BOROUGH COUNCILS

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1055, 14 November 1877, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCILS

LYTTELTON. Monday, Novembee 12. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Cunningham, Chalmers, Weyburne, Allwright, McClatchie, Hawkins, McPherson McDonald, and Parsons. The clerk stated £l9 6s 6d had been received since last meeting. Correspondence was read—From the Lyttelton Harbor Board, stating that they had passed the following resolution : —“ That permission be granted to the Lyttelton Borough Council to lay down a pipe to the Watermen’s Jetty for the supply of the dredge, hopper barges, Government launch, and such other vessels as may require water from the Lyttelton water supply works, subject to the approval of such officer as the Harbor Board may appoint,” From Messrs John Molynoaux, Geo. Johnston, and other residents in Jackson’s road, praying the Council to lay the main water pipe past their doors in place of the lower road, as they did not think they should be called on to pay the expense of connecting the pipes from their houses to the lower road when the main could have been brought past their houses at the same expense and saved them a considerable amount of money. From. Mr John Thompson, asking employment to superintend laying and fitting branch pipes to houses, aud looking after waterworks generally. From the Lyttelton Qus, Coal and Coke Co., re unprotected state of lamp-posts throughout the town, the insecure manner in which some bad been erected, and injury done to others by cattle rubbing against them; requesting that in future notice should be given io the Company when lamps were going to be erected. Respecting the letter containing tin permission of the Harbor Board to lay watei pipe to Watermen’s jetty, it was resolved to act further in the matter, and the clerk war instructed to writs to ths Government and and ask for leave to lay said pipe over then ground, undsr til© rails* Tho ps&itica of the

residents in Jackson’s road was next con eidered. Cr. Hawkins supported the petitioi He stated that those signing it would all tat the water. A small pipe could be laid alon. from Mr G, Tayler’s corner in front of thei houses. Cr. Allwright pointed out this wort had already been resolved on. The clerk wa instructed to inform petitioners their reques' would be acceded to. It was agreed to cal for tenders for the valuation of the town, ti he in by that day week, and to be referred h the finance committee. Mr Thompson’s up plication was referred to the water supply committee. The letter from (he secretary oi the Gas Company was next, considered and after long discussion was referred to the lighting committee to report that clay fortnight. A report from the Fire Inspector, enclosing cheque from the Insurance Companies for £55 (being their annual grant towards the support of the Lyttelton fire brigade), was read. It was determined the cheque should be acknowledged with thanks. A report from the Clerk of Works at the Reservoir was read, stating that the work was progressing satisfactorily. His Worship brought up the following report rc Colonists’ Hall site:

Your committee sea no objection to the Council’s obtaining leave to deal with the site now occup cd by the Colonists’ Society by a clause inserted in any local Act, but do not commit themselves to recommend as to the ultimate disposal of the property. John T. Rouse, Chairman.

His Worship moved the reception and adoption of this report, which was agreed to. A report of the foreman of works to the works committee, giving an account of the various works going on in the town, was read. The chairman of the water supply committee explained action he had taken re proposed reservoir at Heathcote Valley, and asked permission to get plans and specifications prepared by an engineer. The Council gave the chairman the authority he desired. Accounts amounting to £263 3s were passed for payment. Tenders for fencing the reservoir in the Heathcote Valley were opened, and that of Messrs Sutton and Weastall for £9B 14s 6d was accepted. Cr. Cunningham, as chairman of the water supply committee, moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Cr. Macpherson—“Seeing the large amoun of valuable property in wharves, jetties, &o. owned by the Lyttelton Harbor Board, this Council is of opinion that tho Board should be asked to contribute towards the maintenance of the water supply and fire prevention, that the Mayor be requested to address a letter to the Board on the subject. Agreed to. Cr. Cunningham further moved, and Cr. Macpherson seconded —“ That the Insurance Association bo written to asking them to subscribe towards maintenance of waterworks and fire prevention.” Agreed to. Cr. Cunningham said that that day fortnight he should be prepared to move that a rate be struck for the water supply. Of course he could not do so now, till an answer had been received from the Harbor Board and Associated Insurance Companies, regarding grants they would give. Cr. Cunningham moved —“ That fourteen days after date the present free supply of water at the standpipes be discontinued.” Agreed to. Cr. Allwright said he had been under the impression that a really good passenger station was to be erected in Lyttelton on the new site, but he found that what they intended to do was to remove the present miserable erection to the new position. The Council had the power to prevent this, as by their hye-laws no one was allowed to erect a building with wooden walls on the proposed site. Cr. Chalmers also spoke at length on tho matter. Cr. Allwright moved— “ That the Government be telegraphed to, informing them that it is against the Building Regulations of the Council to erect a wooden building where they proposed to place the new passenger station.” After discussion, the resolution was agreed to. Cr. Chalmers moved the following notice of motion standing in his name—“ That the allowance of £IOO per annum now paid to tho Mayor be discontinued on the termination of the present Mayoral term of office.” In doing so, he stated that in principle he agreed with payment if it made recipient give a certain return. No doubt councillors had fully thought out the matter, so there was uo need for long discussion. Cr. Allwright seconded the motion pro forma. He thought a grant should be made, in order that the dignity of the Council might bo upheld without the Mayor having to put his hand in his own pockets. After a few remarks from several councillors, the motion was put and loss, only Cr. Chalmers voting for it. Cr. Macpherson remarked that he thought, if practicable, more than £IOO a year should be granted, as the Mayor had so many calls upon his purse. Cr. Cunningham then moved—- “ That an allowance of £IOO be paid to the Mayor of the borough of Lyttelton for his term of office in the years 1877 and 1878.” The resolution, on being put, was carried, Cr. Chalmers only dissenting. The Council then adjourned.