BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 493, 12 October 1909, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Borough Council was held last night. Present: His Worship the Mayor (G. H. Stiles, Esqr.), and Crs Coley, Gibbs, Robinson, Adams, Speirs, Rimmer and J. T. Levett. Mr W. S. signed the declaration and took his seat. He said that in view of his inexperience in municipal matters he did not intend to take part in the business of the meeting but would for the present meeting content himself with watching how the business of an up-to-date Council was transacted. Previous to the continuation of the minutes Cr Robinson asked if the Council had the power to re sclud a motion. If not, then the contract for re-grading i and ashphalting the Main Street footpaths was not legal. The Mayor said that Cr Robinson could bring the matter up later on in the evening. The minutes were then confirmed. Correspondence was read as follows :

From Mr G. Brewer, drawing the Council’s attention to the bad state of Johnston Street during the recent wet weather, and asking that a footpath similar to the one in Park Street be formed between Purcell Street and Union Street. —It was decided that Mr Brewer be informed that the footpath in Johnston Street be attended to when those in hand are finished if funds permit. •< From the Registrar of the Native Land Court, advising that he was unable to trace the section (the old native cemetery), and asking for the native name of land and any particulars re ownership, etc. —Received. From the Postmaster, Foxton, in reply to a communication from the Council asking that the lamp in vestibule be kept burning until 10 o’clock every night, and advising that he had been directed to inform the Council that it wqs considered the lamp in the private box lobby gave sufficient light for all purposes after 8 p.m.—Received. From the District Engineer, advising that owing to slips he was unable to supply screened limestone at present, but if the Council so desired, he could supply unscreened at once.—Received. The poundkeeper reported that 16 head of cattle, one donkey and . 2=. horses had been impounded by 'wW-ae ranger, driving fees £1 is, and two horses had also been impounded by settlers. Cr Coley said that according to the amount of stock on the roads very little impounding was being \ danp and it would be better to get rid ot the poundkeeper at once. Accounts amounting to ,£228 xgs id were passed for payment. A petition was read from the owners and occupiers of sections in Reeve Street, and also tradesmen engaged in carrying goods, asking that a cutting be made through the sand hill in Brown Street. The petition was fathered by Cr Gibbs, and it was decided to inform the petitioners that in accordance with the standing orders the petition,would be considered at the next monthly meeting. The question of putting thicker ashphalt on the parts of the footptths used as cart crossings, was brought up by the Mayor and it was decided on his motion, seconded by Cr Coley, that the asphalt in such places be four inches, and the expense of same paid by the occupier of the section to which they lead. The question of whether the footpath where crossed by a street should be asphalted was also discussed. —Cr Adams moved and Cr Gibbs seconded, That this should not be done. Cr Speksmoved an amendment, seconded by the Mayor, proforma, that the crossings from one street to another in Main Street where the ashphalt is being laid, be laid with asphalt four inches thick. The amendment on being put was lost, Cr Speirs alone supporting it. The motion was carried. It was decided, on the motion of Cr Adams seconded by Cr Levett, that a further letter be sent asking for information re the superannuation scheme.

;Cr Robinson stated that at present Frances Street was in a very bad state, owing to the amount of surface water and there being no outlet for same,—lt was decided to attend to the matter at once.

It was decided on the motion of the Mayor seconded by Cr Levett, that the question of painting fence' 5 and asphalting footpath in the triangle be left in the hands of the Reserves Committee with power to act, and further that the flag pole and stand be shifted to Victoria Park. The question of negotiations for

the purchase of the gas works was in committee, and it was that an accountant and Mr Fraser be appointed to go through the books ot the Gas Coy, and ascertain actual cost price of the Foxton Gas Works, and that they be empowered to consult a solicitor if they think it necessary. Mr Fraser was appointed to value the land proposed to be taken in Thynne and Robinson Streets at a fee of three guineas. The Council rose at 10.20 p.m.