BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1325, 5 July 1883, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Council Chambers on Friday evening. Present: His Worship (E. K. Brown) in the chair, and Crs. Chrisp, Lewis. Tutchen, Whinray, Hepburn, Smith, Townley and Tucker. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Incoming Corrospondence. A letter was read from Mr. M'Farlane, asking permission to erect a lamp outside hl- hall, in Custom House Street. His Worship said Mr. M’Farlane had seen him about it, and as the case was urgent he had given him permission. It was for the Council to confirm or rescind the perm * io i - Con firmed. A letter was read from Mr J. O'Meara re the new Library premises in which the Council have agreed to take offices, at an annual rental of £6O for a term of 10 years. Mr. O'Meara, who was present, said that the Library Commitle had requested him to state that they were prepared to aceeed to any alterations to meet the convenience of the Council, providing it did not materially affect the cost of building. Cr Whinray moved that a committee be appointed to confer with Mr. Finneran as to the advisability and best method of constructing a strong room for the Council.

Cr Hepburn seconded themotion — Carried, that Crs Townley and Chrisp wait upon Mr, Finneran for the above purpose. On the question of notice to owner of the present premises occupied by Council. Cr Lewis moved that the Library Committee be first asked to sign an undertaking that they would guarantee the new offices should bo ready for occupation by the 30th September. Cr Smith thought it best to leave the notice over for three more weeks Carried. A letter was next read from Mr. P. O'Meara, complainingthat since the five engine well had been sunk it had had the effect of diverting the water from his, thereby causing him considerable loss and annoyance. He had to use salt water for his engine, which was seriously damaged thereby. Mr. O’Meara also asked for an extended lease of reserves as he con templated making extensive improvements. Cr Whinray did not see that it was the Council’s affair to do anything in the matter. Cr Tucker was with the last speaker, and could not see what the Council had to do with it. Cr Tutchen said that Mr. O'Meara was a tenant of the Boards, and he had taken the place on account of the situation being favorable for his business. The well was one of the most useful things, and was a serious matter to him. He thought the Council should certainly deeper Mr O'Meara’s well. Cr Lewis could not see that it was any business of the Council’s. He would move that Mr. < '’Meara be in formed that it was heyond the Counoil’s power to grant him relief. Cr Smith seconded. Carried. With respect, to the enlargement of lease, Cr Tutchen moved that Mr O’Meara be informed that no further extension of lease can be granted. —Carried. An application was read from A Y. Boss, asking for an increase of salary. Cr Tutchen thought 15s per week (the salary at present paid to Ross) not sufficient, and moved that the matter be referred to the Harbor Board.

Cr Smith seconded the motion, as he thought the Harbor Beard should bear some of the expense, as thay had use of the services of Boss, ' Cr Townley thought, it most unrea. ■enable to a”em;)t to saddle the Har. bur Board with any more salaries. He moved that the matter be at once dealt with. Cr Whinra seconded the moiion, and said the funds of the Harbor Board were 1 >w enough already, and the work Ross did tor the Harbor Board wa« very small. Carried. Cr Whinray moved, and Cr Chrisp seconded, that Ross’s salary be increased to 25s per week. Cr Tutchen moved, as an amend, ment, that no more Borough Council funds be expended in salaries it. present Cr Tucker seconded the amends ffl'-nt, ' ut at the same time thought Hoss hail been most miserably paid. There could be no doubt but what his services were worth more than 15s per week ; at the same time, he did not think it advisable to expend any m >re of the Borough funds in salaries, and thought that the Harbor Board should bear a portion of the expense. The amendment w»s put and lost. Cr Lewis proposed, and Cr I’ownly seconded, as a further amendment, that. Ross’ salary be raised to £1 per week. tost. The original mation was then put and carried —viz,,, that the salary be 25s per week. A telegram was read from our m, mher, Mr. 'lcDonald, to the effect that the Government were prepared to give 3-4ths of the sum required for the bridge if the two Council’s agreed to vouch for the other fourth, and a-king for a speedy answer. lhe up dication was to be made under ihe 18th section of the R. and B. Act, under which it would not require any vote or special rate. The requirements being that, the Borough must guarantee the cash in hand. Proposed by Cr. Townley and, seconded by Cr. Chrisp, that a copy of our member's telegram be sent to the County Council, and that they be asked to give their earliest attentions to the mutter, and that the telegram be acknowledged. Carried. Cr. Smith moved that Mr. McDonald bn informed that the Borough Council had immediately agreed to become responsible for their half of the fourth required by the Act, and that the matter was under the consideration of the County Council, Cr Tucker seconded the motion as he thought some definite answer should be given to our member. The question would be entirely left to the County Council. Cr Chrisp did not sec the necessity for Cr Smith’s motion. He thought it would be sufficient to acknowledge the receipt of telegram. Cr Townley moved and Cr Tutchen seconded, as an amendment, that a telegram be sent to our member, slating that the subject was under the consideration of both Councils, and that a reply will be sent aa soon as possible. The amendment was carried. Finance Committee.

The report of the Committee was read and adopted engineer's report. The folllowing Is the Engineers report:— Sir,—l have the honor to forward for your information and guidance the usual fortnightly report on works in progress; under contract and day labor. Fire Brigade shed. —- The works under this contract are nearly completed, and so far as my knowledge of building carries me, seems to have been dona in a fair and workmanlike manner, but prior to asking for a final paytne t the work will, no doubt, be in. specte-l by tho Public Works Committee. Engine Shaft—>By consent of the Public Works Committee, the brickwork has been ca ried up to the surface as it was deemed advisable to do so as affording greater ■trength. and being less liable to accident. Ihe shaft is five feet square on the clear, sunk to a depth of 27 feet 6 inches. The supply pipe is 12 inches in diameter, and laid five feet from the bottom Opinions have been freely expressed by Councillors and others, as to the supply pipes being at a higher level than dead low water. I partially completed a verified survey of the levels, with so far satisf ictory results, that at dead low water taken this morning, and at a low level, oilers four to six inches below that of the datum peg first put in, would afford ten inches clear water iu tho pipes. In order to further test the levels, I purpose completing the same by to-morrow's tide, when the whole will be reported upon. Open Drain—lu carrying out the cutting of the open drain as between high and low water, according to the specified width on the bottom, viz., two feet. I found that the ground caved in almost as fast as it was taken out. I told the contractor to desist, and after an inspection by the Public Works Committee, it was decided to lay 12 extra pipes, widen it out to about eight feet, and faciiie the sides. I also purpose utilising the large tub formerly used for washing purposes, and sink this to the level of the bottom of the pipe*, to receive the deposit of silt which will naturally accumulate at each tid* ; and this deposit can be cleaned out as often as required. Should this fail to keep the pipes clean, or in /air working order, a bell-mouthed pipe or wood trap might be supplied. Several fittings will require to be supplied in the shape of shelves, nooks, ladders. &c. I presume, it will be for the members of the Fire Brigade to specially enumerate.

Inspector and Caretaker—lt would be highly advisable that some responsible person be at once appointed to take over the various properties and take care of the engine shed. Mr Wilkinson, having removed some distance from the shed, will be unable at all times to be present in case of a fir? breaking out, and otherwise his duties as overseer would be greatly interfered with by his enforced ateudance on the fire brigade. Fencing—l would recommend that a good substantial fence be erected along the road line, also a gate entrance. Old Shed—l would suggest that the old shed be retained on its present site, and utilised as a lumber ehed ; also, the present

f ool shnd migh. be removed from its site in Cobden street, and either placed alongside the old shed or placed in the reserve. Gravel Coutract—.Delivery of gravel has been resumed during the last fortnight j the quality scams of a fair average. Owing to late rains, access to the “lower level pit” has beeu impracticable for some time, and the bad state of the line has greatly re. tarded operations. Day Labor—The overseer and day laborers have been engaged cleaning out the watertables, repairing formations of the cross streets and other necessary day works. Gravel for Cross Streets—l would remind the Council that no decision has been come to as to a supply of gravel for the streets, authorised under the yearly expenditure schedule, and that the season most suitable for new formation is rapidly passing away. In reference to the beach shingle, I have nothing more favorable to report--the quality is bad, and the quantity available small. Borough Endowments—A certified plan of the above properties was forwarded about four weeks ago to the Registrar at Napier for registration. It would lie advisable that the registrar be communicated with as to the plans being duly registered ; also, as to the issue of the Crown grant for the Patutahi endowment cf 10,000 acres. In the event of an affirmative reply being received, the leases can at once be made out.—l am, &c., J. Drummoxd, Borough Engineer,

Cr Whinray thought a bell-mouthed pipe and valve should be fixed at the end of the pipe to well, otherwise the pipes would be silted up shortly. Cr Smith thought a wooden trap would bo sufficient and serve every purpose. The matter was left to the Engineer. Cr Whinray thought it would be advisable to build a small cottage for the man to live in who had charge of the engine. The kejr could then always be readily obtained. Cr Townley thought that as Mr. O’Meara wa» on the ground he would be a very eligible man to take charge of the engine and plant. Mr. ’ >rr was an engineer, and quite competent His Worship moved and Cr. Whinray seconded, that Crs Townley and Lewis wait upon Mr. O’Meara and see what arrangement they could come to. Cr Smith said he should like to see the engine tried, with all the hose possible attached, for the purpose of seeing how far the water could he thrown. He was afraid it would not answer, He should like to see it tried as soon as possible. Insurances had been refused on account of grave doiibts as to the efficiency of the engine. Cr Townley said there was no bri - gade. Cr. Chrisp wished it tried at dead low water. The Borough Engineer was asked to inform the Council when the engine was ready so as to try the experiment Cr Chrisp moved and Cr Whinray seconded, that tho fencing to shed be left until the old wharf was pulled down, as then the old wood could be utilised for that purpose. Carried. Cr Whinray proposed that the tool house be moved alongside the new structure, so as to have all together. Agreed Cr Chrisp enquired how much more gravel had to be delivered on the present contract. The Engineer said about 3,000 yards. Cr Smith «aid a great waste of metal had been made in filling up all the hollow cavities with it instead of using sand 'The whole of the me'al would be used before the roads were completed.

Cr Townlev said the quesiion had been settled before, Cr T iitchcn wished to know if any arrangements had been made with the contractor ra metalling side roads. It was mentioned that the contractor had more now than he could do. Payments. Cr. Townley called attention to the fact that there appeared to be some accounts down for payment, which had been charged in the Governor's reception account, and were again being charged to the Borough Council. Several Councillors remarked that, some of the charges made re the Governor’s reception were exceedingly heavy, and that a good thing had been made out of it. The Clerk was asked to look over the accounts again. An account, re gravel contract, of £7s 18s, was passed. Tenders for Advertising. Two tenders were opened, one from Mr. J. H. Brown, for the “ Herald,” and one from Mr. C. H C. Webb, for the Standard. Ihe prices were : “ Herald ” Is 6d per inch, sureties, Messrs Crawford and Adair ; Standard 6d per inch, sureties, Messrs Maude and Joyce. Cr Smith proposed and Cr Lewis seconded, that the Standard tender be accepted. Carried. Cr I’ucker called attention to tho fact that the Standard did not state whether they intended issuing every 'Tuesday, 'Thursday and Saturday. They only stated that they “ were ” doing so, and not that they “ would ” do 60. Cr Smith said the Council had the sureties. Cr Lewis moved ( Cr Tucker eeconded, that the Standard sign an agreement the same as that enforced for the Harbour Board. Carried.

Letter to Mr. McDonald. Sir, - By direction of the Gisborne Borough Council, I have the honor to direct your attention to the following requirements of the district, as explained to you at the interview you had with the Council prior to vour departure for Wellington. I have now to inform you that the County and Borough Councils have now made application to the Government under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act, 1882, for the sum of £2,000 each for the purpose of build ing a bridge over the Turanganui River, at the foot of Gladstone road ; the total cost of

I which is estimated at from £3,000 to £4,000I Please use your best endeavors to get this allocation n:adi, The Borough Council have also applied under the stinc Aut for the «um of £*,ooo for the purpose of opening up and obtain* in£ road metal from tho Kaiti quarry. As this application has been made not strictly in accordance with the provisions of the above-named Act, I would explain that it is thought that if the Government were fully informed of the fact that the absence of road metal so seriously affected us, they would favorably consider the position we are placed in ; the quality of the metal obtained from the Ormond river bed having fallen far short of that obtained a year ago. The absence of road metal at a nearer point than the Kaiti quarry, and the falling off of ; beach shingle, are all arguments strongly in favor of opening the quarry, where good metal is known to exist. I may also add that until something is done, our street oontracts have been brought to a standstill. You will, therefore, see that the matter of road metal is at present the most serious consideration with which the Council have to deal. Failing obtaining under the Roads and Bridges Act a sufficient sum for opening up the Kaiti quarry, the Council rely on your promise to, if possible, have a sum placed on the Estimates adequate for the requirements of this purpose. The establishment iu Gisborne of a registry office for stamps anti deeds has long been urged on the Government by the Council, the absence of

which (you are doubtless aWare} has for some years been f«dt as a great public inconveni- ! ence. The Government office here having obtained a commodious tire-proof strongroom, is a fact which may weigh with the Government in considering this application Rating Act, 1883.—The question of enabling boroughs which have not adopted this Act to rate Crown property )with certain exceptions) ; is a subject which will be brought before Parliament this year. As this Council has not adopted this Act (if consistent with your views) please give the measure vour cordial support. I observe that you have been moving in the matter of the continuance of the Supreme Court sittings at Gisborne, and recommend you to urge on the Government the necessity for tne erecti m of a suitable court* house. 'he location in this district of a Waste Lands Board office has long been urged. Failing the establishment of it, the Government might be disposed to consider the appointment of a local board of advice, which would do some good by bringing under the notice of the Auckland Board from time to time lands best suitable for sale. In reply to your telegram of yesterday, I wired you this morning as follows : — The Borough Council is willing to become responsible for its share or the quarter of the cost of the proposed bridge, and will bring the subject before the County Council, with the view of obtaining a similar agreement by that Council. Regretting having to trouble you at such length, and trusting that the suggestions made may bo of use to you in furthering the interests of this district.—l have, Ac,, j. Bourke, Town Clerk.

Cr Tutchen moved that Mr. McDonald bp asked to use his influence to obtain a Waste Lands office for Gisborne. Cr Lewis wished that Mr. McDonald should endeavour to obtain funds for a Supreme Cour’ in Gisborne. Cr Tucker thought that we should be satisfied for the present. Cr. Smith thought it advisable not to burden our member with two many requests. Extraordinary Business,

Cr Smith said with a view of removing any misconception on the part of the public aa to the action of the Council in the matter of the application re the Turanganui bridge, he proposed that tho Council pass a resolution to the effect that they had unanimously agreed to take their amount of responsibility, and that if the matter lapsed it was entirely the action of the County Council. The resolution was carried unanimously.