FOXTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3750, 12 February 1907, Page 2

FOXTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Ordinary Masting.

The above meeting was held in the Council Chambers last evening. Present.; —The Mayor (B. G. Gower, Bsq.), and Crs Coley, Frankland, » Hickson, Baker, Moore and Austin. The minutes of the previous and special meeting were read and confirmed. Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows :-r From the Chief Postmaster, notifying the abolition of the franking, system. —Received. From the Horowhenua Comity Council, re construction of the traffic bridge over the Manawatu River at Shannon and giving details of proportion of cost, —Received. From Edwin Toms, Palmerston N,, re water supply and stating that he would be pleased to meet the Council and discuss the scheme for water supply on the 28th inst. —No action taken. From the Labour Department, re shops closing in the Borough, and fixing Saturday on which shops can remain open to 10 p.m., also enclosing Gazette notice re same; —Received, From the Minister of Lands re request by Council for grant of to improve-the Wharangi Sanatorium at Foxton Heads, for planting lupins and sand-binding grass and stating that there was no vote on the estimates for this work and he was therefore unable to grant the request. —Received.

From Secretary of the United Friendly Societies Sports, enclosing is 4d, being 10 per cent, of the takings at the sports and picnic held in the local Park, also containing an appreciation of the good condition of the grounds. —Received. From McMurray and Co., re the price of cement. —Received,

From Secretary Chamber of Commerce, asking the Council’s co-operation in approaching the Government re extension of the wharf, etc., also asking the Council to pass a by-law requiring all owners of property in the borough to provide at least two 400-gallon tanks for each cottage in the borough. On the motion of Cr Baker seconded.by Cr Austin it was decided to inform f the Chamber of Commerce that the question of tanks will be considered and a reply forwarded after the next ordinary meeting.—Cr Coley thought the request of the Chamber of Commerce was too arbitrary. —Cr Austin said he did not think the Council had power to compel householders to erect tanks as suggested.— After further desultory discussion the resolution was carried. •

Cr Frankland further proposed, and Cr Moore - seconded, That this Council j ointly with the Foxton Chamber of Commerce, should, at the joint private expense of these two bodies, invite the Palmerston Chamber of Commerce to take a trip on one of the river boats and inspect the channel from the wharf to the Heads.—Speaking to the resolution the mover said it would be as well to enlist the sympathy and support of the Palmerston Chamber in respect to the port. The visitors would be taken for a friendly jaunt and entertained at lunch.

Cr Moore said Palmerston business people were interested in the port and it would be a good idea to have these matters brought before them' in the manner suggested. Cr Austin treated the matter lightly. He said that the Marine Department were at present surveying the river and watching the effect?,, of the tide from "the' Heads to the Shannon ferry. Such a trip was useless and it was like throwing money against a wall. Cr Baker favoured the resolution. , He approved, of public influence in these matters. Cr Coley said that there were more important matters to be considered. More trucks were' wanted at the. „ wharf. He objected to picnics. Cr, Austin : The money would be better spent on foot- \ ■ ■. ■■ *i

paths. It would cost about Cr Goley ; A nice wajr to spend money. „ .. Upon tbe motion being put th,e voting was equal: Ayes; Crs Frankland, Moore anc. Baker; noes ; Crs Hickson, Austin and Coley. The Mayor said he would support the motion which was carried.

From Department of Roads re closing of Gray-street in accordance with the Municipal Corporations Act, and enclosing Gazette notice to that effect.—Received.

From I. J. Fake, asking permission to erect septic tanks \vithin the borough.— Request granted provided the work is carried out in accordance with the Public Health Act-and Borough By-laws.

From Messrs Atkinson and Son, Auckland; offering to instal gas in the borough. Accounts were passed for payment and reports adopted. Cr Coley severely criticised thd’ manner in which the borough street lighting was carried out. He moved and Cr Hickson seconded that H. Walls be informed, -that numerous complaints have been received- both in regard to the lamp lighting and ranging, and he must pay more attention to his duties in future. — Cr Coley stat there was more wandering stock in his garden on Sunday morning than was shown to have been impounded during the month. —Cr Moore advised Cr Coley to keep his gates closed. — The ' resolution was carried unanimously. Cr Gray’s resignation was received.

The Council then went into committee.