Foxton Borough Council.

Manawatu Herald, 24 October 1899, Page 3

Foxton Borough Council.

A special meeting of the above was held last night at 7.30 o'clock. Present— The Mayor (Cr A. Fraser), and Crs F. E. Jenks, W. Purcell, H. Aldridge, C. Austin and H. Baker. The Mayor said that through the retirement of Cr Easton, Cr B. Spelman being the only candidate nominated to fill the vacancy, had been duly elected. He read a letter from Cr Spelman saying that through his absence in Wellington he would be unable to attend the meeting. The Mayor said the meeting had been mainly called to consider the application of Mr Hillary to be relieved of his duties as poundkeeper. As some objections had been made to the present ranger also occupying the position of poundkeeper, he had decided to call a meeting of the Council to decide the matter. An advertisement that had appeared in both Foxton papers did not elicit a single application for the position. Cr Jenks thought the notice that appeared a very meagre one, and said that it had not been sufficiently advertised. He believed if the conditions had been known that the poundkeeper was to live in the house rent free, there would have been a good many applying. A person had been asking him as to the duties of the poundkeeper. Cr Aldridge said that in Canterbury there were instances of the ranger's and poundkeeper's duties being amalgamated, aud working well. Cr Baker said the present ranging was done in a very unsatisfactory manner, and the question was if the . ranger was not able to do that satisfac- I * torily, would it be wise to appoint him j as poundkeeper also. Crs Purcell and Austin also spoke on the matter, and thought it would be to the advantage of the poundkeeper who would also be acting as ranger to keep the roads clear of stock. Proposed by Cr Purcell, seconded by Cr Aldridge, That Mr Hillary be allowed to sub-let the Foxton Public Pound to the present ranger for a period of 12 months. On being put to the meeting the resolution was carried, Cr Jenks voting against the motion. The Mayor read a letter from the Manawatu County Council in reference to the loan to be contributed by that body for the construction of the Wirokino Bridge, and referring the Foxton Borough Council to "The Public Works Act, 1894," and also stating

that they did not intend to appply their share until next February. He explained the position, and said he did not anticipate any difficulty in financing the matter. With the £1000 contributed by the Borough and the £ iooo subsidy from the Government he thought they should have ample funds to carry on for the next four months, in fact if they had ( not the contractor was in such a position tbat he could advance any outlay at a small interest. However, he did not think there would be any cause to look forward to this, and he made this explanation as these matters sometimes get misrepresented and misreported. An application from Mr Theo. Mitchell was read applying for a license for the Victoria Hall from October 3rd to December 31st. The Mayor said the fee was £2 per year, and he proposed, seconded by Cr Jenks, That the application of Mr Theo. J. Mitcheil for a license for Victoria Hall be granted upon the payment of the usual fee for the unexpired portion of the year. Carried. A letter was read from Morgan Bros, applying for a flaxmill site between the boatshed and Mr Geo. Coley's mill. Proposed by Cr Austin, seconded by Cr Baker, That Messrs Morgan Bros, be requested to furnish the Council with a plan of the flaxmill site which they make application for. Carried. The Council then adjourned.