HELENSVILLE TOWN BOARD

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 18 September 1914, Page 5

HELENSVILLE TOWN BOARD

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12. PRESENT Messrs Jas, McLeod (chairman), A. Becroft. Jas. Hand, Captain Sellars, and the Town Clerk. MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. FISHERMEN'S WHARF Tho Marine Department, Welling ton, wrote stating that by direction of the Minister of Marine, His Excellency the Governor has, in pursuance of the provisions of section 150 of The Harbours Act, 1908, ap^ proved of plan of repairs which the Helensville Board proposes t> carry out to the fishermen's wharf at Helensville, and has authorised the Board to carry out the work, as shown on the plan. Plan produced and approved of, but there was no word of tho money coming forward. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Minister for Marine thanking him for passing the plans.for fishermen's wharf. FIRE BRIGADE Applications from volunfcee/s to the Helensville Fire Brigade were ordered to b9 left over for consideration of the new Board. THE RISING END A building permit was granted to Mr Jas. Hand, for the erection of a butcher's shop in Commercial Koad, Helensville South. A TARRY SUBJECT A letter from the Auckland Gas Company offering to supply the Board with 20 casks tar at a time and refilling empty casks when returned, was accepted. FENCTNG The Board's solicitor, Mr Ziman, wrote to the effect that Mr Williams had fenced his side of property on the boundary of tho Board's watershed, and asking that the Board fence the other side of the road within two years, and on this understanding he would accept the Board's offer for his land.—The Clerk was instructed to ask Mr Ziman to complete arrange* ments on these terms. HARD-UP The Cleik was instructed to inter* view the Manager of the Union Bank for the purpose of getting debentures for tho completion of loan for the water supply and swing bridge. It was decided that the Clerk write to the Auckland City Council Engineer, asking him what position local bodies are in with respect to the Public Works Department connecting drainage and water pipes with the public mains.

REFUSED TO PAY OLD ACCOUNTS

On presenting an old account, dating as far back as 1911, from W. Allen, for the sum of £90 (supplies etc., from the.store), a long and animated discussion'ensued.

The Chairman said this was an old matter and that he had informed Jas. Stewart, a member of the Board and of the firm of Stewart 8r05,,; that if the account were paid every member of the Board was liable, and he had tried hard for an explanation, but it lead to nothing.

Mr Becroft strongly objected to the accounr, as it had not been, rendered before. It wat- absurd a.nd he could not understand why the accounts had not been rendered monthly.

The Chairman, expressed his sms prise that this account, should suddenly be sprung npon them after three years, especially when it was well know that some time ago it had boen unanimously cairied —That any ac counts over three mouths old should not be recognised,

Mr Beqroft said it was certainly decided as stated by the Chairman.

The Chairman remarked that as Mr Htewa;t was present as a member of tho Board representing the ratepayers, why then he knew all about the resolution, which was turned up by the Oh rk.

Mr Becroft said the whole matter was a vory delicate question, and it was doubtful if all the items claimed for could be vouched for. However, he thought thero was no help for it but to ray the amount, and he moved accordingly.' The Chairman said he for one would not second the proposition,, as he was not inclined' t^o b6 held, 'responsible' for paying any share thereof, " and he felt certain tliere would be a claim on the members,, qs the auditor v^o^ld neyer pass \\\e a'c£Qu,nt.

Oa^pt. Seljars. aske,d what, the idea was iv keeping the acjouut; hack for sucli a number of ve^rs V No explanation w.is forthcoming, the Chairm.au stating Mr Stewart had taken many responsibilities on his shoulders without consulting the members of the Board in any way, and he should, therefore, be" he'd responsible,

3£y i^andj sai^ the auditor was the proper 'person's'to sancibin the payment, and he would like to; wait a^d see if he would'dq^p. The''Chairman said he had given Mr fetewa'v't repeatVcl warnings, b\\t lie persisted ir^ goiiig fin. " >'ly. Jjperul'v. "was u| opinion the account would have f> be juid, As there \va9 no seconder to his proposition, it was decided that the account in question be laid upon the tabh for the new Board to deal with, tho p-esent being- a dying ixoard. '"'"'' MISCELLANEOUS

Sundry accounts were passed for payment.

At the conclusions of the busing theChaivmnn \\}^f} \W members

of the old Board for their help during the past term, and although some of them might not be re-elected he could say with a clear conscience they had done their best, (Hear, hear). The Chairman then moved a hearty vote of thanks to the. Clerk for his past efficient services, and stated they had got on well together. Mr H. W. Stringer suitably replied.