SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2188, 1 March 1881, Page 3

SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of this Council wo* held in the Borough Council Chambers latt evening at seven o’clock. Present—Hi* Worship the Mayor, and all the Councillor* except Councillor Joyce. The Mayor thanked the Council for the letter of condolence ho had received on the subject of the late bereavement he had experienced. He also apologised for the absence of Councillor Joyce, whose attendance was excused by the Council. A letter was read from the Returning Officer notifying the elec-ion of Councillor Charters to fill the extraordinary vacancy caused by that gentleman’s resignation on February 14th.

Or. Charters thought it only fair he should defray the expenses of the late election, and having made and signed the customary declaration, took his seat at the Council table. A letter was read from a Mr Johnson, a resident in a lane leading out of Ponlson street, complaining of illness caused in his family through the stench arising from pig* kept by Mr Messenger in that locality. A petition respecting the same was also read from several residents adjacent. It was stated that the old piggery had been removed, and a fresh one erected at the prescribed distance from any dwelling ; and the Town Clerk was instructed to inform Mr Johnson and the petitioners of the result of the Council’s action in the matter.

The Colonial Secretary wrote advising the Council that the sum of £9l Ss 3d had been placed to the Council’s credit at bank, which, with deductions of £262 for Hospital maintenance, and £419 charitable aid, made up the borough’s subsidy of 7s 6d in the £ on the rates collected in Sydenham for the past year. A letter was also read from the Government acknowledging receipt of the Council’s application to be represented on the Lyttelton Harbor Board, and stating that it was not considered advisable to disturb the present constitution of that body.

Tho Spreydon Road Board wrote in reply, respecting the Council’s claim for the sum of £l9O Is 2d, amount of land fund due to Sydenham, stating that they could not reconsider the question. It was resolved to instruct tho finance committee to take legal steps to recover tho same, should the Council’s solicitors advise that course being adopted. The South Waimabariri Board of Conservators wrote asking payment to that body of any Waimakariri rates collected; also, a statement of arrears due, and further, asking for a return of tho rateable value of the district for 1881; also, the amount the Council would charge for collection this year, and finally requesting that all payments be made to the Board monthly. Referred to finance committee.

A letter from the Premier was next read, regretting he had not been able to receive the deputation appointed to wait on him re the footbridge across tho railway, stating also that from inquiries made ho found the proposed bridge at Madras street would cost £BOO, whilst one at Colombo street would only cost £4OO, stating finally that the latter sum was all the Government could afford for the work. After considerable discussion it was resolved—- “ That the receipt of the letter be acknowledged, and that it bo referred to the works committee with power to act.” The engineer to the Drainage Board wrote asking the Council to place the supervision of the work of clearing drains, &c., under the control of its own inspector. Referred to works committee.

The works committee reported—“ That the construction of private streets in R S. 13 and 63 was completed, and that tho question of enforcing the £3O penalty for exceeding contract time was under consideration. That Mr Davidson’s proposed alterations in streets to be made on his property could not be conceded, but the original plan would be adhered to ; also, that the committee had agreed to form the streets in question at that gentleman’s cost. That legal opinions had been obtained from Mr George Harper and Mr T, I. Joynt respecting the attitude assumed by the City Council on the South belt formation, and in consequence of those opinions recommending that Messrs Harper and Co., be instructed to write to the City Council, asking that body to approve of the plans prepared by Messrs E. Dobson and Son, or to comply with the Sydenham Borough Council Empowering Act, by forwarding a plan and specification stating tho manner in which the formation should be done, but leaving out the cost of the concrete channelling along the belt for tho present, as that Act does not provide for concrete channelling. Also, to inform that body that if this request be not complied with, this Council will bo compelled to apply to the Supremo Court for mandamus, and that they are instructed accordingly. That notice be served on certain property owners in Sandridge, to repair and metal certain streets in that portion of the borough as provided in section 210 of tho M.O.C. Act.”

The report was received and adopted. The finance committee reported the receipts since date of last report to be £413 13a 5d ; expenditure, £228 7s 3d ; present credit balance at bant, £l2-18 13s Id. The committee had requested the clerk to furnish a return showing the receipts and expenditure of-the various subdivisions of the borough to the end of the present financial year. The report was also received and adopted. It having been stated by Ors. Charters and Lmgdown that the managers of the Banks of New Zealand and Australasia desired further information relative to the establishment of a branch bank in Sydenham, The matter was referred to the finance committee. Or. Hall moved—“ That this Council respectfully requests the Board of Governors of the Christchurch Public Library to open the Public Library and Reading Room on Sundays, the Council considering it would be a great boon to a large number of person l residing in Sydenham and Christchurch and the suburbs generally.” The motion was seconded by Or. Langdown, and was carried by G to 3. After soma routine business the Council adjourned.