BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1297, 15 September 1914, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above was held last night. Present : The Mayor (Mr G. H. Stiles) and Crs Coley, Whibley, Kempster, S. Read, Geo. Barber, T. Henderson, Chrystall and Alex, Speirs. An apology for absence was received from Cr Freeman.

Correspondence was received from the Wanganui County Council, asking that the Government pass a Validatory Bill, authorising 1 local authorities to devote a twentieth of their revenue to the purchase of food supplies, to be shipped to and placed at the disposal of the Home Government.—The Mayor did not think the Council should take any action in the matter. — Cr Barber said an endorsement of the motion did not bind this Council to any action.—The letter was laid on the table.

Application was made by local storekeepers to store kerosene, benzine, and explosives, in accordance with the Council's regulations re same.

Mr Harris, lessee of the Cemetery reserve, made application to have his lease cancelled as he was unable to carry out the conditions cf same. —lt was pointed out that the section had not been cleared of noxious growths by the previous lessee. — The Mayor explained that the lessee took up the land with his eyes open. —Cr Whibley said if the Council wanted to re-occupy the land they would be compelled to pay compensation.—Crs Coley and Kempster said the land was not worth the price for grazing.— After further discussion it was decided to cancel the lease, provided the lessee paid rent and rates to October Ist and cleared same of noxious weeds. —It was explained that the area was 24 acres, rental ,£l7 per year, rates £9 Is 4d, The Valuer-General wrote, in reply, that the re-valuation of the borough would be considered at an early date. Mr A. J. Patterson was authorised to prepare a tracing of the Cemetery plan at a fee of £\ 17s 6d. Several natives wrote applying for free use of the hall for an entertainment in aid of the Patriotic Fund. Application granted. The question of selling portion of the road in Coley Street, on the north side from Futter Street to Mr C. Symons’ section, was discussed. The Mayor pointed out that in order to straighten the street and make it a uniform width of a chain, the surplus land could be offered to owners as was done in Thynne Street. —Cr Coley said the money from such source should be expended on works in the locality. A drain in the locality would also have to be diverted. —It was decided on the motion of Crs Barber and Chrystall, that the frontages be effered to owners of sections fronting same at 3s 6d per foot. Reports were adopted and accounts passed for payment and the Council went into committee to re adjust charges for hire of Town Hall.