BOROUGH COUNCIL

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2362, 1 December 1921, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL

At Monday night’s meeting of the Borough Council the following business was dealt with: —

A letter was received from the Plunket Society, tendering their thanks for the donation of £3 3s. — Received.

From Mr A. C. Kennerly, tendering his resignation. The Mayor, in reading the resignation, said that lie was sorry that Mr Ivennerley was leaving, as during his stay here he had proved very satisfactory. However, he felt sure that the Council would not stand in his way, as he was going to better himself. Crs. Thompson and Walker endorsed the Mayor’s remarks.

It was moved by the Mayor, and seconded hv Cr. Thompson, that Mr Kcnnerley’s resignation as working manager of the gas works he accepted with regret, and that fresh applications be invited, at - the same salary, namely £5 per week and free house, applications to close on 12th December, at 4 p.m. The motion was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor, Crs. Whihlcy, Ross, Martin and Rand voting against the motion. Cr. Ross said that since he had been on the gas works committee he had taken a great deal of interest in the works. If the works were put in order before the new man arrived, gas would he more economically manufactured, and it would give the new man a chance. The works were a valuable asset, but should he made a payable one. He had worked out_ the September working, and-found that there should have been a profit of £4O, but this profit had been eaten up by tinkerings and repairs at - the works, He knew there was financial difficulties, hut wouldn’t it lie better to face them and gel the work done?

Cr. Whihlcy said that lie was glad that Cr. Ross had brought the matter up. Cr. Ross was an engineer, and a valuable asset to the Gas Works Committee. It was his opinion that the works should be overhauled.

The Mayor said that the only solution was a poll of the ratepayers. They were 'up against it. There was no hope of an overdraft. Moved by Cr. Ross, seconded !>v Cr. Wbibley, that a meeting he held on December 2nd. to consider the question of finance and general working and management of the gas works. —Carried. Cr. Martin objected to the men employed at the gas works being allowed to collect money for purchases made at the works. It was pointed out Hie disadvantages of the old system of obtaining permits, and decided to continue as at present.

GENERAL,

Moved by Cr. Martin, seconded l>v Cr. Rand, that a private car stand he set aside on the east side of Main Street, opposite the Town Hall, as far as the boundary of Barr and Tver’s. —Carried.

Cr. Martin, in speaking to the motion, said that it was about time something was done in this matter. People were getting in the habit of leaving their ears on the road all day.

Moved by Cr. Martin, seconded by Cr., Smith, that all correspondence to the Borough Council be filed and read at each meeting. —Defeated. .

Cr. Martin said it was high time something was done. They had had an experience at the previous meeting of secr-eted letters. He said the Mayor had no right to do what he had done at the previous meeting, and that he was going to make sure it didn’t occur again.