Foxton Borough Council.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3611, 18 January 1906, Page 2

Foxton Borough Council.

SPECIAE MEETING.

A special meeting of the Foxton Borough Council was held at the Chambers last evening, there being present—The Mayor (B. G. Gower Esq.), and Crs Austin, Shadbolt, Coley, Mcore, Frankland and Gray, WEEKLY HALF-HOLIDAY. On the motion of Cr Coley, seconded by Cr Austin, it was decided ‘ ‘ That the weekly half-holi-day for the Borough of Foxton be held on Wednesday.” alteration op the borough. Correspondence was received from the Manawatu County Clerk on the above subject which read: —With reference to the proposals of your Council to alter the boundaries of your Borough, I have now to inform you of the following resolution passed by the Council on the xoth inst; f * That seeing that this Council has the power to strike a separate rate over the portion proposed to be severed from the Foxton Borough, this Council hereby withdraws its objection to the proposals made by the Foxton Borough Council for the alteration of its boundaries, provided that the Foxton Borough agrees to pay two thirds of the cost of maintenance ot the boundary roads, and that the cost of the extra clerical work be charged to the portion taken over. The financial adjustment suggested by you appears reasonable.—F. Purnell, County Clerk. ” An objection bad been lodged by several ratepayers and residents in the Awahou riding, these being interested persons. The main grounds of objection were: —That within the area proposed to be handed over to the control of this Council (Manawatu), heavy flax carting is conducted over the roads; costly drains require to be mail - tained ; Special .expenditure is required to enable ratepayers to have excess to factory to which at present there is no road outlet : some of the roads are liable to be flooded. Therefore if the proposal is carried it would mean that the present ratepayers of the Awahou Riding (the severed portion would be attached to the Awahou Riding) would have to pay an increased rate without receiving any corresponding benefit, and they hereby ask that their objection receive favourable consideration, and that the request 0' the Foxton Borough Council be not granted.” Such was the text of objection received by the Manr,watu County, and such were the attractions forwarded by R. J. Eynch, Under Secretary, for the remarks of the Borough Council. Much argument then took place as to whether it would be advisable to allow the objection to be decided by litigation or to pay the two thirds of the cost of maintenance asked for.

Most councillors were of opinion that it would be cheaper to accede to the request of the Manawatu County. Cr Coley objected, and contended that the roads affected would cost more to keep up than most councillors though f . He maintained that these roads were costing more to keep up now than before they were formed. The Mayor did not think it was fair to ratepayers inside the Borough to pay for the upkeep of the roads outside.

When the discussion turned on to the point whether the Borough should be shortened or not, Cr Moore proposed and Cr Frankland seconded, That this Council agree; to the suggestion of the Manawatu Comity, that two thirds of the cost of maintenance of the proposed boundary roads between the Foxton borough and the Manawatu County be paid by this Council in consideration of the Manawatu County electors withdrawing their objection to the proposal for alteration of the

boundaries of this Borough. Carried. THE AVENUE CULVERT. The following letter was received from Mr I. J. Fake, concrete contractor : “ After mature consideration I have come to the conclusion that the concrete culvert erected by me in the Avenue Road is not yet in the condition to carry the weight of sand to make the road level for vehicle traffic on Monday, 22nd Jan., and will not be in that condition until the first day . of February. But it could be filled in for a height of 3ft 6iu above the crown of the arch at once. It would not be suitable for foot passengers or for horses or cattle. The balance of filling could be done on the Ist Feb. I know that the Council wish to get through traffic as speedily as posible, but at the same time with some degree of safety, I, as contractor would be responsible if an an accident did occur if the road was completely filled in. On top of the 3ft 6in of sand (but with the support off culvert) it might be possible to get a level crossing with planking, or by picking a position of the road down on both sides passengers conld easily get across the depression. I should advise that the two temporary bridges be left as at present to suit , those who would not like to go by way of the road.” In the face of this letter, councillors became anxious, and some wished to know whether the road would ever be opened. However, they did not wish to run risk *of ,; : i life.

Cr Shadbolt thought the 3ft 6in should be put on and traffic restored. It was a great iuconvenience to those on the other side of the bridge, • ~, Cr Moore thought a printed ■ notice placed at suitable comers notifying persons that the Avenue crossing was closed would be sufficient, and a few Shillingsspent in this manner would' perhaps be cheaper than filling in the bridge' "or tra'fic, an 1 risking accident, which cost may hundreds. Cr Austin thought Council should meet at the culvert in the morning and decide. Eventually Cr Moore proposedJ and Cr Frankland se'onded, That the filling in of the culvert at thewindmill be not proceeded with till the Ist Feb., and that a notice be put at the corner of Union and ■ [ohnston street warning persons that the culvert could not 'be passed, and that notice be tent to Mr Fake that the filling in must be started not later than the Ist February.—Carried. The meeting terminated at 9 p.m.