BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 184, 16 July 1884, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the above was held in the Council Chambers last evening. Present —His Worship the Mayor (Captain T. W. Porter), in the chair, and Crs. Townley, Lewis, Kenny, Joyce, Hepburn, Moore, and Smith. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and outgoing correspondence read. Incoming Correspondence.

Letter from Mr. Barnard asking that a curbing be erected in front of his dwelling in Derby street, as the water lodged on the footpath. In answer to a question from the Chairman the Engineer stated that the work was necessary.

Cr. Joyce called the attention of the Board to the necessity which existed for attending to the main streets, before these by-streets. Cr. Kenny agreed with Cr. Joyce in this matter.

Mr. Bourke stated that he was authorised to state that Mr. Barnard was prepared to pay half the costs of the work. Cr. Joyce—But we are not. I move “ That the matter stand over for the present, and that the Engineer see if the water cannot be carried away.

Cr. Kenny seconded the motion which was carried. The next communication was from the Secretary of the Gas Company, asking for permission to form a dray road across the foothpath in front of their works, and also calling attention to the state of the Grey street road.

On the motion of Cr. Lewis, seconded by Cr. Moore, it was carried that the request be granted, but that the second part of the letter could not be entertained. A circular was now read from the Masterton Town Council Clerk, asking for certain information re fire brigade, and also as to what description of street lamps were in use in this town. Mr. Bourke was instructed to supply the necessary information. Engineer’s Report. The Engineer reported that he had, in conformity with the motion of last meeting, commenced the three copies of the specifications and plans, and that they would be ready by the next mail. He had not engaged any assistance. He also laid the copy of the same before the Board. With respect to Read’s Quay, he reported that the contract had been completed nine days behind time, which entailed a penalty of L 9. The Childers Road contract was proceeding very slowly, but he would recommend a pi ogress payment of £65 10s. The Roebuck Road drain was being filled irf and would soon be finished. The fire-engine well had again been repaired and was now believed to be in good working order. The day labor amounted to Ll 6 2s. Would recommend planting trees and sowing grass along the river bank facing Read’s Quay. On the motion of Cr. Hepburn, seconded by Cr. Joyce, it was carried, “ That the balance owing on the Read’s Quay contract be paid in full. It was resolved to make the progress payment recommended for the Childers Road contract.

The Engineer was authorised to plant the river band with trees and sow with grass. Payments. The following payments were then made : D. Malone, LGS 10s.; McDeavitt, L 29 95.; Brown and Smail, L 3 125.; A. Robinson, LI 155.; J. Andrews, L 3 10s.; Blakely, L2 95.; Ready, L 4 10s.; Boland, L2 95.; Finch, L2 95.; petty cash, L 5. The Turanganui Bridge. The plans were inspected, and specifications read. After considerable discussion, and a few alterations of minor detail, they were approved of, and it was resolved that tenders be called for the erection of the bridge, to be in by 12 o’clock on Tuesday, 2nd September. It was also resolved to advertise in Gisborne, Wellington, and Auckland, twice weekly. The Poundkeeper and the Ranger. On the introduction of Cr. Hepburn, MrCannon, poundkeeper, stated that he had attended the Board with a view of justifying himself. He had seen it reported that the Ranger had made a statement to the Board that he (the Ranger) had impounded 42 horses the previous month, and 32 the last one. Now if this was so he (Mr. Gannon) must have falsified his books, and robbed the borough of Bs. He (the poundkeeper) asked the Board to investigate this matter thoroughly, and see the truth of the matter, as his reputation was not alone at stake, but if this was true he was also liable to a heavy penalty. He had accepted the statement as reported in the papers, and supposed they were correct. Either he or the ranger was wrong. Mr. Farara, the ranger, said he was perfectly sure that he had impounded the number stated. He had impounded 24 horses and 8 cattle—32 in all. He here produced his book, showing number, description, and brands, and stated that he had furnished the poundkeeper with a copy of the same. He |

complained that the poundkeeper was only acting from animus and spite. After a lengthy discussion the Chairman pointed out that the apparent li--' < pancy in the t\-o accounts had L,!en d by the pom: 1 keeper making his b_ ok s v.y a! irreg interval, whilst the Ranger ma le his np at the end c f he month. Both ponndkeeper and ranger were requested to make their books up io the end of the iroath so as to tally, and the ranger to report regularly to the Board the number of head impounded. Fire Engine Engineer. The custodian and engineer to the fire engine were re-appointed. Notice of Motion. Cr. Joyce gave the following notice of motion :—That he would at the next meeting move, “ That in consequence of the great dissatisfaction given re the late valuations, the Engineer be requested to resign.” This completed the business, and the Board rose.