SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2595, 1 August 1882, Page 3

SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of this body was held last evening at seven o'clock, Present—His Worahip the Mayor, Ors. Langdown, Hall, Andrew, Brown, Webber, Forrester, and Pavitt. The aeoretary to the Ohristchurcb Drainage Board wrote, advising the Council that the conferenoe for the purpose of considering what amendments are necessary in the Public Health Act meet at the Oity Chambers on Wedaesday next, at 3 p.m. It was stated tfcaj the repreaentativea ohoaen, viz , his Worship the Mayor and Ore. Pavitt end Brown, would attend. A letter waa read from the Colonial Secretary's Office, notifying the issue of, and enclosing an Order-in-Council under the Dangerous Goods Aots, 1878 and 1879, declaring that kerosene, and all other distillates or produota of petroleum, shall oome within the provisions of the Aot, suggesting the advisability of enaoting a by-law to regulate the storage of auch goods in the borough of Sydenham. The matter waa referred to the fire prevention committee.

Three telegrama were read from Mr W. White, M.H.R, viz—l. That the Christchuroh Diatriot Drainage Act Amendment Bill waa read a first time, and asking where the petition was against same; 2. That the Government had agreed to plane on the estimates the total amount required for the erection of the Madras street railway foot bridge: and 3. That Dr. Fuisell bad been appointed public vaccinator for Sydenham. The telegrams were ordered to be acknowledged with thanks, it being stated that the Sydenham petition against the Drainage Bill was included in that sent from Ohristchurcb on July 21st, for presentation by Mr Wynn Williama, M.H.B. Mr O. A. Pritohard, chairman of the Sydenham licensing committee, wrote as follows :

To the Mayor and Councillors of Sydenham— Gentlemen, —Mr Walker, the clerk of the licensing committee of your district, has informed me that yon decline to pay him the half year's salary due for his services, under the plea that I bad not replied to the very singular letter sent to me by your clerk on the 6th ult. I did not take notice officially of that letter, as your Mayor told me at the committee moating held on the ennniag- day that the matter would be made all fgh and the payment made. If, however, it is OS your intention to do so please notify me to that effect, and the committee will probably meet and act as they may be aavised.

The Mayor explained the circumstances stating that he had so said, and that ho thought the Sydenham Council would do as similar bodies had done in this respect. H • believed it was intended the borough should pay the clerk's salary, at least he thought the Aot provided for it. Cr. Hall did not see why any person not appointed by the Counoil should bo paid by them.

Or. Andrew said the letter just read was no answer, as the letter sent asked where the Act pointed out that the borough should make the payment. Cr. Langdown thought the matter simple enough. A conversation was held with the Mayor, in which a certain promise was made; besides, it was a legal claim, and should be paid. Or. Forrester concurred, as it was probable some ono would be otherwise appointed who would be incompetent. Or. Pavitt said it was only fair that espouses under the Licensing Act should be paid out of the prooesdo of the licensing fees.

Or. Andrew thought, as Mr Walker was a Government cflioial in rooeipt of a large salary, it was unwise to have appointed him as clerk of the 1/ioensirig Committees. The Mayor suggested it would perhaps bo bettor to refer the matter in a friendly spirit to Mr 0. Whitefoord, R.M., for his do ciaion.

Ultimately Or. Hall moved, Or. Webber seconded, and it was resolved—" That this Council do not objeot to pay the salary, but have no authority under the Act, and therefore must get some legal or magisterial authority before spending the borough's income."

The works oommittee's report, whioh stated the Grown grant oE the Council's endowment reserve was ready, and gave proposals for leasing same, the Btate of the streets as left by the Drainage Board, the Sonth belt orossings, and the Oity Council's liability therefor, also the Electric Light Bill, introduced into tho Assembly by Mr Kelly, with suggestions thereon, were read,!received, and adopted. The joint report of works and fire prevention committees was next read, as follows : In reference to the water supply scheme sent to the ouncil by Mr C. Caff, your committee beg to report that they are of opinion that a water supply for Sydenham is not required at the present time ; and as it will probably _be miny years before such ia the caee, they think it premature to offer any opinion respecting the merits of Mr Cuff's or any other scheme. They therefore recommend that Mr Cuff's scheme be returned to him, with the thanks of the Council.

The report was received and adopted. The finanoe oommittee reported that the receipts for the last fortnight were £195 16i 5d ; expenditure, £lls 2s 61 ; credit balance at bank, £493 16j lOd. The inspector and collector's report was read, which gave very satisfactory statistics as to the collection of rates, and urged that oertain steps should be taken re the registration of dogs. Or. Andrew called attention to the fact that a building had been erected on a reserve belonging to the Council, near Wilson's bridge, without authority. It was decided that enquiries thonld be made in the matter. The seal of the Council was affixed to Mr i Brightling'i cor.tract for a supply of I'hingle. This wu all the business.