BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 87, 13 March 1884, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Thr ordinary fortnightly meeting of the abc ve Council took place on Tuesday evening, in the Council Chambers, Lowe Street. Present—His Worship the Mayor (Captain T. W. Porter) in the chair, and Councillors Lewis, Tutchen, Kenny, Joyce, Hepburn, and Tucker. The following officers of the Council were also in attendance: —J. Bourke, Clerk; J. Reynolds, Engineer; T. Faram, Inspector of Nuisances. The minutes of the last special and ordinary meetings were read and confirmed* OUTGOING dORRESPONDENCE. The following outgoing correspondence was then read :—Letter to the Director of the New Zealand Land Company, re the bridge question; to Mr. Barnard, re his complaint against the nightsoil contractor ; to Messrs. Graham, Pitt, and Bennett, re their application for permission to erect powder magazine; to the Clyde Board, in answer to their communication re stray cattle ; to the Minister of Public Works, re plans for proposed bridge ; to the Minister of Public Works, re £1,500 grant; to the Hon. the Premier, re proposed Empowering Bill for harbor works and reconstruction of Board ; to the Chairman of the County Council, re Turanganui Bridge question ; to Sinking Fund Commissioner, re fund; to A. McDonald, M.H.R., re Harbor Bill. INCOMING CORRESPONDENCE. The Clerk then read the following communication :—“ Council Chambers, Caversham. —To the Mayor and Councillors of Gisborne. Gentlemen, —I am directed to bring under the notice of your Council the desirability of requesting the members of the House of Representatives for your district to urge upon the Government the necessity that now exists to make substantial endowments from the waste lands of the Crown to support the hospitals and other charitable institutions throughout the Colony.—Yours, &c., Martin Pearce, Town Clerk.” The Chairman thought our member should be asked to support the motion when before the House. He did not think there was any such provision yet made in any part of the Colony, and there could be no question as to the desirability of such grants being made. A favorable reply should be returned to the communication. Cr. Joyce thoroughly agreed with the matter contained in the request as such institutions should certainly meet with every support. Cr. Lewis moved, and Cr. Joyce seconded, “ That, as the object was such a laudable one, our member be asked to give the matter his fullest support.”—Carried. The next letter was from our late engineer, Mr. John Drummond, asking the Council to forward him a certificate as to the length of his term of service to the Board, and offering to furnish data re proposed harbor works, should such prove acceptable to the Boord. Cr. Tutchen thought the Board should be very careful in this matter. Mr. Drummond was undoubtedly a clever man, but they should carefully consider how they replied to any communication coming from him. Cr. Joyce said it was impossible to refuse the request contained in the first part of the letter, as Mr. Drummond had a perfect right to demand the same at their hands. Cr. Tucker could not forget the trouble and waste of time Mr. Drummond had put them to. It behoved them to be very careful in giving any certificate of this sort. If anything was said he thought it should be the whole truth, and a plain statement of the whole circumstances of the case; but he thought it would be sufficient simply to state the time Mr. Drummond had been connected with the Board, and that he be plainly given to understand that his offer would not be required. The Chairman pointed out that this was all that had* been asked for. It was resolved that the required certificate be granted, and Mr. Drummond thanked for

his offer; and, at the same time, he be informed that should his assistance be required, the same would be asked for.

A communication from Mr. Chrisp, on behalf of the Gisborne Institute, asking for permission to use the Council offices once or twice a week for the purpose of holding classes in the same, was then read, Cr. Lewis had much pleasure in moving “ That the required permission be granted,” as he did not see that it would interfere, in any way, with their business. Cr. Kenny would second the motion, with the understanding that the Institution provide its own lights and fuel, &c. In answer to Cr. Tutchen, the Clerk said one night a week would not interfere with his business, and he could see no other objection to granting the request than that of extra risk of fire. The insurance agent, however, would not object. Cr. Kenny thought that bo naone should be made responsible for put in; out the lights and seeing all safe. The Chairman having expressed his concurrence, it was resolved that the pennission be granted, subject to the above conditions. LAMP LIGHTING. The next letter was from the Secretary to the Harbor Board, asking the Council for the loan of two of their street lamps for the purpose of lighting the wharves. Cr. Kenny would move “ That the request be acceeded to, with the proviso that the lamps be returned at a weeks notice.” He could not see that the lamps would be of any use to the Borough, and were a useless expense. The only lamp that was of any service was the one at the ferry, and he would strongly oppose the lamps being put up again next winter.

Cr. Lewis differed strongly with Cr. Kenny on this point and thought the street lamps very very necessary. He would point to Thelwall’s corner where the footpath rose up so high as to render it very necessary to have a lamp there. Another necessary place was Sigley’s corner. Last winter the lamps were not of much use on account of their not being properly trimmed, and it was frequently necessary, as the papers put it, “ to strike a match to lookfoi the lamp.” When the queswas brought on he would certainly strongly support their re-erection. The Chairman pointed out that the necessity for oil lamps would soon cease, as a quantity of the gas plant had already arrived, and they might reasonably hope to have gas before the end of next winter. The proposition was then put and carried. The consideration of a communication from Archdeacon Williams re. earth closets was deferred to a later stage of the business. ENGINEER’S REPORT. Palmerston Road.— The levels of the road have been taken and the drainage is being improved by providing an outlet along Carnarvon Street. As to the portion between Peel Street and Grey Street, I think it would be inadvisable to raise the road more than one foot, both on accaunt of the expense and inconvenience to neighboring properties. The road would be much improved by putting on one foot of sand opposite the engine-shed and continuing this level to about half-way between Bright Street and Grey Street. The hill up to Peel Street should be made up to a gradient of 1 in 40, and the whole metalled thirty feet wide with beach shingle. Total length to be reformed and shingled ten chains. Cost £llO. Large Drain North Portion of Palmerston Road.— As the wet season is now approaching I think that the water which flows along the North side of Gladstone Road irlto this drain should be diverted into the drain recently cleaned out along the South part of Roebuck Road. This would require a new box (or pipes) across Roebuck Road (North side of Gladstone Road). This work will have to be done before the big drain is filled in as intended. Day Labor.— The total amount is £ll 45., principally incurred in work in Carnarvon Street and Palmerston Road. Cr. Kenny, referring to that part of the report relating to Palmerston Road, could not vote for the work being undertaken whilst the Council was in its present em harassed pecuniary position with an overdraft of upwards of £1,200, and, even if they were in a position to expend so large a sum as £llO, there were other streets which should take priority to the one in question. He would call attention to the present state of Childers Street. The Council were not in a position to undertake any work in the face of the present state of affairs. They had drifted into a very critical state of pecuniary affairs.

In answer to a question the Clerk informed the Council that the overdraft now amounted to £1,600. There was £3OO of rates to come in and he hoped to receive £6OO from the Harbor Board. The financial statement would be completed this month and they would then be able to judge accurately what their position was. Cr. Lewis, owing to the present position of affairs, and the low state of the exchequer, moved “ That the further consideration of this matter stand over until next month.”

Cr. Kenny seconded the motion which was put and carried. It was resolved, on the motion of Cr. Tutchen “ That the work mentioned in the second part of the report stand over until next month, when the accurate financial position would be known.” PAYMENTS. The following accounts were then passed for payment :—J. Brown, £1 10s. ; temporary loan, £6l Is. lid. ; Turton, £5 Is. 6d. ; D. Ready, £6 2s. 6d. ; 8. Doleman, £2O 9s. 3d. EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS, Upon the specifications of the new night soil contract being read, the Chairman said Archdeacon Williams’ letter had better be considered in conjunction with the same. The following letter was then read “ Sir, — I observe . . . that it is proposed for the future to make the removal of night soil compulsory within a boundary line drawn at a distance of two chains on the further side of Roebuck Street, within which boundary the premises occupied by me are included. The object ... is thoroughly to be commended, and I feel sure that no one thought for a moment that it would be likely to press unfairly upon any one. If the proposed regulations should be made to apply to my premises, it would render it necessary for me to incur expense in making alterations for the introduction of a system which is not nearly as effective as that which I have hitherto adopted. Ever since I have lived in the town I have used earth closets, which are constructed, and worked, on a plan which has proved itself so satisfactory that it might be generally adopted with great advantage. . . . May I venture to

suggest, with all due respect, that exception should be made in favor of any citizen who can show, to the satisfaction of the Council, or of any duly qualified practitioner, that he is carrying out an efficient earth closet system on his own premises.” &c., &c. Cr. Kenny pointed out that if people were compelled to have earth closets the Council would have to provide the requisite dry description of earth, otherwise the results might prove very disastrous to the whole community at large. With respect to these matters ho thought the responsibility should not be cast on the shoulders of the Inspector of Nuisances. If such was done, it would possibly make it very uncomfortable, and give room for the display of favoritism. If a medical practitioner gave a certificate that the closet was properly constructed, the owner should be allowed to bury the contents, as it had been proved by experts that there could not possibly be any danger. Cr. Joyce could not agree with any exceptions whatever being made, as he felt sure it would only lead to annoyance. As to medical certificates, any one could easily get one of these in spite of the Inspector. Then, again, he could not see how a doctor could say whether they were properly-constructed earth-closets or not. The Ven. Archdeacon’s letter deserved every consideration, but if any exception was made it would only lead to much confusion and unpleasantness. After considerable discussion upon this point, Cr. Kenny moved, and Cr. Tutchen seconded—“ That every one having a pro-perly-constructed earth-closet, which shall be certified to as satisfactory and complete in all respects by the Inspector of Nuisances, shall be at liberty to bury his night-soil on his own premises; this rule only to apply to premises west of Derby Street.” Cr. Lewis wished to know who was to pay for the certificate ? and was informed that

the persons requiring them would have to do so. Cr. Tucker did not think they should consider the Inspector in a matter of this description. It had lately become too much the habit of the Council to endeavor to relieve its officers of their responsibilities. No doubt they all had unpleasant duties to perform at times, but they must be done for all that. He thought this matter should be left entirely to the Inspector, as it was certainly a part of his especial duty, and he would always insist that the officer should do his duty. The Inspector’s certificate would be preferable to a doctor’s. Cr. Joyce also thought that the matter should be left entirely in the hands of the Inspector, as the medical certificate would only interfere with the Inspector’s duty. The motion was then put and carried. The provisions of the new contract were then considered, and after several amendments were made, passed. Tenders to be called, and to be in by next meeting. BOROUGH SOLICITOR. The Clerk informed the Board that the period of engagement with the Borough solicitor would cease this month. Cr. Joyoe moved “ That the engagement cease.” Cr. Kenny objected to the proposed course, and thought that every public body should have its retained solicitor. It was very necessary that they should have a solicitor who had all the Acts of Parliament at his fingers ends, and be ready at all times to advise them. He considered ten guineas well laid out in this case, and would, on public grounds, strongly object to the motion. The Chairman thought it would be very false economy to withdraw the retaining fee. Cr. Lewis was in favor of retaining some solicitor. He did not say any particular one, but he was decidedly in favor of retaining one. Cr. joyce could not see the necessity for retaining a solicitor in a place where there was seventeen or eighteen alwavs ready to hand. The retaining fee was only a waste of money, as any honest lawyer would at any time do his best when engaged. The Council seldom required a lawyer’s services, and the past year had been an exceptional one in that respect. Cr. Tutchen had noticed that Cr. Joyce had said there was seventeen or eighteen lawyers here to choose from. The Council had chosen and selected one who had alwavs done his duty. He certainly begrudged the ten guineas, but they were well laid out. If it was thought that a better one than Mr. Nolan could be obtained, let them get him by all means. Cr. Joyce strongly protested against it being supposed that he imputed anything against Mr. Nolan. Mr. Tutchen himself was the only one who had done so. Cr. Tutchen then moved, and Cr. Kenny seconded, “ That the retaining fee be reduced to five guineas.” The latter gentleman thinking that the Harbor Board should pay the other five, as it was most desirable that the two bodies employ the same one. Cr. Tucker cordially agreed with this proposition, which was put and carried. INSURANCE. The Clerk next informed the Board that the old offices were insured for £4OO. One. policy for £lOO had lapsed, and he did uot think it necessary to renew the same as they had the strong-room now. Ho would ask the Board’s instruction upon this matter. It was resolved that the £lOO policy be allowed to lapse, and that the insurance for the future be for £3OO. DEPUTATION WITH COUNTY COUNCIL. The Chairman asked the Board to appoint another member to attend the County Council in his stead, on account of his unavoidable inability to attend the meeting on Thursday. He had been misinformed as to the date of the next County Council meeting. CARTING CONTRACT. The specifications for the carting contract having been read and agreed too, it was decided to call for tenders, to be in by next meeting. This terminated the business of the evening and the Council rose at 9.80.