FOXTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3777, 14 November 1907, Page 2

FOXTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Ordinary Meeting. The ordinary meeting of the above was held in the Borough Council Chambers on Tuesday night. Present—His Worship the Mayor (B. G. Gower, Esq.), and Crs Coley, Gray, Wilson, Stiles, Hennessy and Baker. An apology was received from Cr Frankland. Correspondence was read as follows : From Messrs Brandon and Hislop, solicitors, on behalf of Gas Syndicate, re transfer of section from Mrs Coley to Syndicate. From the District Engineer, Railway Department, asking that the Council take immediate steps to prevent gates being left open through railway reserve near Motuiti, and to prevent the nightman depositing nightsoil on the land leased to Mr Tozer by the Department. From the Statiomaster re same. —The Mayor said the nightsoil contractor had new better access to the depot, and the road complained of would not be used in future. He paid a tribute to the conscientious way in which the contractor carried out bis duties. Crs Wilson and Stiles said Mr Tozer had been put to great inconvenience through the gates having been left open.—No further action was taken.

From Horowhenua County Council, stating that up to date ios has been paid on the contract for erection of the bridge at Shannon, and that the Foxton Council’s proportion of same would be £22,9 15s. —The Clerk stated that a cheque, less Government subsidy, had been forwarded. From the Secretary of the Friendly Societies’ Council, Palmerston, asking for the use of Victoria Park on January Ist. —Permission granted on same terms as previously. From the Secretary of the District Charitable Aid Board re election of member to the Board. —No action taken.

A requisition, asking that a poll be taken in reference to adopting rating on the unimproved value was laid on the table. —Cr Coley said a number of those whose signatures appeared on the list were not ratepayers. The Clerk said therd were sufficient ratepayers on the list to demand a poll.—A desultory discussion took place as to how the new system, if adopted, would affect the properties of Councillors.—Cr Coley stated that it was all very well for storekeepers nnd others, who were making big profits, to favour the new system. He accused people who had only been in the town a few weeks, and who possessed about a few pounds’ worth of propertjq of agitating for the new system. He wanted to know who the speculators were. He finally concluded by saying that the best thing they could do would be to give their land away. The overseer’s, poundkeeper’s, and treasurer’s and works committae reports were read and adopted, and accounts passed for payment. Cr Wilson was appointed a member of the Works Committee. The Clerk said an account had , been received from Messrs McMinn and Eongworth for concreting and channelling the floor of . the morgue. He explained that he had asked the contractors to submit a price for the work, but had given no authority for the work to be done. He had made enquiries and found that £4 at the outside would be ample for the work. The contractors were now prepared to take £6 in settlement. —Several Councillors commented upon the action of the contractors, and it was moved by Cr Stiles, seconded by Cr Hennessy, that Messrs McMinn and Eongworth be informed that the Council does not acknowledge the claim, but are willing to pay £4 for work done at the morgue. —Carried.

Certain defects in the concrete kerbing were discussed. The Clerk said a certain sum was retained for maintenance. —Cr Coley said carts were being backed on to the concrete and it would not be fair to expect the contractors to make good damage from such a cause. The supplementary electors’ list was certified to as correct. Cr Styles referred to the unsatisfactory nature of the sanitary arrangements at the Park, and it was decided to have the matter attended to at once. A resolution was carried to the effect that a notice be sent to Mr D. Purcell, drawing his attention > to the gorse spreading on to the borough reserve leased by him and asking him to remove it at once. Cr Coley said the attention of the Stock Inspector should be drawn to the growth of noxious weeds throughout the borough. The clerk was authorised to have the ceiling of the library room attended to. It was decided to send a notice to the owner of section part block V, adjoining the Borough Council Chambers, calling upon him to fence. Messrs Rev. Woodward and J. K. Hornblow were appointed members of the Library Committee. The Council rose at 9.30 p.m.