BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1534, 11 April 1916, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the above was held last night. Present: The Mayor (Alf. Fraser Esq.,) and Crs. Geo. Coley, Freeman, Thompson, Simmons, Stevenson, McColl, G. Whibley and Headerson.

Gas works, finance and library committee’s reports' and Nuisance Inspector’s report were read and adopted. When the Nuisance Inspector’s report was read Cr Whibley asked why persons who had allowed house drainage to flow into the main drain had not been summoned in accordance with resolution passed at a previous meeting. The Town Clerk said offenders could not be prosecuted under the by-laws. The Mayor said that power was given to prosecute, under the Municipal Corporations Act and he also read certain sections of the by-laws dealing with the matter.

Cr McColl said householders could not drain into cess pits on their property.

It was stated that the Council had allowed house drainage to flow into the Awahou drain from the Council buildings. Cr Stevenson said the Council should set its own house in order before its prosecuted others. He subsequently moved, and Cr McColl seconded, that refuse water running into the Awahou drain from Council premises be discontinued and that a septic tank be erected as soon as possible.

In reply to the Mayor Cr McColl said the cost of the septic tank would be about The Mayor said the cost of the work would come out of the Reserve Fund which was in credit. He favoured the work being done. Other Councillors spoke in favour of the motion which was carried.

A report was read from Dr, S. Smith, Public Health Officer, setting forth the insanitary condition of certain premises.—On the motion of Crs. Stevenson and Freeman it was resolved that a copy of the letter be sent to the owner of the premises with a request that the matter be given immediate attention. It was resolved to carry out certain minor work to the poundkeeper's cottage, asked for by the tenant.

In reply to a request from the Bowling Club to instal a slot meter on the green or to remit rent of meter or in the alternative to remove the meter. It was resolved to remove the meter, Cr Whibley objected that the meter should remain as the rent of meters would have to be reconsidered by the Council at an early date, and they might as well have the benefit of any gas consumed in the meantime. It was pointed out that the amount of gas used on the green was a negligible quantity. A communication was received from the Secretary of the Municipal Association stating that, owing to the war, the annual conference would not be held this year.

The Mayor moved the following motion, notice of which had been given: That the resolution re labour at gasworks be rescinded and that the question of extra labour be left with the gas committee with power to act. Seconded by Cr Stevenson. The Mayor said works of urgency would have to remain over if the original resolution stood on the books. He had given authority to have certain work carried out recently. One Councillor said he had heard complaints of delays in carrying out certain work re gas connections. The Mayor said too much notice was taken of criticism by the “ man in the street,” and councillors should make enquiries first hand, and have matters attended to in an official manner. Any complaints or requests submitted to the Gas Committee, If in order, would receive immediate attention —Motion carried.

The annual balance-sheet, subject to audit, was laid on the table. The Town Clerk’s annual report (as puplished in full on the fourth page) was read and adopted. The Mayor said the year had been one of solid progress, and the report was satisfactory. The tarring of Main Sreet had done much to stop the dust nuisance in summer, and would to a large extent do away With the winter mud.