BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 292, 19 May 1875, Page 4

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

LYTTELTON. Monday, May 17. The usual weekly meeting was held on Monday night last, at the usual hour. Present • —His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Chalmers, Hawkins, Buist, Graham, Kenner, and Grange. The clerk stated he had received since last meeting £6 11s. Correspondence was read— From the Secretary for Public Works, stating that the pipes, applied for by the Mayor the day after the flood, could not be spared, as they were to be used by connection with the proposed harbor works. From the same re water supply, stating that the only additional information the Government had to offer was that a brick well was being sunk in the Heathcote Valley, but had notyetsufficiently proceeded to determine whether it would yield the requisite amount of water. Also, that the pumping gear, machinery, and piping, for conveying water through the tunnel, was ordered from England in October, and a sufficient quantity of three-inch branch pipes had been sent for to reach to the Gladstone Pier, and other wharves and jetties. From the same re fire engine, stating that the vote for this could not be directed for any other purpose, and therefore would not be available for hose and other appliances in connection with the water supply. From the Lyttelton Gas Company, through their solicitor, Mr H. N. Nalder, drawing attention to the bad state of the Sumner road above the sections belonging to the company, and stating it was probable serious damage might ensue from the water running over the bank.

From Mr J. Illingworth, the town scavenger, asking the Council to protect him, as others were invading his privileges by carting rubbish in the town. A petition was also read from a number of ratepayers in St David street. The Mayor said the town scavenger had called on him, and asked if anyone else was authorised to act as scavenger. It appeared that Boyd and others were allowed to cart rubbish, and to spoil the road which it appeared that Illingworth had to keep in repair. It appeared to him (the Mayor) that the town scavenger had the sole privilege of doing this. Crs Grange, Kenner, and Chalmers spoke on the subject, the former speaking strongly and stating that there was a bye-law which confined the right of carting rubbish to the person occupying the office of town scavenger.

Cr Graham said a resolution had better be passed preventing others from doing this.

The Mayor read a bye-law to the effect that the town scavenger had the sole right of carting rubbish. Cr Graham moved, and Cr Hawkins seconded, that the provisions of the bye-law be abided by. Carried.

The Mayor said he had unavoidably to be absent for a short period. There was a communication to be read from one of those who had suffered from the late flood. He recommended that this matter should be considered in committee, as it was unadvisable in his his opinion that it should be made public. The Mayor then left, and Or Chalmers, on the motion of Cr Grange, took the chair. The chairman having read the letter relating to the Gas Company, Cr Hawkins said, if the footpath on the Sumner road were raised a little there would be no danger; it would only cost about 30s, and would preclude any damage being done, Cr Kenner opposed, and Cr Grange said it appeared to him the Council had already done much for the Gas Company in having diverted the drainage, and now they wanted them to protect them against the surface water.

In reference to the petition from the gentlemen residing in St David’s street, the chairman said the houses were really, to a certain extent, endangered; he did not know the rights of the case. The matter, after hot discussion, was referred to the works committee.

The matter of the Gas Company was then further considered, and eventually Cr Grange moved—“ That the members of the works committee visit the locality, and report next Monday.” This was seconded by Cr Hawkins and carried.

The weekly pay-sheet, amounting to £ls 15s, was passed for payment.

The overdraft at the bank is now £491.

Cr Grange said that, had the matter of the water supply been brought under discussion, he should have expressed some strong opinion on the matter. He did not believe that there was any prospect of their soon procuring the water, and many now were in doubt as to the success of the scheme.

Cr Buist was of opinion that there should be no meeting next Monday, as it was the Queen’s Birthday. Cr Grange moved that the Council adjourn to this night fortnight. The chairman was of opinion that there was some urgent business that would necessitate their meeting before.

Cr Graham said a culvert in Winchester street was in a very bad state, and it should certainly be seen to and reported on, Crs Chalmers and Grange also spoke strongly on this subject, and it was determined that Cr Graham be authorised to examine it as soon as the water had abated. In reference to the late flood and accident in Oxford street, the chairman of the works committee said that nothing further had been done.

Cr Buist then moved, and Cr Grange seconded—“ That the next meeting of the Council be held on Tuesday, 25th instant.” Carried.

Cr Graham said he had seen in the papers an account of what had been said about the site for the proposed additions to the Borough schools. He did not know how this had become public. Crs Hawkins and Grange both spoke at length on the matter, and it appeared the information had been procured in Christchurch.

His Worship here returned and took the chair. He said that with regard to the damage sustained by the late flood, they had first to ascertain who was responsible, and then adjudicate on fhe claims; they might either appoint a committee to report to the Council, or let the whole Council resolve itself into committee on the subject, and he would recommend the latter.

Cr Grange agreed with what had fallen from the Mayor. Or Chalmers then rose and moved—“ That his Worship be empowered to call a meeting of the committee to consist of the whole Council when things were in proper train.”

Cr Grange was of opinion that the Borough Council solicitor should be also present in order to give advice. The Mayor asked if next Wednesday would be a suitable day, and this having been agreed to, the matter ended. Or Chalmers said he saw by the papers a new slaughter house license had been granted without their being appealed to. This infringed on their rights as members of the Board of Health. He had no objection to the license having been granted, but thought they should have been consulted. His Worship said that the Resident Magistrate had sent to him and asked if he had any objection to raise, as chairman of the local Board of Health,and he had replied in the negative. Sergeant-Major O’Grady had made no objection, but had explained that the applicant merely wished to kill one or two beasts each year, principally for his own use. Now it was pointed out, he agreed with Cr Chalmers ; the matter should have been brought before the local Board of Health. The matter of the bridle path was then further discussed, and it was eventually determined to adjourn the matter till the next general meeting of the Council, which then adjourned.