MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 351, 26 November 1875, Page 2

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting was held on the 18lh instant. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Greer, Craig, and Brookes. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. ' , EETtrEIfS: The Town Clerk read and laid on the table.returns-ordered at last meeting on notice by Cr. George/ showing the names and numbers of defaulters for rates and rent due for use of. Town Hall ;'also minutes of meeting authorising tho purchase of land on which the front of the Town Hall is erected. REPORT. The Finance Committee (Messrs. George, Brookes, and Craig) reported that they had examined the bank-book and found that there was due to the Bank of New Zealand to date £169 2s. 5d., and that the outstanding accounts' amounted to £164 6s. 4d., {making the total liability £333 Bs. 9d. The Committee, under the circumstances, suggested that the whole Council form a Committee to devise ways and means to meet the liabilities, either by special rate or loan. SPECIAL MBETIKG. Moved by Cr. Brookes, seconded by Cr. Craig, and carried—" That,-in the absence of those Councillors who have taken exception to the financial arrangements of the Corporation, the Finance Committee's report be considered at a special meeting, to be convened by the Mayor." . Tb e M ayor thereupon directed the Town Clerk to summon a special meeting for Monday, 22nd inst., to devise ways and means. TENDER. Eesolved— "That Thomas,Salter's tender for cleaning streets, Town?HalJ, and lamp-lighting, for £52 for six months, be not entertained." '.:•', —-■; .■♦ SPECIAL MEETING.'

A special meeting was held on'the*22nd inst. Present—his Worship the'. Mayor, Crs. Greer, Newmarch, Eowlatt, Craig, and~Brookes.

A long discussion took place as to the best way to meet the bank overdraft. His Worship was of opinion that £3OO should bo borrowed, to be paid off in three years at the rate of £IOO per year. Cr. Craig was in favor of borrowing if possible, rather than levying-a fresh rate. , Cr. Eowlatt said the only way was to retrench and pay off. He would not consent to an extra rate without a meeting of the ratepayers.Cr. Brookes thought they were justified in borrowing. . , , Cr. Newinarch thought a- reasonable Tale of interest should.be offered on the debts.

His Worship, said that' the bank was of course drawing interest as it was, and the small creditors could not be'-treated in that way. " ' After a long conversation it was proposed by Cr. Craig—" That the Mayor call a special meeting of the Council for the purpose of contracting a loan of £3OO stg. for a term of three years." There voted—Forthe motion: Crs. Craig, Brookes, and Greer. Against: Crs. Newmarch and Eotriatt.

;BRIDGE APPROACH. His Worship then intimated that ho had received a telegram from tho District Engineer that the Government had agreed to grant £ls towards the bridge approach at the Dead Level crossing. After a protracted discussion the expenditure of the money was left in the hands of hia Worship, the Council declining to have anything to do with it.