BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3770, 10 September 1907, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

-♦• - - Ordinary Meeting. The ordinary meeting 'of the above was held last night. Present: His Worship the Mayor (B. G. Gower Esq), Crs G. Coley, G, Gray, P. Hennessy, G. Stiles, Baker and Hickson. An apology was received from Cr Wilson.

The Mayor read a letter from Cr Austin tendering his resignation, which was accepted. Correspondence was read as follows :

From Stationmaster re leaving gates of right-of-way unlocked giving access to railway reserve at Motuiti.

From A. King asking permission to put a pipe drain across footpath.

From - .Messrs Skerrett and Wylie, solicitors, advising not to appeal against the Magistrate’s decision Borough Council v. Kevin and Co.

From S. Ennis, bandmaster, asking the Council to settle the account owing by the Baud to Mr A, Shadbolt, 1 the Band at the present time being without funds. From the Secretary of the District Hospital, Palmerston N., inviting the Mayor to be present at the opening of the “Alexandra Ward ” by His Excellency on Wednesday, 25th inst. From the Treasury re loan of £6OO, Council’s share of constructing bridge at Shannon, being available.

From P. H. Rae-Howard, application for auctioneer’s license.

An application for the position of dog registrar was received from J. Frew. Crs Stiles and Coley asked whether applications had been called for the position.—lt was pointed out that it was not thought necessary to call for applications, as the term had nearly expired—Mr Frew was appointed to the position on the motion of Crs Gray and Coley.

The question of compelling owners of dogs to procure registration collars to be worn by dogs was discussed. It was recommended that the registrar should see that this is carried out.

The application of Mr P. H. Rae-Howard, for an auctioneer’s license, was granted. Mr A. King’s application to lay pipes in Union Street was granted.' A petition was read from ratepayers in the Avenue asking that a footpath be, formed to Futter Street.—The Mayor explained that this work had been included in the Works Committee’s schedule of works to be undertaken. —On the motion of Crs Gray and Coley it was decided that the work be carried out by the roadman. A letter was received from Mr Gibbs asking permission to carry out levelling operations.—lt was decided that the Works Committee ‘meet Mr Gibbs and inspect the locality on Wednesday, iSth.j at 2,30 p.m. It was resolved to instruct the nightsoil contractor to see that the gates are closed as complained of by Mr Rodie. —It was pointed out that the neglect to close the gates might not refer to the present contractor.

The Inspector of Nuisances reported the Borough to be in a good sanitary condition. The Pouudkeeper reported the impounding of 68 head of cattle and 28 horses during the past month. ■ —The Clerk complained that the fees had not been handed in and the official had not kept an appointment. The books had been left in the library.

Mr M. Perreau’s application re right-of-way was granted. Councillors expressed discontent at the opinion of Messrs Skerrett and Wylie in the action with Messrs Levin and Co. The Mayor said the only thing the Council could do, was to pay up. It was decided to sue for all rates unpaid after October Ist. A discussion took place in reference to laying pipe culverts as the kerbing is proceeding. Cr Hennessy said he did not think the drain pipes would, be sufficiently strong to carry heavy traffic. The Mayor said if the pipes were lowered deeper into the channel to enable a thicker coat of concrete, that ’ should meet the case. It was the jarring of the load which did most damage. It was decided to act on the Mayor’s suggestion. Cr Hickson introduced a deputation consisting of members of the, Athletic Club, namely, Messrs Woods, (who acted as spokesman) Rough, Perreau and R. Hickson. The deputation asked the Council to freshen up the buildings at the Park with a coat or two of paint and carry out certain improvements to the cycling and running tracks. After the deputation had retired Cr Hickson said very little had been done to the Park.

The Mayor, Crs Coley and Stiles said that a fair sum of money had been spent bn the Park —a matter of £6 l in two years. Cr Hickson interjected that there was very little to show for the expenditure. The Mayor said the Council had done its duty by the Park. It was resolved on the motion of Crs Stiles and Baker that the Reserves Committee inspect the Park with a view of ascertaining what work was necessary to be undertaken.

Mr Reade also waited on the Council with reference to the impounding of certain horses which had trespassed on his property and damaged his garden. After listening to Mr Reade, the Mayor said the trouble would have to be settled by a Magistrate. The question of allowing horses to wander at large was discussed and one Councillor named a resident who was a particular offender and yet the ranger passed his stock by.

After further discussion the subject was dropped. The request from the Bandmaster re payment of an account to Mr Shadbolt was briefly discussed. The Mayor said the Council had erected a band room at a cost of £ go. He thought the Council had done quite enough and ,if more money was spent the ratepayers would complain, Cr Coley said Mr Shadbolt had purchased a gun and clock, etc,, for recent band bazaar for which he had not been paid. No further action was taken. The Clerk stated that he had requested bandsmen to sign individually for each instrument, for which they would be held responsible. He suggested that a cupboard be erected in the band room for the storage of suits, instruments, etc; The Clerk was authorised to arrange re printing a catalogue of books contained in the library. It was also decided to place a notice in the reading-room offering >£i reward to the person giving information that would lead to the conviction of the person or persons cutting extracts from papers or magazines or removing same.—Cr Hennessy referred to the despicable meanness of such people.—Cr Coley said it was sporting information that was cut out. •

On the motion of Cr Coley it was decided to procure a truck of limestone for the school path. Cr Coley said he would provide cartage free of cost. Accounts as read were passed for payment and reports adopted.