FOXTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 443, 15 December 1908, Page 3

FOXTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

PC:'.- ' - i||-; ■■■ ; • jr The monthly meeting of the ‘ V'.' Foxton Borough Council was held j*r* in the Council Chambers last night. Present; His Worship the Mayor Hennessy, Stiles, Frankland, and Baker. The minutes of the previous ordinary and and last two special meetings were read and confirmed. Mr J. Speirs waited on the Council in reference to the proposed new street to connect Reeve and Frances Streets and stated that

one of the petitioners had inter-

viewed the owners of the laud / through which it was proposed to put the street, and they were prepared to sell. If it was intended to continue Frances Street to Reeve Street, it would be necessary to purchase land from Mrs Howe and Mr Brewer. The former was prepared to sell a piece of her laud for and Mr Brewer hail offered his for /100, this price to include a cottage which was erected on the section. Oh the other hand, if necessary, a strip of land one chain wide could be purchased from Mr Brewer to connect Johnston and Reeve Streets. The price asked for this was/100. The Mayor pointed out that as the offers were not in writing, the Council could not deal with the matter.

Correspoudence was read as follows ; From the Railway Department, re limestone. Secretary All Saints’ Vestry, applying for one of the old lamps for use outside All Saints’ Church, Rangitikei Couuty Council, forwarding statemeut of expenses on behalf of Local Bodies in connection with the general labourers’ dis-

pute. The Poundkeeper reported that 4 head of cattle and 17 horses had been impounded, by the Ranger during the month. Driving fees amounting to ns had been col-t-lected, 4 horses had also been impounded by settlers. The Inspector of Nuisances report stated that with the exception of one back .yard in Main street, the Borough was in a sanitary condition. He would like the Council’s advice as to what action he should take in reference to the yard, He also considered one cottage in Main street should be condemned. Accounts amounting to £207 17s 2d were passed for payment. The-- reports of the Treasurer, Poundkeever, Inspector of Nuisances and Overseer were adopted, with the exception of one item in <;the latters report referring to the track in Victoria Park, The Sanson School Committee were granted the use of Victoria Park for a school picnic on the 18th inst.

On the motion of Cr Baker, seconded by Cr Frankland, it was decided that the Secretary of All Saints’ vestry be informed that at present the Council is not sure if there are any old lamps to spare, but if there are, the request will be favourably considered. Proposed by Councillor Baker, and seconded by the Mayor, that Mr Jonson, Inspector of Nuisances be advised that the Council certainly expects him to take the necessary steps to see that the nuisance complained of is attended to immediately. The Council also expects the Inspector to take legal proceedings against all owners of properties where nuisances exist, after notice given has not been attended to. —Carried. Cr Hennessy’s name was added to the list of Councillors who are authorized to sign cheques. Cr Stiles’ motion of which he had given notice to move at a previous meeting was read. “ That the motion relating to the refund of which was refused by the Council at a previous meeting be rescinded, and that the same be now granted as the works have been satisfactorily completed. This was seconded by Cr Baker pro., forma. Cr Stiles in speaking to the motion said he considered the money should bs refunded as the works had been completed in the time allowed. He did not think the Council had any legal or moral right to the money. They had had one court case and had fallen in, and if legal action was taken in this case there was a big chance of falling in again. He was of the opinion that the Council should do the' right thing in this matter. There was not a Councillor sitting at the table who would countenance the withholding of the deposit in their own private business, under the same circumstances and he saw no reason why the Council

; as a whole should do so. Cr Hennessy was of opinion that if they refunded the money they ;s ; would be doing that which they {.'.'7 had .no right to do. Mr Butcher S'- had put the Council to a great deal ' of inconvenience. He did not think ? they were indebted to him either morally or legally. Cr Jenks wanted to know who II was the real claimant. They had

\ received several letters claiming 'i the amount. If the sum was paid j|issto one of them, they might still Bp-have to pay it to Mr Butcher. He E, would like to know if Cr Stiles was Ip; a shareholder in the Foxton Gas - Proprietary.

f Cr Stiles said that before paying the deposit back, they would certainly find out who was entitled I - to it. He wished them to underr ' stand that he had no interestwhat-. |>- 'ever in the deposit, li VThe Clerk pointed out that one had stated two months :: that- ; it the amount was not forthwith proceedings would

Ou the motion being put to the meeting it was lost, Cr Stiles being the only one to vote for it. It was decided on the motion of the Mayor seconded by Cr Baker, that owing to the resignation of Cr Wilson, Cr Stiles’ name be added to the public works committee.

Mr R. Morley’s tender for dog registration was accepted. Cr Jenks moved and Cr Hennessy seconded that the tender of H. Walls be accepted for the position of ranger. The motion was lost ou the casting vole of the Mayor. Cr Stiles then moved, seconded by Cr Baker that Mr S. Feek’s tender for ranging be accepted. This was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor. It was decided that the dog tax for 1909 be 1 os, but if paid before the Ist March the sum shall be reduced to ss. All bona fide working dogs 2s 6d. Proposed by Cr Baker, seconded by Cr Frankland that Messrs Herd man and Kirkcaldie be advised that the Council is placing the deeds of declaration of Trust, re Butcher, etc., in the hands of its solicitor, and upon his favourable advice will agree to said deed of assignment.—(Carried). Resolved that the deeds etc., from Messrs Herdmau and Kirkcaldie be forwarded to Messrs Moore and Barnard for their advice.

It was decided to call fresh tenders for carting. The Council rose at 9.55 p.m.