BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 870, 9 April 1877, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

LYTTELTON. Tuesday, April 3. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. McDonald, Parsons, F. Graham, Cunningham, Allwright, and Holmes. The clerk stated lie had received £ls 15s since last meeting. Correspondence was read from the Lyttelton Fire Brigade and Fire Police, stating they wished to hold a demonstration on the day on which the water was brought through from the Heathcote Valley, and asking whether the Council would aid in the matter. From the secretary for the Harbor Board, asking Council to have the time ball tower site conveyed, as per agreement with the Government. From the Government re surplus Lyttelton water supply pipes, stating they would be required for extension of work on Gladstone Pier, &c. From Mr C. Cuff re surveying Captain McLellan’s section. From Mr P. Semmens, applying for the post of engine driver at the Heathcote Valley waterworks. From Cr. J. S. Willcox, stat ing he was unable to attend the meeting owing to another engagement, and requesting In’s notice of motion should be held over. Regarding the application from the Harbor Board, it w r as resolved —“ That the time ball tower site should be conveyed over to the Harbor Board on the same conditions agreed to by the Government, and that the letter containing those conditions be forwarded to the chairman of the Harbor Board.” It was agreed Mr Cuff’s account should be settled. Mr Peter Semmens application was ordered to stand over for consideration at a future date. The letter from the lion, secretaries of the Lyttelton Fire Brigade and Fire Police was next considered. The Mayor made statement regarding this matter, and proposed the formation of a sub-committee to arrange details and confer with the Fire Brigade and Fire Police. After discussion, his Worship and Crs. F. Graham and Parsons were appointed a committee for this object. The Mayor made a statement regarding what had been done in reference to selection of land granted by the Government as an endowment for the borough, and the action taken in the matter was approved. The Borough Engineer reported in reference to water supply works. He advised purchase of section of Mr Graham for site for proposed reservoir, as being better and cheaper than forming same under public streets. The level of the section ho spoke of was about 180 ft above sea level, and he thought the reservoir should be an open one, as least expensive. After discussion it w'as determined that the estates committee should be request, ed to report on the advisablcncss of purchasing the section in Exeter street recommended by the Borough Engineer as a proper site for proposed reservoirs. The engineer further reported re bye-laws and service pipes, recommending that the latter should be accomplished by an authorised plumber, under the Council’s inspection. Cr. Cunningham moved—“ That a rate of Is in the £ be struck on all rateable property in the borough, such rate to be due and payable on the 30th April next.” Seconded by Cr. McDonald, and carried. The report of Clerk of Works re works in progress in the borough, was read. Accounts amounting to £73-1 18s 5d were passed for payment. Cr. Willcox hero entered and took his seat. Cr. Cunningham moved —“ That notice bo given to Loan and Investment Society of withdrawal of £500.” Seconded by Cr. Graham, and carried. Cr. Allwright, as chairman of the works committee, spoke highly of the unwearying way in which Mr Sowden had worked in laying down the water supply pipes. Nearly tvro miles of piping had been

laid in about fire weeks. Instead of merely working from 8 to 5, he had been indefatigable, and the work had been accomplished much cheaper than it could have been done by contract. His colleagues on the works committee agreed with him on this point. He begged to move—“ That an honorarium of £lO 10s be voted to Mr Sowdcn, for his great services in connection with the water supply works.” The Borough Engineer testified to the great ability and energy shown by Mr Sowden. Cr. Willcox seconded the resolution, which w r as carried unanimously. The Mayor then vacated the chair, which was taken by Cr. Allwright, Cr. Willcox moved the notice of motion standing in his name—“ That it would be advisable if proper terms could be obtained to acquire the plant, works, and whole interest in the Lyttelton Gras, Coal, and Coke Company. Pending the above being carried, the Gras Company to be asked if they will enter into negotiations on the subject.” He urged the advisableness of the borough purchasing the Gasworks. The matter of course depended as to whether the directors of the Gas Company were willing to sell the works. He now merely wished to test the advisabloncss of the purchase, and had for that reason moved the motion standing in his name. Cr. Holmes seconded the motion, which was fully discussed, most of the Councillors stating they were in favor of the resolution, which, on being put, was carried. Cr. Willcox then moved “ That a letter be written to the directors of the Gas Company, asking if they are willing to enter into negotiations for itlie purchase of the gas works, plant, &c., and if so, on what conditions they arc prepared to sell.” Seconded by Cr. Parsons, and carried. The matter of licensing porters was discussed. Cr. Allwright said that the contractor for breaking the metal had not turned up, and asked the Council to authorise the works committee to take measures for getting the metal broken. Agreed to. The Council then adjourned.