Foxton Borough Council.

Manawatu Herald, 15 April 1902, Page 2

Foxton Borough Council.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held last night at 7.80 o’clock. Present—His Worship the Mayor (Or F. E. Jenks), and Ora P. Hennessy, B. Gr. Gower, W. Eobinson, J. W. Walsh, .A. Speirs, A. Baker, J. Symons, and Purcell., The Mayor apologised for the absence of Or Austin.

The minutes of the last monthly meeting and a special meeting held on the 26th March, were read and confirmed. The inward and outward correspondence was read. From J. Malcolm Mason, Health Officer, sending forms necessary in oases of sickness. From clerk Horowhenua County Council, forwarding plans of proposed bridge at Shannon, and saying the cost of same would be £6OOO, exclusive of land required ; also that the Foxton Borough Council, Manawatu County Council and Horowhenua County Council wore the contributing bodies to bear half cost of same. Some discussion arose on this matter, it being the general opinion that the Council had been misled in regard to the amount it would have to contribute as its share. Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Gr Hennessy, That this Council refuses to bear any part of the cost of the proposed traffic bridge over the Manawatu river near Shannon on the following grounds:—Ist, that there is already a traffic bridge over the Manawatu river at Wirokino, connecting this Borough with the Main road to Wellington, and which is sufficient for all requirements for some time to come; „ second, that this Borough is not an adjacent district within the meaning of the Act, as the proposed bridge is some six or seven miles distant from the boundary of the Borough; and thirdly, that the proposed proportion of cost is out of all reason; a copy of this resolution to be forwarded to the Horowhenua and Manawatu County Councils, and to the Minister of Lands. Carried. From Lawrence E. Eeade, pointing out that hedges and trees, ware encroaching on the footpath between Manawatu Hotel and Avenue bridge.

The Mayor said the clerk had taken the necessary steps to have trees trimmed. From Roads Department, asking for a schedule of works required. From A. S. Biss, acknowledging receipt of £2 8s 6d for Premier’s testimonial. From T. F. Martin, solicitor, forwarding fuller particulars re deserted houses. The Mayor said it would be as well to wait and in the meantime obtain a medical man to inspect one of the deserted houses, which is unfit for habitation. The Ranger’s report showed that 60 head of cattle and horses were impounded for the past quarter. The Inspector of Nuisances report was read and suggested the lopping of trees in Ravensworth Place and old cemetery. The Borough was in a clean and sanitary state. The ‘ overseer’s and treasurer’s monthly reports were also read. Or Walsh drew the attention of the Council to the necessity of a crossing near the Avedue bridge, where at times water laid, and became a great nuisance. If it were done, it would be a great convenience to the residents of Norbiton and others who had occasion to go in that • direction. Proposed by Cr Walsh, seconded by Or Baker, That a crossing be formed and metalled from Mr Williams’ gate on Avenue footpath to centre of the road. Carried. Proposed by Cr Gower, seconded by Cr Robinson, That the accounts as read be passed for payment. Carried. Proposed by Cr Gower, seconded by Cr Robinson, That the reports as ( read be adopted. Carried; Proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Purcell, That re ruinous buildings that the clerk be instructed to obtain a medical certificate in connection with any ruinous buildings in the Borough, so as to enable this Council to deal with this matter. Carried.

Cr Baker brought up the question of a nightman for the Borough, and the Mayor in reply said the matter bad not been satisfactory in the past, owing to the objection of persons being rated and who lived outside the radius. ' Proposed by Or Hen nessy, seconded by Cr Purcell, That the clerk be instructed to write to the Marine Department that the time had arrived when the river should be so lighted, so as to enable steamers to enter the river at night and come up to wharf, also urging on the Department the* necessity of deepening the lower berth at the wharf. Carried. ' Cr Hennessy repotted that certain persons were in the habit of removing sand from the Borough roads, and pointed out one particular part on Avenue road where the fencing had been undermined. The clerk read a former motion dealing with this matter, and the question was left in bis hands to deal with. Cr Speirs drew the attention of the road overseer to some repairs that were required on road near school, and which required a little metalling. The overseer was instructed to attend to same when metal is on hand. Proposed by Cr Speirs, seconded by Cr Symons, That 10 trucks of gravel be ordered.- Carried. The Council then adjourned.