BLENHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume II, Issue 144, 6 August 1880, Page 3

BLENHEIM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tuesday, August 3. The Council met at 8 o’clock. Present —His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Rogers, Litchfield, Sinclair, Parker, Houldsworth, and Robinson. The minutes of the pievious meeting were read and confirmed. TENDERS. The following tenders were laid befora the Council :—Works on the Maxwell Road £49 J. Batty, £4B 193 D. Bishell ; works in Nelson-street East, £3l 4s J, Batty, £29 14s Gd, D. Bishell. The Council considered the amount of the tenders excessive. ’ ■ J ' Cr Robinson suggested that fresh tenders should be called for, or the works reduced. Cr Litchfield thought it would be better to call for fresh tenders. Cr Sinclair suggested that notice should be sent through the post to contractors as they might not see the notice in the papers containing them. The Town Clerk said he thought the reason why only two tenders were sent in was that contractors were aware that on former occasions there were so many tenders, and contracts were taken so low, that they would not tender. Gn the motion of Cr Houldsworth, it was agreed that fresh tenders be called for. POUND. A letter was read from Mr Maxted, the

poundkeeper, pointing out that the board at tlie pound wanted repainting as the letters on it were almost illegible.

Cr Robinson said there was a grievance felt in connection with the pound. The poundkeeper was in the habit of notifying that horses and cattle impounded would be sold unless reclaimed “within 21 days,” but it would be much better if the day and date were specified. Cr Robinson moved that the board be repainted. The Town Clerk said it would be better if the notices were written or printed on paper, and put in a glass case. The nrattcr was left to the Inspector. MULLER STREET.

A letter was read from Mr C. Coulter, calling attention to the defective drainage in Muller street, and suggesting that the Council should acquire a right to make a drain through Mr Ewart’s paddock. Cr Sinclair thought that having drains on private property was not desirable. He pointed out that in Walter street there was a diversion of water to turn a waterwheel, and by and bye vested rights might accrue, which may lead to litigation. He would, however, move that Mr Ewart and other owners be communicated with, and asked if they would give the entire control over such a drain as was suggested by Mr Coulter to the Council. Cr Robinson said he thought before anythin" was done it would advisable for the Council to visit the locality. Cr Houldsworth thought it was not desirable to have great yawning ditches along side the road for people to tumble intoon dark nights. It would he far better to have the drain carried through the private properties away from the streets where it could he done.

Cr Litchfield moved that the matter be referred to the Inspector to take levels and report to the next meeting, and in the mean time the Council could visit the locality. Cr Rogers said he would withdraw his motion, which he only brought forward to elict discussion. Cr Litchfield’s motion was carried. INSPECTOR OF WORKS’ REPORT. The following Report was read : “ I have the honor, in accordance with instructions, to report that I have examined Main-street and the surrounding country with the object of report’ng on the best means of draining that street and all the Borough land lying between Manse Creek and the Eastern boundary of the Borough. On ,the South side of Main-street, as the Council is no doubt aware, a considerable amount of drainage has been done by Mr Adams and others who cut what is, I believe, called the Co-operative drain, running from the Alabama Road towards the sea. Mr Adams and others have cut a drain Oft wide from that drain towards the town, and have continued a smaller drain towards the S.E. corner of section 4fi, Opawa, which is, I believe, by far the lowest part of that portion of the Borough; to which point, I think, all the dr: inage about there must find an outlet. To accomplish this a drain is required from the lagoon at the Eastern end o p South-street, between Mr Adams’ and Mr Bykc’s land and the drain, If this were done I think the whole of the roads and lands in that neighborhood could l e fairly .well drained. Mr Adams informs me that he contemplates doing these works. I hog to recommend that the Council give L 5 towards this work. This I have promised Mr Adams, I have also carefully examined the land on the Western side of Manse Creek and am of opinion that a small outlay will also drain Nicholson Terrace and the adjoining lands by continuing a drain from Stophen-street East about 10 chains on section 45 to the Southern end of Nicholson Terrai n This would run along a road lino in the Omaka district, but I should imagine the Omaka Board would he glad to co-operate in this work. The cost would not exceed LlO, If those works are done, and the cross roads carefully formed, I believe no inconvenience will be felt ns regards the drainage of Main and other streets in that part of the Borough. 1 have examined Beaver Road North and am of opinion that about L 5 spent on gravel will repair the road thoroughly. The new footpath in Grove Road South is being commenced and projects a long way into the road as used. I have employed men and carts to make the road in its proper place, which I hope will meet with the approval of the Council. “ (Signed) John'. T. Robinson, “ Inspector of Works.’’

Or Sinclair moved that the L”> above referred to be paid to Mr Adams. and that the Town Clerk communicate with the Omaha Board and spend LlO on Nicholson Terrace. The works he thought would he of great public benefit. Cr Litchfield seconded the motion, stating that lie had visited the locality and was surprised to sec it in such a deplorable Btate. Gr Robinson and Cr Honldsworth supported the motion. Cr Parker said all Mr Adams’ property was in the Omaha district. It was explained that the proposed drain would give an outlet for surplus water within the Borough. The motion was carried The repairs in Beaver Road and drove Road were ordered to be proceeded with. FOOTPATHS IN' PROVE KOAT). Leave was given Mr Draper and Mr Penney to construct footpaths and crossings opposite their premises in Grove Road. MARKET-STREET. In reply to Cr Robinson the Mayor said Mr McNab informed him that Mr Colley would be here shortly and would agree to convey the land required for the footpath. STEVENSON-STREET. Cr Rogers moved that a culvert be placed at Stevenson-street at the junction of Wai-ter-street, which would obviate the necessity of cutting a ditch for twelve chains along the East side of Waiter-street. Cr Robinson seconded the motion. GY Honldsworth objected to the motion. There was a ditch which would carry off the water if it was cleaned out. He would move that Mr Winstanley be requested to remove the obstruction he had made to the ditch opposite his residence, and that the Council clean out the drain. Cr, Litchfield seconded the amendment and said he objected to the manner in which Mr Winstanley had set the Council at defiance,! He put; an obstruction to the drain arid when ordered to remove it did not comply with the order but coolly put up another. Many people said if this had been done by any other person than Mr Winstanley lie would have been summoned for-it., S It was about the greatest piece of cheek he ever heard of. iCr Sinclair seconded the amendment. The Mayor said he thought the construction of a culvert as suggested would be the better plan as it would keep the water from Stevenson-street in Stevenson-street. Or Parker said he must oppose the culvert as proposed as it would simply flood Mr Ferguson's land. Cr Robinson suggested that this matter should stand over until the next meeting. . Cr Sinclair said the matter had already stood over for some time. Cr Houldswortli’s amendment was put and the Council divided :—Ayes 3—Crs yin (Pyjx/ii<. ■!

Sinclair, Houldsworth, and Litchfield Noes 4—Crs Robinson, Parker, Rogers, and the Mayor. It was consequently lost] Cr Parker moved that the matter be referred to the Inspector of W ovks. Cr Robinson seconded. This was agreed to. MAXWELL ROAD. Cr Rogers moved that specifications he prepared and tenders called for metalling Maxwell Road. He said the work was much required and it was well that it should be done before the season for carting wool commenced. Cr Houldsworth seconded, saying the work was one that was much required. Cr Robinson said lie had been along the road, which wanted repairing in somcplaces but lie was not prepared in the present state of the funds to support a resolution for metalling the whole of this road. He thought Grove Road required in; tailing as much or more. Cr Sinclair seconded the motion. He thought the had state of Maxwell Road was owing to the Corporation gravel carts constantly going over it. Cr Litchfield supported the road being put into the necessary state of repair. The Mayor said lie would like to see the motion stand over for the present, as they had l.nt the money to do the work with, He thought if it were left to the Inspector of Works to get the necessary repairs done it would be sufficient. Cr Rogers said he had no objection, so long as tiie necessary work was done, to leave the matter to thelnspector of Works. He withdrew his motion, and the Mayor’s proposition was agreed to. Cr Rogers moved that the footpaths in Maxwell. Road be repaired, and the path on the East side be extended to the boundary of the Borough. He said it required careful navigation and a clear head to get along the narrow path at night, with a big ditch close by and telegraph poles on it. People had to taka the middle of the road for it. Cr Houldsworth seconded the motion. Cr Sinclair supported it, as did also Cr Robinson, who, however, said he did not think it necessary to extend the footpath beyond Mr Coulter’s place. Cr Rogers said he would be satisfied if the work wont as far as Mrs Empson’s. Cr Houldsworth thought it would be desirable to carry the footpath on as far as the Agricultural Society’s ground. "Cr Rogers’ motion, as amended was carried. HAWKSHAW STREET. Cr Sinclair moved that Hawkshaw street be metalled from Redwood street to Walter street. Cr Houldsworth seconded the motion. The Mayor said this metalling would run into a lot of money. He thought if this foot path was repaired it would he enough. Works had already been sanctioned which would absorb all available funds. Cr Houldsworth said the work would not be costly, and was very much required. Cr Robinson said ho thought if a few loads of "ravel were placed on the street, it would he enough for the present. What with the Short street bridge and other works, he did not see where the money was to conic from. He would move that it be referred to thelnspector of Works. Cr Parker seconded the motion. Cr Sinclair said all that came from the East Ward was objected to. If this was in the West Ward they would probably have Cr Robinson’s support. Cr Robinson said he defied anyone to say that he had ever done anything for the West Ward unfairly to any other Ward. He had always desired to deal with all parts of the town fairly. He objected to the remarks which had fallen from Cr Sinclair on this point. ... Cr Rogers supported the original motion. Cr Robinson’s amendment was put and lost and the orignal motion was carried. Cr Sinclair moved that the Land Board ho requested to inform the Council what waste lan s of the Crown there are (if any) within the Provincial District of Marlborough suitable for a reserve for the Borough under part xiii of the Municipal Corporations Act, IS7O. He pointed out that by section 350 of the Act, the Governor in Council could reserve waste lands of the Crown within a Provincial District, for the purpose of granting the same to a Borough, and 2000 acres of land might be obtained as a reserve. The motion did not require anything to bo said in its favor. The value of the land might not he very great, but lie went upon the principle that half a loaf was better than no bread. As the Bo ongli had not a reserve at the tune the amending Act of 1 STS was pass id, it was still possible to get one under the Act of 1870. Cr Robinson seconded the motion, which he said would, he was sure commend itself to ivory member of the Council. The motion was carried. WALTER STREET. Cr Houldsworth moved that Walter St. be metalled from Hawkshaw street to Stevenson street. Cr Sinclair seconded the motion. Cr Parker said he did not think this street wanted metalling. A load or two of gravel was all that was wanted. Cr Roliinson said he must oppose the motion considering the present state of finances. There were many works wanted in his ward, which he should have been too glad to brill" forward, but the funds would not. permit it. The Mayor said in the present state of the funds, lie felt reluctantly compelled to oppose the motion. Cr Sinclair objected to the remarks of the Mayor and Cr Robinson, and supported the motion, which was carried. MARKET STREET SOUTH. Cr Litchfield moved that Market street be raised from Bush’s corner to Lammas 1 , and Charles street to Riley’s stables. Cr Sinclair seconded the motion because this was partly in the West Ward, and lie did not wish to support useful work in his own ward only. Cr Houldsworth supported the motion. Cr Robinson said he should move subsequently that the other end of Charles street be metalled. HEDGES. Ci Rovers pointed out the nuisance caused by hedges overhanging the footpaths. A short time ago as lie was walking along Maxwell Road, he nearly had his eyes scratched out, and in wet weather you could not hold an umbrella. The matter was referred to the Inspector of Works. CHARLES STREET. Cr Robinson moved that tenders bs called for repairing the upper end of Charles street. Cr Robinson moved that when cattle aiul horses are sold by the poundkeeper, the day and date of the sale should be specified. This was carried. ACCOUNTS. The following accounts were passed for payment:—Sentinel LB, Bythell L 39 2s 4d, Ching LIO 10s, Robinson (sundries) L 5 15s lOd, Murphy LlO 2s Gd. Cook LlO 8s 2d, Davidson LS 12s, Bishell LlO, Mahon L 9 9s, Leary L2O 14s, Gosling LI 10s, W. Hewitt L 3, Haddock L2 Is, McNab L 34 3s lOd. Fire Brigade LG 10s. Council then adjourned.