BOROUGH COUNCILS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1297, 16 May 1878, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCILS.

LYTTELTON. Monday, Mat 13. Present —His Worship the Mayor, Crs. McClatchie, Wood, Weyburne, Cunningham, Parsons, H. Hawkins, J. D. Macphcrson. Leave of absence was granted to Crs. Macdonald and Chalmers. The Clerk stated that £233 16s 5d had been received since last meeting. A letter was read from Dr. J. T. Rouse, running as follows: —“As it is to be hoped that some action will be taken for the defence of the principal harbors of New Zealand, will you allow me to suggest as a recommendation to the Government that, in the instance of Lyttelton, a powerful electric light, with suitable reflector, should bo placed upon each head capable of illuminating all within a radius of two to three miles. It appears to me that this would be a most useful addition to the proposed batteries, rendering any vessel attempting to enter an easy mark, and assisting in the working of torpedoes.” It was resolved that Dr. Rouse’s letter should be acknowledged, with thanks. A report of the Inspector of Nuisances was read, stating that he had inspected a number of the premises in town, and found many of them in a very dirty condition. The action of the inspector was approved. Cr. Cunningham, chairman of water supply committee, stated that the engineer at the pumping station reported that the small artesian wells on the Heathcoto reserve had been kept flowing during the past week, and that this had in no way interfered with the supply from the main well, a result most gratifying, as it proved that, if necessary, the supply could be increased. Cr. Parsons said a great many people in Dampier’s Bay had complained that they could not get water; he hoped the water supply committee would see to the matter. The Mayor said that the foreman of works would supply any one who asked for water at once, and had done so. This was perfectly well-known. Cr. Hawkins thought the time hud arrived when no water should be supplied by the Council to those who were within reach of having it laid on, and refused to avail themselves of the chance. The Mayor agreed with this, more particularly as he heard from the foreman of works that the hose for fire prevention purposes had been very much injured in supplying water to houses. Accounts amounting to £162 10s lid were passed for payment. Cr. Macphorson spoke at length regarding the state of the drains and the terrible effluvia arising from them. A doctor in the town had told him that a short time ago there was little illness in the place, but that now his book was full, and this he attributed in a great measure to the stench from the drains. Christchurch had the reputation now of being one of the healthiest towns in the colony, and be should like Lyttelton to have a similar reputation. A long discussion ensued, and it was eventually resolved to leave the matter in the hands of the works committee, who were authorised to make an experiment with stink traps. Or. Cunningham moved—“ That notice be given that it is the intention of the Council to strike a rate of li per cent, on the rateable property within the radius required by law of water supply, such rate to be an annually recurring rate.” Seconded by Cr. Hawkins and carried. The Mayor said he hoped next year to see a revenue raised from the water supply to recoup the town in some measure for the money expended on the waterworks, plant, &c. This year the ratepayers had been put to a considerable expense in getting the water laid on to their houses, and, therefore, he agreed the tax should be very small. The money, however, taken from the town funds and spent on the water supply works, had, to a great extent, crippled their finances, and prevented the completion of many useful works, and at a future date it would be wise to get a revenue from the water works to ieimburse the town. The Mayor hoped that before they met again, the reserves would be put up to auction. He was in treaty with Mr Clark on this matter. Or. Cunningham mo ved—'“ That the clerk be instructed to advertise that all rates not paid within fifteen days would be sued for.” This was seconded by Cr. Hawkins, and carried. After the transaction of some further routine business, the Council adjourned.