BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 106, 2 October 1874, Page 4

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

LYTTELTON.

The weekly meeting was held as usual on Monday last. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Hawkins, Buist, Murray, Graham, Rouse, and Young. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

A report of Mr Sowden, the inspector of nuisances, was then read, it ran as follows : “To his Worship the Mayor. Sir, complaints having been laid by the chairman of the sanitary committee that the rear of the premises occupied by the immigrants, known as Cuff and Graham’s store, is kept in a filthy state, and is very injurious to the health of any patient that may be lying in the casualty ward, I can state that it is no fault of the immigrants themselves, as the nightman goes there three times a week to clean out the closet, and twice a week to clear away the rubbish from the yard. • The closets are insufficient for the requirements of the place, and the occupiers have to empty them on the nights the nightman does not go. _ 1 recommend that the authorities be apprised of the fact, and be requested to provide a larger closet and place larger pans in it to remedy the existing evil. — John Sowden, inspector of nuisances.” The Mayor stated, in reference to the report, that he was sure Mr March would take any suggestions forwarded to him in a proper manner. He hoped the Council would instruct him to forward a copy of the report to that gentleman. Dr Rouse approved of this course being adopted, and the Mayor was instructed to forward it without any formal resolution.

The report of the works committee was then read and considered. It stated first—that Jackson’s road had been metalled. The Mayor congratulated the Council that it had been completed before the wet weather. It also stated that leave bad been given to the contractor for public buildings on Norwich Quay to deposit rubbish in a hole on the side of the road with a view to making up the footpath. Application had also been made by Mr Jones, overseer of hard labor gang, for horses and carts to forward work going on in Oxford street, Cr Graham said the horses and carts would be too expensive, and handed in two designs for whims which he thought would answer as well.

The foreman of ■works said the smaller and cheaper whim would answer the purpose required. The Mayor said it would never do to have carts and horses waiting on the prisoners. A long discussion ensued, in which Crs Graham, Rouse, Hawkins, Murray, Buist, and his Worship took part, and eventually it was moved by Cr Graham, and seconded by Cr Hawkins—“ That the small whim as suggested by the foreman be procured for carrying on the work in hand by the prisoners in Oxford street. The report further stated that the works committee and the bathing committee mat at the bathing place, and considered, first, whether and on what grounds it seems desirable and practicable to do away with the bathing shed ; secondly, if desirable to do so, what steps shall be taken to procure another bathing place for the town. It is recommended that the matter be left to the two committees to report progress every week. There was a long discussion, and Cr Graham moved—“ That the report be received and adopted,” and this was seconded by Cr Buist, and carried. The question was then raised as to where was the most suitable site for a new bathing place, Cr Hawkins said the improvements on Governor’s Bay road made it imperative that the site of the house and bathing shed should be altered. Cr Murray suggested that the present shed should not be removed till a new site was obtained. If they removed to the bay next Dampier’s Bay many objected to the proximity to the slaughter house. Cr Hawkins said it could not be removed for four or five months. Or Graham said it should not be done away with, but the bathers should be compelled to wear bathing dresses. The Mayor said next week he would inform the Council what the bathing place had cost, but he thought it had been at least £3OO or £4OO, It was too expensive; the Government should also be consulted. Crs Young, Rouse, and Hawkins, also joined in the discussion. Cr Buist moved—“ That the house belonging to the bathing site be removed under the direction of the works committee.” Carried. Cr Rouse moved, and Cr Young seconded —“ That his Worship the Mayor and the chairman of the works and bathing committees form a deputation to call upon the Government with a view of ascertaining what they thought had best be done in the matter. Cr Graham spoke relative to a drain in Winchester street, and it was moved by Cr Graham, seconded by Cr Hawkins—“ That the parties in Winchester street requiring drain, have the use of the Council labor on the usual conditions.” Accounts amounting to £44 2s were passed for payment. The clerk stated that he had collected during the week rates amounting to £26 9s. Cr Murray called attention to the want of a rope to the well opposite Mr Stout’s. Referred to works committee. The Mayor stated that they were aware that it had been made an order of the day to elect the mrr sury sub-committees. He would therefore move that the present subcommittees be discharged. This was carried, and the following committees were elected :—Works committee — Cr Graham (chairman), Chalmers, and Buist Sanitary committee—Cr Rouse (chairman), Grange, and Chalmers. Bathing committee — Crs Hawkins (chairman), Young, and Murray. Lighting committee—Crs Kenner (chairman), Grange, and Buist. Estates committee—Crs Chalmers (chairman), Graham, and Buist. Fire Brigade—Crs Grange (chairman), Graham, and Young.