Foxton Borough Council.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3496, 14 March 1905, Page 2

Foxton Borough Council.

The conncil met last evening when there were present the Mayor (Mr G. A. Simpson), and Crs Austin, Spelman, Baker, Gower, and Symons, SPECIAL MEETING. On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Cr Gower, the special orders passed on February 13th ult. to make application to the Treasury for a sum of £3OO, being 10 per cent on a special loan of £3OOO, and making a special rate of fd in the £, to cover interest thereon, were confirmed. ORDINARY BUSINESS. The Education Department notified that a sum of £l3 os 6d had been allocated to the public library out of the Government subsidy. Mr Leslie H. Reynolds wrote offering services in connection with a water scheme if the council should desire to consult him.

A letter from Mr De Ridder relative to a water scheme for the borough was laid on the table. The Mayor pointed out that Mr De Ridder’s suggested scheme had been thrown out by a public meeting, and he thought it out of order to consider this letter. The members of the council concurred in this view, and the letter was allowed to lie on the table.

The New Zealand Acetylene Lighting Company forwarded prices at which a street lighting scheme could be carried out. The matter was deferred for the time being, J. Rogers, Palmerston North, wrote offering to superintend construction of a suggested cycle track in Victoria Park; but no action was taken.

A request from Mrs Lett for a footpath on the south side of Union street, was held over.

It was decided to co-operate with the Palmerston Chamber of Commerce in the matter of endeavouring to secure the construction of a railway to the beach to bring that spot more into popular recognition as a .health and holiday resort. It was reported that Mr R. Gray had not yet fenced his frontage to the Awahou drain, as required. The Horowhenna County Council forwarded a copy of a resolution asking if, in the event of the Government being willing to receive a deputation regarding the securing of more economical and equitable levies for and distribution of hospital and charitable aid, the Foxton Borough Council would appoint a delegate. It was decided to accede to the request. The various officers of the council submitted their reports, which were adopted, with the exception of a recommendation by the inspector of u orks that another too yards of metal be placed on the west end of No z Line, to repair ruts, etc. Cr Gower drew attention to the inefficient manner in which drains were cleaned out. Grass was cut and forked away from the sides, but what was wanted was that the bottom should be shovelled out where silted up, and kept clear of willow roots. The Mayor said all the drains were about the same, and showed the need for an engineer. The drains had not been cleaned out for the past five years, and it was no use doing so until permanent levels of drains were ascertained. If the drains silted up the water was thrown back on private property. Cr Baker drew attention to the blocking of a drain near his property. The Mayor said the fact was that 2ft. pines were expected to carry off 16 cubic feet oi water in flood time, which was absurd. He instanced Spring street as a case in point. Cr Gower considered it a waste of money to take levels at present. After some further discussion, which became rather animated at times, the matter dropped.

It was decided to give the present ranger notice, and invite applications for a successor. The Town Clerk was instructed to sue for all outstanding mill rents, license fees, etc.

Action will be taken against any person depositing rubbish within two chains of the gate of the depot. The overseer was instructed to keep an estimate ot the upkeep of each road in the borough. Accounts wm-e passed for payment totalling £656 12s gd on the following accounts; General, £205 5s 3d; library, £4 is; street loans, £3476566. Only one tender was received for formation work on the road from No 6 Line to Messrs Symons and Ashmore’s properties; but being too high it was rejected. The council then adjourned.