MOTUEKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Motueka Star, Volume IV, Issue 181, 15 May 1903, Page 4

MOTUEKA BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The first meeting of the newly elected Borough Council was held on Tuesday evening. Present, His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. S. Wratt) Councillors Rankin, Rydei, Trewavas, Simpson, Satherley and Thorp. The Councillors having signed the necessary statutory declaration, His Worship congratulated the five old councillors who had been returned unopposed and also Or Rankin, an old councillor, and one who had done good work in the past. As members of a public body they met with a fair amount of abuse, which they must expect. He had no doubt they would do their best in the interest of the Borough, and as in the past, work harmonously together. Minutes of previous meeting read and adopted. The following accounts were passed for payment :—Nelson City Council 425, Loyal ilotueka Lodge 355. Boundy ana Co. £,5 3s: Hospital and Charitable Aid Board (quarterly payment) .£l6, Town Clerk £5 6s, W. King £6 18s, Chapman £5 17s 2d. Boyes .£6 0s 6d. Crs Ryder, Rankin and Ihorp were authorised to sign cheques on behalf of the Council.

Letter received from the general Post Office, Wellington acknowledging receipt of letter re keeping local telegraph office open from seven to eight o'clock and stating that the letter would receive immediate attention ; letter from Motueka Wharf Board enclosing copy of resolution passed at last meeting re making Board an elective body; from Department of Roads asking that amount required for roads and bridges during year 1903 4 be stated on schedule forwarded - % from E. Goodman resigning position of Inspector of Nuisances etc.

On the motion of Cr Rankin, seconded by Cr Trewavas, it was resolved that Mr Goodman's resignation be accepted with regret.and that ne be paid a half year's salary.

It was resolved to call for applications ior the position of dog tax collector and xanger, the Mayor, Crs Ryder, Rankin, and Trewavas to settle the appointment.

A case of suspected scarlet fever was reported to the Council by Dr Deck, medical health officer.

A long discussion ensued on the condition of the streets in different parts of the Borough, the quality of road metal, and the advisability of making the stonebreaker portable. Resolved, on the motion of Cr Rankin, seconded by Cr Satherley, That two carts and horses be engaged for two days to repair the road from Wallis* house to the bridge, Mr F. Starnes to give the assistance promised, and that the work be supervised by the overseer. Cr Thorp referred to the necessity of procuring portable gear for the stonebreaker, and to the fact that such gear could be got from an English firm: It was resolved on his motion, seconded by Or Ryder, That the Town Clerk write to ths manufarturers asking for prices of carriage and elevator for the stonebreaker.

Resolved on the motion of Cr Thorp, seconded by Cr Satherley, That the Overseer inspect the roads in the Borough and have the most pressing repairs put in hand at once.

It was also decided that Mr Staples be asked for permission to pass through his property for the purpose of securing gravel. Resolved that all outstanding accounts unpaid within one week be sued for ; also that the Clerk take steps to rec >ver the sum of six shillings court expenses incurred.

Cr Thorp referred to the letter received from the Wharf Board in reply to one sent suggesting that steps be taken to making the Board an elective

body. The speaker said th;\t the position of the present Board was a most unsatisfactory one, as they owed their existence to, and were simply working on an amendment of the Nelson H'ar—b>r Board Act. The Board had n> rating powers and he certainly thought' the Board should be put on a better foundation than at present. The Mayor said he intended to bring the matter before the Board again so that steps shonld be to get the Board properly constituted by separate Act of Parliament. After discussion it was resolved on the motion of Or Rankin. That a deputation consisting of the Mayor, Cr Thorp, and the mover, wait upon the member, Mr McKenzie, during his proposed visit, and discuss the question fully.

Cr Rankin tabled the following notics of motion, That this Council takes into consideration the advisability of forming a River Board for the district. In the coiirse of his remarks Or Rankin, referred to the River B mrd Act and its provisions, and the steps necessary to be taken to bring the Board into existence.

Applications for carts and horses for the ensuing year were received as follows :—Stamen and Tasker 12s per day two horses and cart ; 9s per day one horse and cart. W. King 12s per day two horses aud cart, 8s 6d per day oiie horse and cart. For positions of dayman, C. Boyes and G. Chapmani 7s per day. For Town Clerk, E. F. Johansen, J. G. Deck, and E. D. Raikes.

The Council went into committee and upon resuming, it was resolved to accept the tender of Star ties and Tasker for horses and cart; to appoint Messrs Boyes and Chapman as day-iin-i!) ; and Mr Fj. F. Johansen as Town Clerk. Tnis concluded the business.