ST ALBANS BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVII, Issue 6507, 4 January 1882, Page 6

ST ALBANS BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The opening meeting of the St Albans Borough Council was held at Die office of the Avon Road Board, yesterday; present His Worship the Mayor (Hon J. T. Peacock), Councillors Matson, Blakiston, Moore, Dickenson, Money, Bull, Mann, and .Rountree. His Worship having taken his seat, made and signed the customary declaration according to the Municipal Corporations’Act, which was attested by the Councillors present. His Worship the Major said : Gentlemen, —This event marks an epoch in the history of Canterbury, and of the Colony. That, the people of New Zealand desire to have local self-government of the simplest character becomes more apparent every day, and the severance which we have this day completed is only another instance of this. 1 have no doubt at all in my mind that the step which ■wo have taken is a good one, and I feel more confidence in saying so, as the ratepayers have selected, as the first Council, a number of gentlemen, who, I think, will carefully and economically administer our local affairs. I trust we ma? all give that attention during our term of office, which will assure the smooth working of the machine, eo that all our power may be devoted to one object, that being the welfare of the Borough in general. There are a great many matters which should engage our immediate attention, the first being the appointment of officers, before we can very well carry on the ordinary business of the Borough. Another very necessary matter, which cannot be delayed, as it affects others, is the settlement as to what part of the property, real and personal, is to be the portion of the Borough. Gentlemen, the duties which devolve upon me, I shall endeavour to carry out to the best of my abi ity, and I trust, whilst I have the honour to occupy the chair, to obtain your assistance in preserving the dignity attaching thereto. With these few remarks, I would suggest that the Council should adjourn, fixing the date for meeting as early as convenient, in order that we may proceed with opr business. His Worship then resumed his seat, reiterating his satisfaction at having to work with the members of the recently elected Council. Councillor Matson would move a vote of thanks to the Mayor fur his address, and would also move “That the Council adjourn to Thursday next, at 7.30 p.m." Councillor Bull seconded the motion. Before putting the motion, the Mayor said ho thought Mr Beatron should attend to certain routine matters, such at obtaining a supply of dog collars, and copies of the various Acta of the Legislature necessary for the use of the Council. Councillor Matson’s motion was then put and carried unanimously, after which the Council responded to the Mayor’s invitation, and adjourned to his residence, where the future prosperity of St Albans was toasted in champagne.