BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 74, 1 December 1887, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual meeting of the above was held on Tuesday evening, there being presentCr Townley (in the chair), Lucas, Lewis; Morgan, Joyce, Tucker, Ponsftjrd, and Whiuray.

IHE STORE CONTRACT. A letter was received from Mr O’Neill, pointing out that Mr Boland had not signed the bonds in connection with the stone contract until after the time allowed by the specifications, and holding that he (O'Neill) as the next lowest tenderer should have received the contract. Under these circumstances he thought that as he had been put to considerable trouble, he was entitled to some redress. Mr Bourke said that he had written to Mr Boland several times, and waited late for him on Saturday, the fourth day, but Boland had come in with his sureties the first thing on the Monday morning, explaining that he had been kwav and had not seen the Clerk’s letters, and also stating that he had not been well. He (Mr Boiirke) had considered it best to allow Boland to complete the conditions, the only other course being to call a special meeting of the Council.

Cr Whinray said O’Neill seemed to have grounds for complaint, as the conditions did ndt appear to have been’ complied with. He had certainly been held very tightly to the specifications in the Palmerston road contract. Cr Lucas thought they must keep to the specifications, and Cr Joyce contended that such had not been done— Mr Boland had evidently attended to the matter as soon as possible. Cr Lewis could not see what claim O’Neill had, as there was no clause in the specifications that would give him grounds for redress. Tenderers could pot al! be successful.

Cr JoyCe said it would not be right to put the ratepayers to the additional expense because one man was an hour or two late. It would be hard to disqualify the contractor and allow a claim at the ratepayers’ expense from a person who had no claim. Cr Townley said the writer of the letter evidently had concluded the contract had been finally given, and now asked for some slight redress. Of course it was to be regretted that the thing had gone as it had done, and would be well to be more careful in the future, but it was out of their power to do more than express regret to Mr O’Neill. The contract had been settled and there was an end to it. As to the loss of time a certain place was stipulated, and if tenderers had lost, time in looking for other samples of metal they had done so at their own risk.

Cr Tucker pointed out that they were entirely within the terms of the contract, as the specifications said that the successful tenderer was to deposit £25 after the space of four days, and (excluding Sunday) this had been done.

Crs Joyce and Lucas had been under the impression that the specifications Stipulated “ within.” Agreed that a reply be given to the effect that the specifications had been complied with.

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE. A circular from the Secretary of the Municipal Conference was laid on the table.

ACCOUNTS—A PECrLtAB MISTAKE . The Auditor-General returned the accounts, certified as correct. With regard to five pounds to the Clerk of licensing bench, which the AuditorGeneral took exception to, he stated that as several other Boroughs had done the same thing a Bill was being passed to legalise it. Cr Tucker wanted to know why the money had been paid at all—he took it to be part of the ordinary duties of Mr Greenwood. Mr Bourke said the Council had voted it several times. Mr Greenwood had applied for a fee. The amount had always been passed before.

P.W. COMMITTEE. The Committee reported that they had inspected Carnarvon street, but owing to the great expense it would take to thoroughly repair the street, and the fact that a previous by-law of the Council virtually prevented breaking up streets at this time of the year, they could only propose that £l5 be spent just now in necessary repairs. The Turanganui and Taruheru bridges both wanted the swings repaired. The report was adopted. Cr Morgan, in seconding its adoption, hoped that when the right time came Carnarvon street would be attended to. MB FABAM'S BEPOBT,

The Inspector asked for instructions as to the lowest limit which would be allowed for sien-boards under verandahs, the new by-law stipulating that they must be nine feet from the ground. Tn explanation, he said that he had been asked for permission to have a sign-board erected beneath the limit. He had said it was against the law, but had then been referred to the other sign-boards. It was decided that the old boards should not be interfered with, but all new should be in accordance with law.

In reference to water tanks, on which advice was also asked, Councillors were generally of opinion that Mr Fararn should be firm, but at the same time use his discretion. ACCOUNTS : DOG COLIAB*. The usual accounts were passed for payment. Tenders were ordered to be called for next year’s dog collars. WORKS COMMITTEE. Cr Lucas said be could not attend to the duties of the Works Committee, and must resign

On the motion of Cr Whinray, seconded by Cr Lucas, Cr Ponsford was appointed to the vacancy.