Borough Council.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 238, 4 September 1884, Page 2

Borough Council.

LAST NIGHT'S MEETING.

Present: The Mayor, Crs. Haw kins, G-atton, Abrahams, Sutton, Larcomb, Wood, George, Wray, and West. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES. : Or Hawkins objected to the confirmation, oi the minutes of the previous ordinary meeting on the grounds that they contained an illegal resolution. He explained at some | length the reasons of his objections. The Mayor pointed out that Cr Hawkins' protest against the resolution referred to had been placed on record m the minutes, and that his objection to the minutes being confirmed could only be on the plea of inaccuracy. Cr Hawkins said he did not imply that the minutes as read were not a faithful record of what business had been transacted, but he wished his protest against the confirmation of the minutes placed on record because they contained a resolution which he maintained was illegal. He still declined to be a party to confirm them. The Mayor said that m auch a case he would not proceed with any other business, as the refusal ef aCr to acquiesce m the confirmation of the minutes was au implication that they wereinaccurate, and if m accurate they should be rectified. Finally Cr Hawkins retired to allow the minutes to be coufirnied, which was done nem dig. The minutes of the special meeting were next read and confirmed. Mr Carroll's offer. Letter read from Borough Solicitor giving an opinion re Carroll's matter, viz., that the action of the Council m accepting Mi* Carroll's offer would not be illegal. From J. Carroll offering to pay a sum for work on Boundary Road West not as a loan, but as a set-off against his rates. Cr Abi'aham still objected to the proposal being carried out, and suggested that the matter be referred to the new council. The Mayor said that the Council had passed a resolution that the work be done, but had decided to first obtain the Borough Solicitor's opinion, his opinion was favourable to the proposal submitted. Further debate ensued, Cr Wood urging the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Council should be carried into efFect. Cr Hawkins said that the opinion of the Borough Solicitor was quite clear, that the offer could not be considered m the light of a loan, and that therefore the Council was justified m proceeding with the work, on the assumption that their action would be legal as distinctly affirmed m the opinion of the Borough Solicitor. Resolved chat the tender of Henry Short be accepted for the work m question. Cr Abrahams moved as an amendment that no tender be accepted. The amendment was not seconded, and the motion was carried, Cr Abrahams protesting. APPLICATION. Messrs Caiiquist and Co. applied for permission to carry on a tannery and fellmongery business near Terrace End. Cr West moved that permission be granted ;Cr George seconded. Carried. ANOTHER APPLICATION. Prom W. Milverton applying for permission to erect a fence 3 feet on road line on boundary of section 956, Ferguson-street, as ho wished to plant a live fence. Granted. PROCLAMATION. Extract from Gazette October 1882 read, proclaiming piece of land opposite Coleman Place a public street.

DOMAIN-STREET. Cr Larcorub said that a meeting of residents of Domain-street would shortly be held, after which the 7 ' Council would be communicated w'th as to the taking over the street by the JJojincil. The~l : eTRnT u WKB&^oMMm i BB. local Bill be prepared toeDa^*^*--* Council to realize on certnin reserves and convert the same for the purchase of the piece of land required to connect Coloman place with Georgestieet, and with the balance erect a weighbridge for the Borough. The Mayor explained the course that would have to be pursued. He thought that the necessity for a weighbridge must be very apparent. Cr West moved the adoption of the report. • The Mayor explained that the sec* tions referred to, which it was pro : posed to be sold, are those where « 'ook's cooper's shop formerly siood, fronting Coleman Place, with the section behind it, fronting on Cuba-street, together with a gravel reserve m Rangitikei street, now leased to Mr Woolcock, with whom, howerer, advantageous terms could be made. It would \.e necessary to purchase Mr Dawick's section : between Coleman Place and Georgestreet and as much of Mr Hoskirig's as would make the street the full width. He had some misgivings as to whether the Government would sanction the conversion of the surplus to the erection of a weighbridge. Cr Sutton inquired as to the cost of the Local Bill required. The Mayor said the expense would' come out of the proceeds of the sale of the land. He did not know of any particular cost beyond printing and advertising. Mr Macarthur, M.H.R. would take charge of the Bill, and would not press the matter of the erection of the weighbridge if he considered it inexpedient to do so. He further explained that on sanitary grounds, (as a street drain ran through Mr Hbsking's section) taking it over as a street was advisable. It would be taken under the Public Works Act. He had learnt incidentally that no difficulty to speak of would be exporienced m the transfer of the sections to the Borough, as both the lessees, viz., Messrs Richter and Naunestad and Mr Wool cook had expressed their willingness to come to terms with the Borough Council for the transfer of the section. Cr Hawkins seconded the adoption of the report which was carried. FOREMAN OF WORKS. . The report referred to the alterations to Mil ver ton's frontage. Culverts and drains had been attended to, and roads repaired. He suggested broad wheel tires for the Borough dray. The time-table for the month was also read, m which was one item of one man half a day for shoeing a horse. Cr Hawkins objected to so much attention being devoted to streets which didn't require it, while other streets were neglected. He pointed out that the report repeatedly referred to works m Fitzherbert-street, and Main-street,but no other street seemed to demand or roceive any attention whatever. It seemed to him that the good streets were being made better, and the bad streets were being left alone. He thought better supervision was necessary. The Mayor explained lhat he believed the men did the best they could, as there was a good deal to be done, the weather was also against them. Report received. INSPECTOR OF NUISANC S. The Inspector said one or two leaking verandahs had been taken eogniz - ance of, and also a nuisance at the State school, whioh it was promised should be attended to next month. poundkeeper's repott. Impounded by the Ranger, 28 ; by by property owner, 3 } fees received £b 19s ; driving feas to Ranger, 14s ; balance to Borough £5 ss ; advertising to pay 14s. PUBLIC WORKS. Matters submitted for consideration. Culvert m front of Mr McNeil's place stopped up. Requisition to have Vbgel-street metalled. From W. Palmer askiug to have certain repairs done to street and footpath. From Jas. MpDowell complaining of his property, m Victoria-street being flooded- Also plans and- specifications for Andrew Young- street. Cr Hawkins. pointed out two important omissions: — viz., state of culvert m Cook-street, and also m Fitzherbert-street, m which latter locality the residents had lost poultry &c, and been put to seiious inconvenience the previous night through flooding. The culverts were quite inadequate to carry off the water, which caused all the mischief. Cr Larcomb said he considered he did his full share of the work that was to be done by the Public Works Committee. The Mayor said the Public Works Committee would have to meet shortly to consider the position of the Fitzherbert Bridge, the approach to which was washed away; It might require a fresh span,' and ways and means would have to be provided. Cr Sutton objected to Cr Hawkins censuring the Public Works Com*, mittee. Referring to every little thing was only waste of time, as they well knew the works could not be undertaken m the present condition of the Borough finances. Cr Hawkins disclaimed any intention of passing any strictures on the conduct of the Public Works Committee. He merely instanced one or two special cases where immediate attention was required. It was resolved that the preliminary report of the Public Works Committee be referred hack to them, m order to have all matters fully set forth. ANDREW YOUNG-STREET. The Mayor referred to the preparation of plans and specifications for the construction of Andrew Young street. Cr West remarked the absence of permanent street levels, to which he attributed the great accumulation of storm water m various streets, notably, m Rangitikei-Street. The Mayor observed that all streets, were m a similar condition the previous night, owing to the rainfall. He understood permanent level blocks

hid been placed m position m various daces. / Resolved— That plans and specific** tions be prepared for Andrew Younftatreet, aud tenders be called for xtf construction. Cr Hawkins suggested that as it was not a Council work, but was to bo paid for by Mv Young, that Mr feasional parroT^'i^fo vhe T ro "- Cr West again urged the import* ance of having proper levels taken, so that inconvenience would not result hereafter. Cr Abrahams thought it .would not be competent for Mr Larcomb to undertake the work, he being a member of the Council. accounts. ; r The following accounts were passed for payment : —

THE RANGER. Or Gatton inquired what was the term of engagement with the Ranger^ and was informed month to month. It seemed to be the general opinion of the Council that his duties were inefficiently performed, and thal*£bg streets were suffering to a serious extent through wandering cattle which appeared to stray about with impunity, and greatly damaged the streets and drains. OOMPLAINTS; Messrs Tricklebank and Rosenthal waited on the Council to urge the increase m sizo m certain culverts, and the cleaning out of certain watorcourses. >..vl'; Mr Rosenthal's complaint referred principally to a culvert m Fitzherbertstreefc. The cost of culvert and drain he estimated would be about £10. Cr West urged the importance of the last mentioned work, viz., the culvert. It was explained that the drain was an old water-course which .required to He ve-opened. .} Cr Hawkins said he understood the^ debris from the brewery helped to fill up the water-course m question. He thought that one work after anotnor of this iii-gent nature might «bei attended to until all the most pressing sources of complaint received attention m due course. Mr Rosenthal was informed that the matter would receive due consideration on the part of the Council, and he would be informed of the steps that it was decided to take." Mr Tricklebank next made his complaint, and offered a donation of £2 10s towards the cost of the work which he requested to be done. - He was informed that the., matter would be considered, and dealt with at the discretion of the Council; BOROUGH MAP. Cr Gatton inquired about Messrs Palmerston and Scott's contract tol make alterations from time to time i2P Borongb map as undertaken when it was purchased from them. He was informed that the term of their contract had still three years to , run. AN EYESORE. Cr Abrahams urged the immediate removal of the old Government (»uilds£i ing standing opposite Coleman Place, now that the street was to be opened through to George-street. ; PERMANENT LEVELS. Cr West expressed his hope that* the matter of furnishing a plan of the town with permanent levels stated thereon, should be dealt with by the new Council. Cr Lavconib gave an instance of how a building had been erected at too high an elevation through a misapprehension m this respect. The Mayor did not believe that thej late Borough Engineer was m any degi cc responsible for the shortcomings complained . of. The blocks were made, and deposited, and should have been put m position before now at the expense of the Government. . . . ■ ■ *%■ lamps. * - X Cr Sutton referred to what he considered the excessive cost of lighting the Square m proportion to the, value of the services rendered. 'J^ TREES IN THE SQUARE. .Qr-Wray referred to the nece^site » for" trimming the young treesiia the Square, some of which were lop-sided, Cr .Hawkins said his- trees ,weresperiodically pruned by vagrant cows, : DOMAIN-STREBT. Cr -West thought it was bearing^ harshly on the residents of Domain- .. street to require them to have it put m repair before being taken over hy ihe Council, as they had paid rates for years. There was a long discussion » on, a* motion that Domain-street be takVn over by the Council. The Mayor poiuted out that the resolution would require to be formally confirmed at a special meetdL ing to be convened four weeks hence. He understood that all the residents were willing and anxious to have £ti|j| street taken over, and only wishecT an opportunity to have a meeting an«% finally decide with regard te it. -Tb^s motion that Domain-street be de-It clared a public street was then pufc^ bo the meeting and negatived, as ,it^ appeared to be the wish 6i the Council that the former resolution? m reference io taking over Domainstreet should be strictly complied witb^ m regard to awaiting the action of the residents m regard thereto. .-* . r WIDTH OF STBBBTB, „ . -^ Cr Abraham questioned tha^right^ of the Council to take over priva.t6 streets of a less width than 6j6i«feet, * though all new streets laid out- kj*s the Council had to be of .that full measurement. . . : • - ADJOURNMENT. „ *•= The Council then adjourned HIP* the special meeting to consider the** application from the residents of DVfc** 1 main-street to have it taken over by the Borough Council, • » *?

Roadmen's Wages ... £37 0 6 Town Clerk 16 13 4 Stamps ... 1 0 Lamp Lighting... ... 411 4 Poundkeeper 4 10 ] 0 Advertising ... ... 55' 6 Horse Feed . 119 6 Wungauui Hospital ... 3 18- b Grazing Horse 3 6 0 Fixing Firebeil ... ... 313 2 Firebell ... 7 0 . -0