BOROUGH COUNCIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2188, 23 March 1880, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

An ordinary meeting of the Timarn Borough Council was held last evening. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Gibson, Jones, Slierratt, Shepherd, Ross, and Bruce. Correspondence was read from the Levels Road Board, enclosing a resolution passed by the Board intimating its willingness to co-operate with the Borough Council in endavoring to improve sanitary mailers. The Mayor was of opinion that the Road Board should undertake toe desired reform in sanitary matters itself, without asking the Council to assist. Thu Board received a large amount in rate's from that portion of their district, anil might to do their duty by it. Prom the captain of the Timani Volunteer Eire Brigade, suggesting that the Council should nominate to the Government, Captain Sutter and Mr T. Turnbull to the vacant oflices of Fire Inspectors for the Borough. it was resolved to adopt the suggestion.

Some discussion took place with regard to the building regulations, and the Council were unanimous hi the opinion that when persons about to build desired a modification of. the building regulations they should make their application therefor before commencing to build. The Foreman of Works’ report was then read.

A lengthy discussion took place with regard to the late scholarships examinations.

His Worship the Majmr said certain complaints had been made to him respecting these examinations. If the facts wore as alleged some action should he taken to have the matter investigated.

Cr. Bruce said the matter complained of was a perfect scandal, and the Council would bo wanting in its duty to the public, if it did not endeavour to have these complaints sifted to the bottom. The Mayor said he had scon the examination papers, and those in arithmetic for Class O were more fitted for an M.A. degree, than for a scholarship, for a child of 13 years of ago. There might be no foundation for the allegations made; but if there was the citizens should impress upon the Board of Education the necessity for holding a fresh examination. After some further discussion Cr. Jones suggested that the Mayor should call a public meeting to invite an investigation into the matter. Cr. Bruce thought the calling of a public meeting would not be of any use in a matter of this kind. He would advise that a protest should be drawn up in writing, and the signatures of a few gentlemen of standing obtained to it, asking for an investigation; no doubt the Board of Education would comply with the request. It was resolved—- “ That a memorial should be prepared asking the Board, in the public interest, to institute an enquiry into the truth of the reports above referred to, and if necessary to hold a fresh examination by entirely disinterested persons, and pointing out the advisabillity of withholding in the meantime and pending the result of the enquiry, the money payable for the scholarships.” Accounts amounting to £372 19s. was passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned.