BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2326, 11 February 1884, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening; present—His Worship the Mayor (D. Hannan, Esq.), Councillors Nicholson, Davies, Horne, Anderson, Eudkin. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The outward correspondence was read and approved of, and the inward read, received, and considered. Mr Henry Burger made the usual declaration after being elected a councillor, and took his seat at the table as such. The following letter from the Secretary Kumara Volunteer Fire Brigade was then read : To his Worship the Mayor and Members of the Kumara Borough Council. Gentlemen—We, the members of the Kumara Volunteer Fire Brigade, view with considerable anxiety the recommendation brought forward by your Public Works Committee re engine station. When we consider that the engine and hose reel attached will be about 28 feet long (not counting the length of rope required to pull them), we cannot but feel anxious for the safety of the engine and reel, which would be greatly endangered by the too sharp turns that will be necessary before reaching the road. The delay in arriving at a fire would also be greatly prolonged, which is viewed as of great importance by every brigade. We would therefore ask your honourable Council to reconsider the question, and beg to urge upon you the desirability of choosing a site that will command a clear run out to one of our main streets. As this is a question of great importance, not only to your Brigade but to every householder in the Borough, we again most earnestly beg your honourable Council to reconsider the question.—And remain, gentlemen, yours most obediently, William Close, Secretary K. V.F.B. Kumara, February 7th, 1884. Or. Burger, by leave, introduced a deputation from the Kumara Volunteer Fire Brigade, concerning the site to be chosen for a shed for a large new fireengine now being imported from England. The deputation comprised Captain Dove, and Firemen Grams, Valentine, and Ziegler. Captain Dove, addressing the Mayor and Councillors, stated that they were instructed by the Brigade to wait on the Council and request councillors to reconsider the site chosen for the Fire Brigade Station, so as to have it in a better position. The two main reasons were—lst, That there would be too many turns in the site chosen by the Council to fetch the engine and reel out, as they would be of great length when fastened together; there will be three pair of wheels to steer, and it would require five or six men to get it on the street, which would cause a delay in getting to a fire. 2nd, If the site were to face one of the main streets, one man could run it out, and very likely any passers-by would assist to take it to the fire, whereas they would not think to go to the present place. In conclusion, he hoped councillors would see their way clear to alter the site chosen. The Mayor inquired if the Brigade had any suggestions to make as to the site. Mr George Grams coincided with the views expressed by Captain Dove. It was of more importance to be quick at a fire perhaps than anything ; particularly to utilise the services of the firsttwo men who might get to the enginehouse. He suggested the shed should be constructed over Quinn’s Creek, near , the present fire-bell. They would there have a straight run out of the shed into Seddon street. The engine and gear would take up 26 feet. It was important there should be a fair start for the fewest number of men. Next the Bank Hotel was certainly a very good site. Firemen Valentine and Ziegler supported the suggestions of Captain Pore and Fireman Grams. The Mayor thought the site of the Bank Hotel a very good spot. Cr. Burger thought it would be objectionable to have a site for station on the present shed site. Cr. Anderson moved that the consideration of the matter stand over till next meeting, to give councillors an opportunity of inquiring into the matter. The Mayor read the Municipal Corporations Act, clause 185, which seemed to give the Council power to increase or diminish the width of any street. Cr. Nicholson thought it advisable to assist the Brigade in every possible way. Ho moved —“ That the Public

Works Committee, in conjunction with the deputation, ascertain the best site for a fire engine station, and report at next meeting of the 0000011.” The motion was seconded by Cr. Davies, who said he had had several yeW experience in fire brigades. Mr Grams’ suggestions were very advisable. He knew that where only one man could get the fire-engine out, great delay might occur in getting to a fire. Cr Burger thought no time should be lost. If they could decide to-night whether they could build over the Creek or not they might decide at once. Cr. Horne thought the Council should wait a fortnight at any rate ; the engine would not be here for two or three months j there would be plenty of time to choose a site in the meantime and erect a shed. Cr, Burger suggested ten days or a week. Cr. Nicholson’s motion was then put and carried. A letter was read from Mr T. Cummins, Captain Wanganui Volunteer Fire Brigade, in reference to an order received by his brother George from the Kumara Borough Council to build a hose reel. His brother, it appears, had sold out of his business at Wanganui, and was now in Sydney, where the Council’s letter had reached him ; and he now recommended that the order might be transferred to Mr J. W. M'Duff, a coach-builder at Wanganui—Mr G. Cummins’ former partner. Cr. Rudkin moved order be sent to Mr M‘Duff,” Cr. Horne seconded the motion. Cr. Davis suggested that the reel might be made in the district, the original maker having left for Sydney. Possibly the reel might be made in Hokitika or Greymouth just as well, without sending money out of the district. Cr. Nicholson thought it would be just as well that inquiry should be made. He would move—“ That the Town Clerk ascertain both in Greymouth and Hokitika if a hose reel can be made as good and as cheap as in Wanganui. The motion was seconded by Cr. Davies, and carried, the previous motion being withdrawn. A letter was read from. Dr. Giles conveying his best thanks to the Mayor and Councillors of the Borough of Kumara for the honour they had done him in nominating him as a member of the Board of Governors, under the “ Hokitika High School Act, 1883.” Letter received. Mrs O’Grady and Mr W. Close applied to have a few loads of gravel placed on the footpath fronting their premises in First street. On the motion of Cr. Nicholson, seconded by Cr, Davies, it was ordered that two loads of gravel be put in front of the footpaths to each of the applicants’ premises. On the motion of Cr, Burger, seconded by Cr. Anderson, it was ordered that a copy of the letter sent some time ago to the agent of the National Bank at Goldsborough be forwarded to Mr Bristow, the manager at Greymouth, asking for a reply. The Hon. Sec. St. Andrew’s School Committee (Mr J. Drummond) wrote stating that the Creek adjoining the Presbyterian Manse in the Main road, had become filled up so as to be too shallow to effectually carry off the drainage, and asked for early attention to the same, with a view of having it cleared out and deepened. On the motion of Cr. Nicholson, seconded by Cr. Davies, the letter was j referred to the Public Works Committee, to report at next meeting. On the written application of Thomas Harrold, who had been burnt out of his home, leave was given him to remove the old chimney from ground adjoining the Council’s premises. A report from the Inspector of Nuisances was read, .and, on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Cr. Davies, was referred to the Public Works Committee to report upon at next meeting. The Finance Committee’s Report was received and considered, and accounts to the amount of <£s3 11s 2d were passed for payment. Cr. Barger’s name was added to the Public Works Committee. Some discussion took place as to the extra amount of surety which should be given by the Town Clerk on undertaking the duties of Borough Treasurer. It seemed to be generally thought that the amount of security the officer was already giving was sufficient for all his appointments, auda motion to thateffect, being moved by Cr. Burger and seconded by Cr. Davies, was carried. A letter from Sergeant Emerson was referred to the Public Works Committee to report at next meeting. This concluded the business of the meeting.