BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume VI, Issue 644, 12 July 1876, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

LYTTELTON. Monday, July 10, A meeting of this Council was held on Monday night. Present—Crs Hawkins (in the chair), McDonald, Allwright, Holmes, W. Graham, T. A, W. Parsons, and P. Cunningbam. The clerk stated he had received £65 10s during the past week. Correspondence was read— From the Secretary for Public Works, stating that £1250 had been allocated to the Borough of Lyttelton out of the grant for municipalities, for six months ending 80th September, 1876 ; that a voucher for the first instalment of £625 had been forwarded to Treasury for payment, and the second half, if land sales warrant it, would be paid Sept, 30th.

From the same, re Governor’s Bay road, staling that the prisoners would be allowed to repair road beyond Orphanage during the time they are employed in extension of same to Cass’s Bay.

Resolved—■“ That the letters from the Secretary for Public Works be acknowledged with thanks.” The chairman stated that the sub-com-mittee appointed to confer with the Chamber of Commerce re the establishment of a Harbor Board for Lyttelton, had met that body in Christchurch on Thursday last, and had thoroughly considered the proposed Ordinance. The Bill had been drafted, and a copy was now on the table for their consideration.

Or Allwright said it would be wiser not to read all the proposed Act, as most of the clauses were to the satisfaction of all the committee. There were certain clauses, however, he opposed strongly, viz—those two relating to the qualifications necessary to become a member of the Board, and that relating to its constitution. He objected to the Chamber of Commerce having the power to nominate two members. He thought that as this clause at present stood the Chamber of Commerce had too much power, really electing five of the members. The chairman said he thought that as the Chamber of Commerce included most of their mercantile men, whether residents in Christchurch, Lyttelton, or elsewhere, it was not of much importance. Cr Cunningham read the clause relating to the constitution of the Board, from which it appeared that the Board was to consist of ten members, two to be nominated by the Chamber of Commerce, two by the Government, three to be elected by the burgesses of Christchurch, and two by the burgesses of Lyttelton, the Mayor of the borough of Lyttelton being also a member ex officio ; members to be elected for three years. Or Cunningham spoke at length on the subject, stating that no qualification was required to be a member of the Drainage Board, the Board of Education, or many other bodies ; and as to Cr Allwright’s objection to the Chamber of Commerce nominating two members, he thought that as the Chamber composed nearly all the business men in Canterbury it was of little moment. Had Or Allwright wished to add some country representatives, he would have supported him, as he thought perhaps it would have been wise to have the outlying districts represented, Cr Parsons moved, and Or McDonald seconded—" That the Bill as drafted meets the views of the Council.” Carried. It was resolved that the member for Lyttelton be requested to do his best to support the proposed Bill in the House, and to get it passed Ibis session. The foreman of works’ report was read, it stated the lamp in Dublin street had been erected, and recommended metalling a portion of same street. The road by Mr Fcrgusson had been repaired, and also the bridge and fence. It recommended metal lying opposite Council Chambers should be broken and put on where required, and suggested tenders should be called for at once. The upper end of Hawkhurst road was in course of formation, having been commenced that morning. It was resolved that the metal on the town reserve opposite Council Chambers should be broker, tenders to be called for at once. Accounts amounting to £lO 4s were passed for payment. Tenders were opened for metal for Hawkhurst road, and James Higgs’ tender was accepted, at 8s per yard. Cr Allwright said he had telegraphed to their member at Wellington for the proposed Municipal Act to be parsed this session. He spoke at great length on certain clauses, speaking in praise of the borrowing clauses, by which ten times the revenue of the borough could be borrowed for fifty years, but objecting strongly to that quarterly balance-sheet to be published in the papers, and also that necessitating the publishing of each by-law twice. He thought this would put the borough to great and unnecessary expense. It was the duty of the Council to thoroughly consider the Bill, and send any suggestions they might think necessary to their member. As the Bill would be read in the House for the second time on Tuesday next, they had no time to spare. Cr Cunningham moved—" That Crs Allwright and Hawkins, and the borough solicitor, be appointed a committee to consider the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, and report at a special meeting, if necessary,” Agreed to. It was agreed that an amended list of the arrears due to the Council for rates (1876) be brought up next meeting, Cr Allwright said that now they had the grant, he proposed they should spend a portion of it in putting down a main drain in Dublin street, in order that the inhabitants should be compelled to drain into it. It wa,s a most necessary work, and should be done at once.

After discussion, the foreman of works was instructed to bring a full report on the subject before the Council next Monday night. It was determined that Mr Inwood be written to, informing him that if he did not connect his drain with the main sewer the work would be carried o.ut at his expense. Cr Holmes moved—“ That the foreman of works be instructed to bring up a report as to the. cost of forming a footpath on the Dampier's Bay road, and that the clerk bring up a return of the money that has been expended on that road.” Agreed Ip. The Council then adjourned.