Foxton Borough Council.

Manawatu Herald, 4 October 1898, Page 2

Foxton Borough Council.

The ordinary monthly meeting was held at the Library Buildings last night at 7.30.

Present— The Mayor (Cr J. R. Stansell), and Crs. P. Hennessy, T. Westwood, A. Fraser, W..Purcefl and A. S. Easton.

Cr Westwood apologised for the absence of Cr Rhodes, who was unable to be present, and was granted leave of absence.

The Mayor welcomed the newly* elected Councillors, also-Cr Westwood, and hoped that during his short term of office the affairs of the Borough would go along as amicably as before. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

The inward and outward correspondence was read.

Proposed by the Mayor* seconded by Cr Hennessy, That the clerk be instructed to inform the Marton Borough Council that if the balance, viz., £z 8s 8d of their share of the Licensing expenses is not paid on or before 22nd October, 1898, to request them to name their solicitor. Carried.

The Council went into committee and passed the following resolution : — Proposed by Cr Westwood, seconded by Cr Fraser, That in reference to the application of Hennessy and Co. this Council does not see its way at present to grant assistance for asphalting footpaths in the present condition of the Borongh finances. Carried.

Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Hennesey, That the property purchased for Herbert Savell be vested in the FoxLon. Borough Council as trustees instead of the Paltnerston N. Charitable Aid Board as suggested by them, this Council being a representative body <5f the Charitable Aid Board, and similarly cannot die, and that this request be forwarded {o the gentlemen interested. Carried. • ; THE TOWN CLERK. The Mayor said that as the meeting was likely to be the last that* the town clerk would be present, he would like to read a letter which he said was intended as a testimonial to the town clerk, and with the wish of the Council would be presented to "him, sealed with the common seal of the Council, and was signed by himself and Cr Westwood. In his remarks the Mayor said that any other Councillor desirous of signing it could do so, when all present signed it. Mr McQueen valued testimonials very highly, an<f %ith the large number of excellent ones he had already, this would no doubt be much prized by him. They would be all sorry to part with him, and hVbelieved all the residents of the town welt sorry to lose him and his family. Outside of his position as town clerk be bstd also striven to help in rhaay ways, and* in any part he took he did it 'well. The thanks of the townspeople were also due to Mr McQueen for the energy he displayed ana the great help he had been in arranging all the details in connection with the flax deputation's visit to Wellington recently. In his capacity as town clerk he had placed everything in order, and had also brought before the Council several „ matters whereby the receipts of the Borough would be increased. He knew he was only echoing the wish of everyone when he trusted that he and his family would- meet with every success in the future. Cr Fraser then supported the letter, and was glad be had an opportunity to sign it, as he had found Mr McQueen a good citizen, a good clerk, with a thorough knowledge of his profession, and he wished him every success in the Old Country, to which he was returning, and trusted he would speedily meet with that success his talents deserved.

Cr Westwood endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers and said he was also pleased at having an opportunity of signing the testimonial, which he considered was got up in first-class style, and that all the facts mentioned in the testimonial he could thoroughly endorse, especially in the point when Mr McQueen took up the books from the late clerk and brought them up to date.

Cr Hennessy agreed with all that bad been said by previous speakers,

and stated that probably he had had more to do with the town clerk than any other member from his position on the Public Works Committee. He believed that the town clerk was the right man in the right place. Mr McQueen briefly thanked the councillors for their kind expressions. RESOLUTIONS. Prop id by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Westwood, That Robert Chap, jnant shall sign notices of agreement containing the terms of his appoint* , ment, and specifying the duties he undertakes, and shall provide satisfactory security to the amount ot £200 for the faithful execution of his duties. Carried. Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Purcell, That the Mayor and Crs Hennessy and Westwood do on behalf of the Borough Council sign the articles of agreement with Robert Chapman when prepared, and affix thereto the common seal of the Mayor, Councillors and Burgesies of the Borough of Foxton. They shall also satisfy themselves as to the provisions of the amount of security given by Robert Chapman. Carried. Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Fraser, That the new office building erected on part section 11 be entered in the Valuation Roll and Rate Book in the name of Harriet Mitchell as owner and occupier (rateable value £10.) Carried. Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Easton, That Mrs A. E. Nash be entered in Valuation Roll and Rate Book as owner of part section No. 63, the insertion of this property in these books having been previously omitted by an oversight. Carried. Proposed by Cr Fraser, seconded by Cr Purcell, That the attention of the Public Works Committee be drawn to state of sand hill on road near Mr Geo. Hughes which should be seen too, as the sand is blowing away very fast. Carried. Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr. Hennessy, That the clerk be instructed to get the Council Chamber completed as regards the wall paper. Carried. THE SANATORIUM. Cr Westwood, in moving this resolution, said that he considered the Foxton Borough Council had a duty to perform to this township at the Heads as they had been instrumental in getting it formed, and thought it possible that some arrangement might be made with the Government whereby the Council could legally spend a portion of its Reserves funds at the Wharangi reserve. He therefore moved the resolution as follows : — Proposed by Cr Westwood, seconded by the Mayor, That the Clerk be instructed to communicate with the Department interested in reference to getting the reserves surrounding the Manawatu Heads, Township " Wharangi " vested in the Foxton Borough Council, when this Council will be in a position to spend portion of its reserve funds on this propeVty . Carried. THE BEACH ROAD. Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr. Westwood, That the Town Clerk be authorised to write to the Manawatu County Council and urge upon them the advisability of proceed-' ing with the construction of road to the beach, as the Summer months are approaching and houses are being built at the Sanatorium, and excursion trains are to be run from Palmerston on Wednesday half-holidays for the purpose of passengers enjoying a trip to the Beach. Carried.

OTHER BUSINESS.

Proposed by Cr Fraser, seconded by Cr Purcell, That Cr Easton be added to the Public Works Committee. Carried.

Proposed by Cr Fraser, seconded by Cr Easton, That Cr Purcell be added to the Library Committee. Carried.

Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Hennessy, That the Mayor be authorised to apply to the Governor-in-Couricil for a warrant authorising the, Foxton Borough Council to call for tenders for the construction of a bridge at Wirokino over the Manawatu River in accordance with plans and specifications as drawn out by J. E. Fulton, M.1.C.E., and submitted to the Government Engineer for his approval, said application to be forwarded through our member, J. Stevens, Esq., M.H.R. Carried,

The half-yearly balance-sheet was submitted by the Treasurer, and was duly adopted. The Councillors considered the finances of the Borough were very satisfactory. The poundkeeper's quarterly report was read.

The accounts (amounting to £50 14s 6d), were passed for payment. The Council then adjourned.