BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2641, 23 February 1885, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening; present—His Worship the Mayor (H. Burger, Esq.), and all the members, viz, Councillors Nicholson, Anderson, Mulvihill, Campbell, Davies, Maloney, Fitzsimons, Ziegler, and Olden. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The outward correspondence was read and approved of. The inward correspondence was read, received, and considered. OLD MEN'S HOME. In reply to the letter from the Borough Council to the Colonial Secretary, dated 26th January, asking what steps Government were prepared to take with regard to placing a sum on the Estimates for an Asylum or Refuge for Old Men on the West Coast, the Under-Secretary replied on the 11th inst., as follows :—" lam directed to inform you that the subject is one which requires very great consideration; but that the Government hope to submit a scheme to Parliament for its consideration next session ; which will make the necessary provision.— G. S. Cooper." FIFTH STREET. Mr C. M'Keegan, maintenance contractor, wrote that he had received a letter from the Town Clerk requesting him to put a coat of gravel on Fifth street. In reply, he, (Mr M'Keegan) said he would like to state that as this street was in a bad condition, he should receive extra compensation, as it would be more like making a new road than repairing. Cr. Nicholson moved that the letter be referred to the Public Works Committee, with power to act. Cr. Campbell thought the Public Works Committee should first visit the ground. He moved M'Keegan's letter be referred the Publie Works Committee for consideration." Cr. Davies seconded the motion, which was caried. GOAT NUISANCE. A letter was read from Mrs Pfaff complaining that the damage caused by goats in her garden had not been charged to the owners by the pouudkeeper, and that Ihe goats had been let out of the pound without payment for damages. She had called the attention of the Inspector of Nuisances to the matter, and he advised her to summon the owners. She now wished to know if the Council could not put down this nuisance.

Cr. Campbell moved that Mrs Pfaff be informed that she must summon the parties herself. Her proper remedywas in the Court. The Council had no power to interfere. Cr. Ziegler seconded the motion. The Mayor moved an amendment that the question be referred to the Public Works Committee, to report to next meeting. The amendment was seconded by Cr. Olden. By leave, the original motion was withdrawn, and the amendment carried. PUBLIC WORKS REPORT. The Town Clerk then read the Public Works Committee's Report, as follows : Present : Cr. Campbell (in the chair). The Mayor, Cr. Ziegler. The Committee resolved— ! 1. That the sum of £8 15s be recommended for payment to John Stone, for extension of Third street, the contract having been completed to the satisfaction of the Inspector of Works, and according to specification. 2. That the sum of £2B 7s 2d be recommended for payment to Mr C. M'Keegan for a culvert in the Main Boad, near Mr Wylde's, according to the certificate of the Inspector of Works. Both clauses were approved of and the report adopted. FINANCE. The Town Clerk then read the Finance Committee's Report. It approved of paynieut of the suing mentioned in the Public Works Committee's Report, also £l6 12s on account of maintenance contract. The Report was received and adopted,

and the sum total of £53 14s 2d passed for payment. TOWN CLERK, ETC. The Mayor reminded the Committee that the late Town Clerk wns now no more, and it would be necessary to take steps to appoint some one to fill his place. He recommended that the question be referred to the Finance Committee, with power to call for applications. Cr. Campbell moved that the question be referred to the Finance Committee, to report at next meeting. The motion was seconded by Cr. Mulvihill, and carried. FIRE INSPECTOR. By leave, the Mayor moved (there being a full meeting of the Council) — " That the resolution of the Council appointing James M'Ewen a Fire Inspector be rescinded; and that Mr James Brayshaw bo appointed as a Fire Inspector in his stead." The motion was seconded by Cr. Anderson, and carried. FIRES. The Mayor reported that the Fire Brigade found it very difficult to get hands to assist in working the engine at the late lire. Most people betook themselves to the scene of the conflagration. He moved that a scale similar to that now in use in Hokitika be paid for pnmping the engine at fires, and that the Town Clerk obtain the scale from Hokitika, and report to next meeting. The motion was seconded by Cr. Olden and carried. This concluded the business.