TIMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2150, 10 February 1880, Page 2

TIMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Council was held last evening. Present —His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Shepherd, Jones, Gibson, Ross, Jackson, Rruce, Gabitcs and Greenup. Correspondence was read from :—The Colonial Secretary intimating that the result of the polling re Waterworks, had been gazetted. From the Geraldine Council, re dog tax. From the Timaru Fire Brigade, re-

questing the Council to make the cellars beneath the engine room habitable, as it was desirable that the engine-keeper should reside on the promises. The cost of alterations was estimated at £2O.

Some discussion took place in reference to the above, and the general opinion being that the alterations, if carried out, would bo likely to injure the building, and that the cellars would not, under any circumstances, be a healthy or desirable place of residence, the application was refused. The Town Clerk was instructed to take the necessary steps to complete the dedication of all the streets within the Borough boundry. Some discussion took place with regard to the railway station, and ultimately it was resolved to ask the Chamber of Commerce to co-operate with the Council, in urging upon the Minister of Public Works,the necessity for some steps being taken with reference to new railway premises at Timarn. Councillor Boss referred to the urgent necessity for a new station. At the present station the engine-room was close to the waiting-rooms, which were consequently tilled with smoke and dirt. Councillor Bruce spoke to the same effect, and added that he would like to see an attempt made to get the line straightened along the beach, as it was dangerous to life in its present state. A lengthy discussion took place with regard to the formation by the Mayor of an Irish Famine Belief Fund, llis Worship remarked that lie had spoken on this subject to most of the councillors individually, and also to a number of the townspeople, and not one expressed his willingness to engage in the matter. They had probably seen a letter in that day’s “ Herald,” and also two locals that had appeared previously, referring to the Famine Fund. The editor of the journal in question, might easily have guided the burgesses in getting up a meeting. It was no part of his duty as Mayor, to spend public money in calling meetings, though he was always ready to do so when desired by a requisition in the usual way. Councillor Bruce concurred in his Worship’s remarks. Councillor Greenup was of opinion that if the burgeses of Timaru were really in earnest, that something should be done, they would have sent in a requisition. After some further discussion and accounts amounting to £159 Lis passed for payment, the meeting adjourned.