BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1069, 4 May 1882, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A special meeting of the Borough Council was held on Tuesday evening at the Council Chambers at 7 o’clock. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Whinray, Townley, Somervell, Brown, Clayton, Tucker, Lewis and Tutchen. The following letter was read from the Borough Auditors: — Gisborne, Ist May, 1882. Sir, —We have to report having audited the Borough of Gisborne accounts for the year ending 31st March, 1882, and have much pleasure in stating that the books and documents of the Borough are now in perfect order. We noticed that the work connected with the Town Clerk's office is increasing year by year thereby requiring extra time and care in the auditing of the accounts. While on this subject we would respectfully suggest to your Worship and the Borough Councillors that the fees to the auditors (whoever they may be) should be increased, as we are fully convinced that no persons qualified to perform the work with efficiency can do it for the present fee without loss to themselves. —We have <fcc., The Town Clerk said that from his knowledge of the work required of the Auditors, and the number of vouchers, books, and papers to be examined, he did not consider that the fee as at present was sufficient. The abstract of Receipts and Expenditure of the Borough Fund Account for the year ending March 31 was next examined, and also the return of liabilities and assets of the Borough for the like period. The statement of receipts and expenditure of the Special Loan account was next considered, as also a statement giving the assets and liabilities on account of the Special Loan. It was found there was a balance in hand of the loan of £2,046 9s. 9d. The Special Loan interest account then submitted showed a balance in favor of the Council of £32 sb. Id.

Wmabf Account. Receipts, £6BO 10s.; and payments, £626 10s, 10d., leaving a balance 'of £53 19s. 2d. Sinsixs Fund Account. The accounts showed a balance of £246 16s. in favour of the Sinking Fund Commissioners. The Estimates for the ensuing year were submitted to the Council, and the sum of £1293 10s 6d for works expenditure was passed. Watn* Sc “FLY. Cr. Whiaray moved, and Cr. Lewis seconded a motion that £3OO be voted for testing the grounds for .artesian wells. Cr. Brown said that he was most anxious to see a good supply of water for Gisborne, but did not think that this sum would ba sufficient, and he was in favor of the big scheme, viz., bring the water from the VZuihiriri. All they wanted was the consent of the ratepayers, and if they did consent then the Council could strike a special rate for the purpose. A report of the water had been received from Dr Hector to the effect that it was suitable for "11 purposes, and he considered that the sooner they took action the sooner they would have a proper and sufficient water supply. Cr. Tutchen was of opinion that no good would be got from artesian wells. They had gone 200 feet at Patutahi without achieving any result. He was of opinion that a meeting of ratepayers should be called at once to consider the question of the big water scheme. His Worship said that when in Auckland he had spoken to the Chairman of the Harbor Board there on the subject of this intended water supply, and he had informed him that he fully endorsed Mr Drummond’s proposition relative to having a flume and not pipes. The wood for the flume might be obtained from the timber growing in the country, and although it might possibly have to be renewed every four or five years, still it would be cheaper in the long run. Cr. Somervell was against the idea of a flume, and gave instances where pipes were preferred so long as they had blow holes in them to relieve the pressure. Cr. Tucker could not support the motion. He was in favour of the large scheme for a water supply. Cr. Lewis was in favor of the big scheme, but they would have to wait a long time. What was wanted was *" a water supply as soon as possible, and he considered Cr. Whinray’s motion a good one. Cr. Whinray remarked that the last attempt at sinking an well w as not giving it experiment a Yair trial. £3OO in his opinion would not be misspent in testing the scheme. He would ask the Council to vole the £3OO, and and allow it to remain on the estimates until the ratepayers have accepted or rejected the larger scheme. Cr. Tucker opposed, and said it required great consideration. Cr. Townley would like to know’ the result of the Patutahi well before agreeing to this expenditure. They could not depend on the supply from artesian wells. Cr. Clayton agreed with Cr. Townley. Cr. Whinray said that if the engine was supplied from the river it would be rendered useless in 12 months. His Worship said that in Napier there was nothing used but salt water, and the engine there was not damaged. The motion was put and lost, only Crs. Whinray and Lewis voting for it. It was moved by Cr. Lewis, seconded by Cr. Tutchen, and carried, that £lOO be placed on the estimates for the erection of a dangerous goods store. Cr. Townley moved, and Cr. Brown seconded, that the sum of £5O be placed on the estimates for preparing the necessary information concerning the Waihiriri water scheme, in order to lay it before the ratepayers. , After some discussion the motion was carried. Fike Engine. Cr. Townley moved, and Cr. Tucker seconded, that the sum of £5O be placed on the estimates for the purchase of a new hose for the fire engine. —Carried. Timber. Cr. Whinray moved, and Cr. Townley seconded, that the sum of £5O be placed on the estimates for the purchase of totara timber for the use of the Borough.—Carried. The Council then adjourned.