BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 938, 27 June 1877, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

LYTTELTON. Monday, July 25,

Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Havrkins, Holmes, Willcox, Allwright, Cunningham, and Parsons. SUNDAY LABOB.

The Mayor read a telegram ho had sent to the Hon. G-. McLean re the Eotorua's being allowed to work on Sunday, and also the reply. (Both telegrams have already been published in these columns.) Cr. Cunningham said it appeared to him a most unsatisfactory answer. Any of those steamers could make up a day on the Sydney trip. He would not say more now, as he intended taking action at the Harbor Board. Cr. Parsons said lie thought it was a matter that should be discussed in that Council. He had spoken to several of those who were employed on Sunday, and they had all expressed themselves strongly on the subject, but of course they could make no stir in the matter for fear of being dismissed. Crs Allwright and Hawkins also spoke strongly on the subject, saying that they thought it was the province of the Council to take action in the matter, as it was one vitally affecting the townspeople. Cr. Cunningham said that according to the Commissioner of Customs' telegram it appeared the Government had made a promise three weeks ahead to the Union Company that they should be allowed to work on Sunday. He considered this a most extraordinary proceeding. The late Provincial Government had passed an Ordinance prohibiting vessels from loading, discharging, or clearing on Sundays, except in extreme cases, and in order that the railway hands need not be employed even then, they obliged them to put out cargo into lighters or to load from them. It Avas resolved to write to the Government and Harbor Board on the subject. THE LATE FIKE. The report of the fire inspector was then read. It ran as follows : I have the honor to report that at the late fire the brigade, as well as the fira police, was quickly on the ground, but, owing to the miserable appliances at our command, we were powerless to save any portion of the shed jwith its eontents. Had we the proper appliances when the little engine arrived on the ground, we could have saved at least two-thirds of the shed, with its contents. Every effort should be used to impress on the Government the necessity of having a steam fire-engine expressly for Lyttelton, and also to have the waterworks in working order without delay. Had the wind been blowing from the south-west at the time the fire occurred nothing could have been saved on the reclaimed land, and it is more than probable a good part of the town would have been consumed. I can testify to the willingness of the townspeople Eronerally to give every assistance they could, and also to the energy shown by those who worked at the engine. It was owing to their exertions that the end of the Breastwork and export wharf was saved. An account of all expenses incurred at the fire Jhas been forwarded to the Government for them to pay.

Cr. Allwright said lie was sorry to see that at a late meeting one person was credited with saving the wharf, whereas (though, no doubt, the person named did a great deal) he did not do it at all. He thought the Breastwork and wharf were saved by those who worked at the hand engine. The brigade, whose services were quite voluntary, had not been mentioned at that meeting, though they had done a great deal. The Christchureh lire brigade also did well, and he was sorry to sec they had also been passed over. No doubt the person who had gained such credit had done his best, but it was his duty to be there as an employee of the Government, whereas many others (amongst them an otlicer of that Council) had done good work without being under any obligation to do so. He heard that there was great dissatisfaction amongst the Fire Brigade at their efforts having been ignored, and hoped the Council would take the opportunity of thanking them for their great services. lie begged to propose — " That the thanks of the Council be sent to the secretary of the Fire Brigade for their services at the late fire." Ho only wished that some recompense could be given them. Cr. Hawkins had great pleasure in seconding the resolution. He thought that the Fire Brigade had done a very great deal that night, and were worthy of receiving the thanks of the town. The spread of the lire was no doubt stopped by their exertions. The Mayor said the report referred to was a most, imperfect one, as only a part of what was said was reported. The vote of thanks sent to Captain McLellan had been moved through a discussion that took place regarding a letter from him received by the Board at that meeting, containing information about the fire. There

was bo slight intended to the Fire Brigade, whose services had been most valuable, but merely a recognition of Captain McLcllan 's services. The fire generally had not been discussed at all, but only in connection with the Harbormaster's report. The resolution was then | put and carried. MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE. The Mayor called attention to the fact that at a meeting of the Christchurch Council replies had been received from nine municipalities, consenting to send delegates to Wellington to confer re deductions from Government subsidies. No reply had been sent to the letter they had forwarded on the subject of holding the meeting at Christchurch. He thought the Council bad belter send a delegate to Wellington. Cr. Hawkins agreed with this, and moved—" That the Mayor of Christchurch be written to, saying that this Council would send a delegate to Wellington." He had understood, at a prior meeting, the Mayor would undertake the duty. His Worship said he should be happy to go if the meeting did not take place for four or five weeks, but lie could not go earlier. Cr. Cunningham thought it would be much better if a preliminary meeting were held at Christchurch, and hoped the Mayor would bring the matter forward, as if \hc, delegates met before going they could get matters into shape, and be prepared with some definite proposals. He begged to second the resolution, which was agreed to. OUTSTANDING HATE?. Cr. Cunningham asked how much of the rates were still outstanding. The clerk said that about £IOO had to be collected. Cr. Holmes moved —" That all rates not paid before the 2Sth instant be sued for, without further notice." Seconded by Cr. Cunningham, and carried. After considering various local works the Council adiourncd.