BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3768, 11 June 1907, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Ordinary Meeting. The above meeting was held in the Council Chambers last evening. Piesent: B. G. Gower esq, (Mayor), and Crs Gray, Wilson, Hennessy, Frankland, Baker, Stiles, and Hickson. The minutes of the previous ordinary and special meetings were read and confirmed. Correspondence was read as follows : From the poundkeeper, asking that certain repairs be effected at the pound cottage. — Cr Baker moved that the Reserves Committee inspect the premises and report on the requirements asked for, also that the committee visit Victoria Park and ascertain what planting should be carried out to further beautify the grounds. — Carried.

The request of Messrs • Gardner and Whibley for permission to construct a culvert, was granted.

Mr T. C. Easton asked that a bridge be erected over the Awahou drain.—A motion moved by Cr Gray and seconded by Cr Wilson, That the overseer repair the drain from Johnston-street, as asked for in Mi; Easton’s letter, provided the road was left open —was lost.

The transfers of sections in Frances-street as applied for by Mr Moore, on behalf of certain clients, were sanctioned by the seal of the Council.

The Mayor reported that Mr Brewer, having complied with all the Council’s conditions re Frances-street, he would move that the Council now take over the street. A resolution to this effect was carried, and the clerk was instructed to complete same.

A letter was read from the Chamber of Commerce, asking the Council’s co-operation in re planting at the Sanitorium on Arbor Day.—Cr Hennessy said it was intended to hold a monster picnic on the day mentioned, when every one would be invited to assist in beautifying our ' seaside resort by planting marram grass. Very little expense would be incurred, and a pleasant and profitable time would be spent. The shops might be asked to close at 12 o’clock instead of one on the day appointed. Crs Frankland and Baker supported Cr Hennessy. The Mayor hoped that no lupins would be planted. These plants harboured rabbits. He was of opinion that the Marine Department would prohibit the planting oi lupins at the localit} r . He considered lupins a worse nuisance than gorse. Crs Frankland and Baker moved a resolution expressing the Council’s approval of the project, and requesting councillors individually to give the matter their support. —Carried. An application from Mr Chas. Patterson re employment at proposed gasworks was referred to Mr Butcher.

Mr Fleming, Inspector of Stock, wrote stating he intended to visit Foxton at an early date and inspect properties' where lupins required to be cleared. A letter was read from the Hon. Mr Millar, Minister for Marine, in reply, re river bank protection, and stating that a report was being furnished in reference to same and that he would communicate with the Council in due time. An invitation was received from the Shannon Committee in reference to the ceremony in connection with driving the first pile of the Shannon-Moutoa bridge.—The Mayor explained that he had accepted the invitation on behalf of the Council, although they did not know definitely when the event would take place. —Cr Stiles said he hoped all the councillors would attend the function.

A lengthy discussion took place in reference to a claim of £$ from Mr Moore, oh behalf of Reeve, who it was alleged, had fallen through a bridge crossing the Awahou drain and had been immersed and nearly drowned. —It was pointed out that the bridge had been erected privately and without the consent of the Council on a road that had not been thrown open to traffic and which was railed off. The locality is in Johnston-street, near Mrs Coley senr’s., property.— Cr Hickson said he had placed the last decking on the bridge at his own expense. The locality gave him access to his fibre paddock. After inspecting the plan and Councillors had expressed their opinions at length, Cr Stiles moved and Cr Frankland seconded, That legal advice be obtained as to the liability of the Council in reference to the bridge over the Awahou drain. —Carried. It was further moved on the motion of Crs Stiles and Baker, That Mr Moore be - written to, stating that a reply would be forwarded to him in the course of a few days in the matter of Reeves’ claim.—Carried. Cr Baker moved and Cr Gray seconded that-the metal requested by the School Committee from the centre of Park-street to the school fence, be approved. —Carried. REPORTS. The Overseer’s report, dealing with the work carried out during the month, and suggesting necessary work to was read. The overseer stated he had been asked by ratepayers to clear the right-of-way leading off Clyde St. He also wanted to know whether the Council had disposed of any more of the heavy timber from the Council yards besides the 19 stringers sold to Messrs Levin & Co., as the balance of such timber had been removed from the yard. The overseer said the heavy timber, except two rotten pieces, had been removed during the last two months. —The overseer was instructed to make inquiries re same.

35 horses and 128 cattle had been impounded during the month, and fees collected £2. Accounts amounting to os 3d were passed for payment. The amended estimates were discussed. The Mayor said it would be safer to strike the same rate as last year instead of making the reduction. The footpaths and roads had been neglected, and the money was badly needed for this work. Cr Baker considered the Council was breaking faith with the ratepayers inasmuch as it had stated that the rates would be reduced, Cr Hennessy agreed with the Mayor that it was necessary to alter the estimates. Cr Stiles moved and Cr Frankland seconded, That the previous estimates prepared by the Clerk be rescinded.—Carried. Cr Baker recorded his objection. Cr Stiles moved and Cr Frankland seconded, that the estimates of to-night’s finances as now amended be passed.—Carried; The resolution re striking rates was then carried, and a special meeting will be held on the 24th inst. to confirm same. Proposed by Cr Gray and sec- , ended by Cr Wilson, That the 1 owners of property fronting the \ right-of-way from Clyde St. to Duncan St. be ordered to clear the rubbish off same forthwith. — Carried. At 10.40 p.m. the Council went into Committee in reference to pending litigation between itselt and Messrs Levin and Co.