attended to the closet twice a week, and last week three times. Cr Rouse moved—“ That the town scavenger attend to the closet every night.” This was seconded by Cr Grange and carried. His Worship stated that he would do his best to carry out the wishes of the Council, and would communicate with Mr March on the subject. The Council then adjourned. NOTICE OE MOTION. Cr Kenner to move—“ That a drain be laid from Dublin street into the culvert across Norwich Quay, to take off that nuisance from the Bank on the west side.