BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Kumara Times, Issue 2654, 10 March 1885, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual ordinary meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Town Hall, on Thursday evening; present— His Worship the Mayor (H. Burger, Esq.), Councillors Nicholson, Anderson, Fitzsimons, Davies, Campbell, Maloney, and Olden. The following is the conclusion of our report;— LITERARY INSTITUTE. A letter was read from the Hon. Secretary Literary Society (Mr R. E, Wylde) stating that a deputation consisting of Messrs W. Barnett, Janion, Wells and Dennett had been appointed to wait upon the Borough Council re granting a subsidy to the Institute. The deputation attended and were introduced by Cr. Campbell. The members of the deputation severally addressed the Council, pointing out the advantages of the institution to the borough itself, the necessity of of assistance being given, and the good that was being done and likely to accrue if it were better supported by public bodies. The Mayor moved—“ That the question of subsidy be referred to a Committee of the Whole Council.” Cr, Olden seconded the motion. Cr. Campbell said it had been pretty clearly shown that the Institute stood in need of assistance. The Council ought to give a little more help than formerly. The want of a good library was a drawback to its success; if it had a better library, no doubt the institute would be better supported by the public. He would like to see the amount voted expended in procuring books. He moved as an amendment—- “ That this Council vote the sum of £2O for the present year.” Cr. Davies seconded the amendment. Cr. Nicholson remarked £2O would not go very far if the Institute were £3O in debt. There were a good many complaints about the division in the reading-room; the public do not like that. He thought if the partition were removed so as to give the public the use of the whole room it would be better supported. The Chairman thought the £lO annual subsidy was quite sufficient for the benefit the public were now getting from it. Cr. Maloney thought the Institute ought to be better supported. He would prefer to see the Council pay off the debt. Cr. Campbell would press that £2O be voted for the present year. Surely if the Council could afford £23 for a banquet, £2O was not too much for the local institute. The amendment was then put and carried. The Chairman called for a division, which resulted as follows:—Ayes, 5 Crs. Nicholson, Campbell, Davies, Maloney, Olden. Noes, 3—The Mayor, Crs. Fitzsimons, Anderson. The amendment then became the substantive motion. The Chairman now moved as a farther amendment—“ That the question of subsidy to the Liteiary Society be referred to the Finance Committee, to report to next meeting.” There were any amount of complaints about the Institute. The Council voted £lO last September, and they were now asked for £2O. It would be far better for the Council to take over the Institute. Cr. Fitzsimons seconded the amendment. Cr. Nicholson thought the Council ought to assist local bodies; though no doubt it would come rather heavy on the Council. He would be in favour of granting £lO now, and £lO at the usual time. Cr. .Campbell said this would only be an advantage to the Council of saving two or throe months’ interest on £lO. Everybody knew the advantage in business of having a lump sum. The amendment was put and lost. A division was called for, which resulted as follows :—Ayes, 3 The Chairman, Crs. Fitzsimons, Anderson. Noes, s—Crs. Nicholson, Campbell, Davies, Maloney, Olden. Cr. Nicholson then moved a further amendment, which was seconded by Cr. Olden'—“That a grant of £lO be passed for payment to the Literary Society, and that the usual subsidy of £lO per annum he paid when it becomes due.” If £2O were granted, it would induce other institutions to ask for increased subsidies,. Or. Campbell now, by leave of his seconder and of the Council, would withdraw his motion in favour of the amendment. Of course it was evident if put to the vote, the votes would be equal, and the Chairman would give his casting vote in favour of the amendment, and it would come to the same thing. Leave being granted, xhe amendment was thou put as the substantive motion and carried,

CEMETERY RESERVE. A letter was read from Messrs John Davidson and Richard Hobbs, Holy Trinity Churchwardens, on behalf of the Church of England vestrymen, requesting the Council to set apart a portion of the Cemetery for the use of the Church of England, in acordance with the provisions of the “ New Zealand Cemeteries Act,” with a view of having it consecrated by the Bishop of the Diocese. On the motion of Cr. Campbell, the letter was referred to the Reserves Committee, to report to next meeting. PUBLIC WORKS. The Town Clerk read the Public Works Committee’s report, which recommended— 1. “ That Mrs Pfaff be informed that she has a remedy against the owners of the goats, and that the Council cannot interfere in the matter. _ 2. “ That the Poundkeeper be furnished with extracts of the Impounding Act, 1884, necessary for his guidance. 3. “ That the Town Clerk call the attention of the Borough Inspector to the state of the streets, and that the water tables should be cleaned up at once •, also that Fifth street should be repaired according to the resolution of the Council.” The Report was received and considered, and the several clauses adopted as read. NUISANCES. A report from the Inspector of Nuisances was read and received, and referred to the Public Works Committee. BOROUGH WORKS. A report from the Inspector of Works, dated sth March, was read. It stated that he had come to the conclusion that now, at the expiration of half the term of contract, the proportion that the work done bears to the work which yet requires to be done cannot be accepted as satisfactory. However, the contractor has increased his working power during the last ten days, and promises a further increase in the future. And in view of the very considerable amount of schedule work which urgently requires his attention, an additional number of bauds will be found absolutely necessary. There is the culvert and widening the road at the saw mill; also repairs to culvert in Seddon street, and a box-drain near Spindeler’s stables, in Seddon street j these works should be done before next monthly meeting of the Council. Meanwhile Fifth street required graveling. The report was received. This concluded the business of the Council.