BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1086, 20 January 1872, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting .of the Borough Council was held last evening, at the Council Chambers. Present : The Mayor (in the chair), Councillors Smith, Woolcock, Dupre, Moore, Coatesj Purcell, and M'Gregor. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and confirmed, The Town Clerk read letters from Mr Fox, M.C.C., stating that he had seen Mr O'Connor, the Government Engineer, who said he would have the road from Omotumotu Creek commenced as soon as the survey was finished, but that as the County Council was nearly L4OOO in debt, Greymouth could not expect much from that quarter. Letter received. — From Mr. J. Hamilton, asking permission to use the pile-driving machinery for erecting a bridge over the New River. Letter received. The Chairman stated that he had received a similar application from Mr O'Connor, of Saltwater, but they could not spare the plant just then. A reply was ordered to be sent to Mr Hamilton, telling him that they could only spare one 30-cwt monkey. — From Mr H. F. Andrews, the Collector of Customs, informing the Couucilthat Custom House street was placed under the control of the Resident Magistrate and the Collector, and any further action in relation to the Reserve they would have to be cou suited. The Town Clerk stated that the reserve iv question belonged to the County Government, and had been bought by the Superintendent. Councillor Moore thought that it would be as well to bring the whole question before the Government, so that the Council should know how they stood. Councillor Woolcook considered it was better to ignore Mr Andrews and his actions altogether, as he had been dabbling with things he had no right to. Various accounts were referred to the Finance Committee. A letter was read from Major Heaphy asking for information in connection with the Native Reserve. The Town Clerk was instructed to forward the information asked for, , The Public Works Committee reported that 500 to 1000 yards of rock should be placed on Richmond quay. The Committee also recommended that tenders be called for supplying it at once. Councillor Purcell moved that tenders be called for supplying rOck. Councillor M'Gregor seconded' the motion. Councillor Smith asked whether it was necessary to have tenders before they decided upon the course of action. The Chairman stated that it was necessary to have things ready in case of an emergency such as a flood, which might wash away the wharf at any moment. Councillor Moore proposed that tho Council consider the best means of raising funds to repair the protective works. The whole of the rates were mortgaged for the present year, and he thought there was a more. simple way of raising the money than by striking a special rate. The last year's collection of wharfage and tonnage rates did not cover the expenses. He therefore proposed to double those rates for the remainder of the present year, which would give them about LBOO more. The increased duties would fall upon those who were best able to pay, and would not tell upon the public so much as an extra rate. The Council could not get an overdraft from the Bank. He would therefore move that the wharfage and tonnage rates be doubled for the ensuing ten months. Councillor Dupre seconded the motion. Councillor Coates said he had listened to Councillor Moore's speech, but he could not see that the mode proposed was the best. The protective works were for saving the lower end of the town. Let the pro? tective works go as it liked, but they should not tax the shipping. Why not let the residents in the lower end pay for the work, and not let it fall upon the shoulders of two or three persons ? Councillor Woolcock partly agreed with Councillor Coates. The works were for the protection of the. town, and not for the shipping interest. It was not fair to tax those who had goods conveyed over the wharf. He would move that a special rate be levied on the inhabitants of the lower end of the town. The Chairman pointed Out he could not accept tbe motion in that form, as it would be necessary to obtain the consent of the residents. Councillor Purcell supported the motion, and urged that the shipping was benefited by the works, and if they did not exist there would be a difference in the trade of the port. Councillor Smith thought that it was necessary to give notice of the motion. Councillor Moore said that he would not take any undue advantage, but he gave notice at the last meeting. He spoke for the benefit of all. He would now give further notice of his intention to move that the tonnage and wharfage rates be doubled. The Chairman said that it was perfectly in order to go into a question of ways and means, and at the next meeting go into the question of raising the tonnage dues. Councillor Woolcock seconded the motion. — Carried. On the motion of Councillor M'Gregor seconded by Councillor PuROELt, the consideration of the question of ways and means was adjourned for a week. Tenders were read for the formation of two and a half chains of road in Tainui street, near M'Millan and Taylor's brewery. John Fullarton, L 23 355; Martin Kennedy, LlB 103. Martin Kennedy's tender was accepted. Tenders were received for the supply of piles for the protective works at the following rates :- From Mr C. HolderFifty 50ft piles, 2s Id per foot; ten 30ft piles, Is 6d per foot; squared timber, Is 8d per cubic foot. From Mr D. Alabaster— soft piles, Is 11 fd ; 30ft piles, Is 9d ; squared timber, 2s 9d. From Mr P. Ferguson— soft piles, 2s ; 30ft piles. Is 9d ; squared timber, Is 6d. Mr Alabaster's tender, being the lowest, was accepted. ' Oswald Liddle's tender for ironwork, at 3|d per foot, was accepted. The tender of Edward Bromley for 1000 yards of rock, at 6s 6d per yard, was not accepted. The Chairman brought under the notice of the Council the hardship of persous having to pay Council rates and business licenses. The Town Clerk was instrupted tq write to the County Chairman on the subject, The Council then adjourned till next Friday. j