BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1685, 13 March 1917, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Borough Couneil was held last night. Present: The Mayor {Mr Alt'. Fraser), and Crs. Bryant, Simmons, Stevenson, Geo. Coley, MeColl, Henderson and Thompson. An apology for absence was received from Cr. Freeman. The District Klee tors last, was signed by the Mayor and Crs Henderson and MeColl. On .the motion of Crs Stevenson and Bryant, the gas manager's report was adopted, except that portion dealing with a suggested increase in the ti reman’s wages, which was referred to the Gas Committee with power to act. Councillors expressed approval of (he suggested increase.

In answer to Cr MeColl. the .Mayor slated that the price of coke was 27s (id per ton, but owing to the coal now being used, the coke was useless for suction gas producer plants, and was unsaleable. An offer had been made for the coke to he used with coal for steaming purposes, and he was of opinion that the offer should lie accepted. Besides, the space taken up by the coke was wanted at the works. Cr Stevenson said ho had subjected the coke to a good test for suction producer gas, ami it was useless for that purpose. The Library Committee's report re purchase of new hooks for the library was adopted. Miss Bert hold tendered her resignation as Town Clerk’s assistant. The Mayor said that at last meeting the assistant had applied for an increase in salary, but the Council could not see its way to grant an increase. He moved that Miss Bert bold's resignation be accepted with regret, and a vote of thanks and appreciation of her service's bo accorded for the term of her employment with the Council, nearly lour years, and an assurance that she carries the best wishes of the Council with her in her new sphere of duties. Seconded by Cr Bryant. Cr Henderson said he saw no reason why the Couneil should not endeavour to carry on without the services of an assistant.

The mot ion was carried, and it was decided to a dvertise in I lie “Herald” for applications for an assistant, to (dose on Monday, 19th March. A communication was received from the Horowhenna County Council, in reply to the Council’s objection to the manner in which the decking 1 of the Whirokino bridge had been carried out. pointing out that the Horowhenna County Council was not responsible for the timber used, and that the Buxton Borough Council had supported the Manawatu County Council in the matter.

Cr Coley said he had ei'ossed the bridge several limes, and could not see any cause for complaint in respect to the decking.

The Mayor referred to the congested state of the gas works yard. If the creek at the rear of the yard was covered, it would increase the accommodation space.

On the motion of Crs Coley and Henderson, it was decided to erect -Ift. pipes and cover the creek as suggested by the Mayor, the work to be proceeded with immediately.