BOROUGH COUNCILS.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1066, 27 November 1877, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCILS.

SYDENHAM. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of this Council was held last evening at the Colombo road schoolroom. Present —His Worship the Mayor and Crs. Whitelaw, Langdown, Vennal, Hall, Jones, Charters, Brown, Scott, and Buxton. BOOKS AND PAPKES. Mr 0. Ladd formally handed over the books and papers of the Council to Mr Cuthbert, the newly appointed town clerk. The Mayor and Cr. Whitelaw complimented Mr Ladd for the manner in which he had compiled the rate roll and prepared the papers lor inaugurating the work of the borough. FINANCE. Cr. Brown, as chairman of the finance committee, stated that he had waited on the manager of the Bank of New Zealand in reference to an overdraft, in accordance with the wish of the Council, and had made the necessary arrangements. From the remarks which fell from the manager, the Council would be treated liberally by that institution. WORKS COMMITTEE, Cr. Whitelaw. as chairman of the works committee, reported the work completed and in progress since last meeting. The committee, in their report submitted, referred to the necessity for gates being placed on the northern side of the Colombo road crossing, and also to the amount of shunting done at that place to the obstruction of the traffic. The report recommended (that a representation should be made to the General Government on this matter. In reply to the Mayor, Cr. Whitelaw said the committee had taken upon themselves to clear out the channel on the Belt, as they considered the work to be necessary. The committee knew they had no legal right to clear out these channels, but it was necessary to do the work for sanitary reasons. It might be desirous to confer with the City Council as to this matter. The Mayor agreed as to the necessity for this course being taken. After some further remarks, the report was adopted.

COEEESrONDENCE. Letters were read from the Heathcote and S prey don Road Boards, enclosing statement of liabilities and receipts of those Boards up to 20th September, with a view of forming a basis as to financial arrangements with the borough. The Heathcote Board also wrote saying that their chairman and two members of the Board would meet some members of the Council on Tuesday morning, to confer with them on this subject. The Mayor said he had also spoken to the chairman of the Spreydon Road Board, and no doubt that gentleman would be present at the conference. On the motion of Or. Whitelaw, the Council assented to the basis of the financial arrangements, as referred to in the letters. On the motion of Cr. Charters, the Mayor and Crs. Whitelaw and Brown were appointed a committee to meet the representatives from the Road Boards. A letter was read from the Heathcote Road Board, offering to keep those portions of the Ferry road and Wilson’s road within the borough in repair, if the Council will pay half the cost. Some remarks followed, in which it was stated that under the Act the Council had no power to allow any other body to keep these roads in repair, but would have to perform the work themselves, and collect half the expense from the Road Board. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr, Whitelaw, to draw the attention of the Road Board to clause 188 of the Act, which prevents the Council from accepting the offer. A letter was read from the Colonial Secretary, acknowledging receipt of resolutions with reference to the Health Act Amendment Bill. The Mayor said he had received letters from Messrs Richardson and Stevens, enclosing the Bill as it had passed the House. All the rating clauses had been struck out, and also the preamble. The expense would now have to bo provided by the Drainage Board out of the general rate, A letter was read from Mr H. Wynn_ Williams, thanking the Council for appointing him solicitor to the borough. A letter was read from MrJ.W. Treadwell, enclosing copy of a resolution proposed by him at a public meeting relating to the powers of municipalities, and also as to a municipal conference. It was decided to ad journ consideration of the letter until next meeting. SEAL OF THU COUNCIL. A design for a seal for the Borough Council was opened which caused considerable amusement. SOUTH BELT MAINTENANCE. After some remarks, it was resolved that the Mayor and chairman of the works committee wait upon the Mayor of Christchurch and chairman of the works committee of the City Council to confer with them as to the maintenance of the South‘bolt, cab licenses, and other matters. COLOMBO EOAD CEOS SING.

Cr. Whitelaw spoke of an accident nearly occurring the other day at the Colombo road

crossing through there being no gate at the north side. A horse had got on the line, and was barely removed when the train passed from Addington, If the Council drew tin attention of the Government to this matter and the gates were not then put up, the Council could not be held to be responsibh should any accident unfortunately happen. The clerk was instructed to write to tin Government, pointing out the necessity for a gate being erected. STRAYING CATTLE. A letter was read signed by a number of ratepayers in Waltham complaining of the damage done by horses and cattle being allowed to stray in the streets at night-time. Several Councillors spoke of the nuisance caused generally in the borough by cattle and horses being allowed to stray about, not only damaging the roads and streets, but also getting into gardens, breaking down fences, &c. Ultimately it was decided to request the police to impound all cattle found straying in the borough. The by-law committee were also asked to take this question into their consideration. TOWN CLERK’S REPORT. The Town Clerk reported on certain requirements for the borough offices, and also as the cost of erecting a building for the accommodation of the Council and officers. The report was received and considered. HEATHCOTE RIVER ROAD. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr. Hall, “ That the clerk be instructed to make a plan of the Heathcote Eiver road, showing the encroachments that have been made.” municipal endowments. On the motion of Cr. Charters it was resolved, “ That application be made for 2000 acres of rural land, in accordance with clause 350 of the Municipal Corporations Act, and that the resolution be forwarded to Mr Fisher, M.H.E., to obtain his co-operation ; and, on receipt of a favourable reply from the Secretary, steps be taken at once to select the the land and obtain the Crown grant, as per clause 351 of the Municipal Corporations Act.” RAILWAY RESERVE. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr. Whitelaw, “That the Government be requested to give or allow the Council the use of the railway reserve off Windmill Eoad.” .MAYORAL ELECTION. Mr F. Jones was appointed returning officer at the approaching Mayoral election. The meeting ad journed at a late hour.