Foxton Borough Council.

Manawatu Herald, 13 December 1904, Page 2

Foxton Borough Council.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above body was held in the Council Chambers last evening, when there were present—His Worship the Mayor (Mr G. A. Simpson), Crs G. Stiles, B. Gower, G. Coley, A. Speirs, and S. H. Baker. The minutes ot the previous special and ordinary meeting were read and confirmed, ACCOUNTS. All accounts were passed tor payment. REPORTS. The reports of the Overseer was read on the month’s work. He also suggested many works throughout die Borough. The Pound-keeper reported that seven horses and four cows had been impounded by the ranger, and one horse and two cows by settlers. The Treasurer’s report stated that since last meeting £95 5s had been paid into the Bank, and balances stood at—District Fund £526 16s 3d, Streets Loan Account £336 os 4d, both in credit.

Considerable discussion took place on that portion of the Overseer’s report recommending concrete kerb, ing.—Cr Speirs spoke strongly against Foxton metal being used as it was unfit for concrete-making.—Cr Coley thought otherwise. —After a lot of argument, in which the Overseer’s ability as a concrete manufacturer was severely questioned by Gr Speirs, the reports were ultimately adopted with the exception of that portion of the Overseer's report relating to concrete kerbings. TENDERS. Only one tender was received for collecting the dog tax, that of H. Bradcock at gd per head, which was accepted. For lamp lighting there was no tender, and the meeting resolved that fresh tenders be called, to be in by next monthly meeting. Two tenders were received for carting, though one was informal, This left an open field for H. Coley, whose prices were accepted—l2s 6d per day tor one horse dray and man, and 4s a day for extra leader. For the position of ranger, T. Wanklyn was appointed, his price being 8d per head. One other tender was received. NOS. 2 AND 6 LINES. The Council went iuto Committee to consider tenders for the formation of the above lines. Three tenders in all were received, the highest being £1197 6s. That of I. Cooksley, £2094, was accepted, on the motion of Cr Speirs, seconded by Cr Coley. CORRESPONDENCE. From the Valuer-General re appointment of assessor ot values to represent Foxton Borough.—Proposed by Cr Gower, seconded by Cr Baker, That Mr Fraser be nominated. Carried. M. A. Whyte wrote re cutting of grass in Harbour Street.—lt was explained the matter had been attended

Mr R. Moore wrote thanking the Councillor their action re Cummerfield and Spring’s crossing. Mr C. Rush, secretary Friendly Societies Sports Committee, wrote asking the Council to use its power to stop vendors selling fruit outside the Park on New Years Day, as the rights had been sold for that privilege inside the Park.—Much comment on the matter, but no action taken. One of the roadmen asked for extended leave, others for pay before the Xmas.—The matter of leave was left to the overseer, and Cr Speirs proposed, and Cr Coley seconded, That the requests of the roadmen be left in the hands of the Town Clerk to pay them what is due when asked for.—Carried. Other inward and outgoing correspondence of a minor character was considered. HOLIDAYS. The matter of holidays came up, and it was resolved, proposed by the Mayor, seconded by Cr Gower, That the roadmen have for holidays 26th and 27th Dec. and 2nd and 3rd Jan. CEMETERY HAY. The Council decided to have cut and stacked-the hay growing in the cemetery, with a view to disposing of same. A RANGER’S DUTYA paper clipping was handed round showing the opinion expressed by Judge Kettle and Mr Martin, Wellington solicitor, re ranging duties. They say:—“ The person seizing cattle under section 17 must drive them to and impound them in the nearest pound notwithstanding that the owner of the animals meets him on the way and tenders the fees.’’ It will thus be seen that the ranger will not deliver to the owner, but that the cattle must be placed in the pound. Much time was spent on this topic, during which it was explained other outside Counties were falling in line with the ruling mentioned, and acting upon it. Proposed by Cr Gower, seconded by Cr Baker, That this Council adopt the opinions expressed by Judge Kettle and Mr Martin re pounding stock off the roads.—Carried. This should serve as an instruction to the new-ranger. ORCHARD PESTS. It was proposed by Cr Baker, and seconded by Cr Stiles, That the Minister of Agriculture be asked when an inspector of the Orchards and Gardens Pest Bill be visiting the district.