BOROUGH COUNCIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2338, 14 September 1880, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

An ordinary meeting of the above was held last evening. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Gibson, Shepherd, Cullman, Filmer, Shcrratt, Poss, and Jackson. COUKE.SI'OXOEXCIi. AVas read from J. 11. Baker, Chief Surveyor, recommending the acceptance of the tender of Mr J. F. Thomson, surveyor, for the survey of the Timaru water race. The tender of Mr Thomson at £2OO

(that being the lowest tender), was accepted. From O. Jones, asking for a month’s leave of absence on account of ill health. Granted.

From the proprietors of the Zealandia Exhibition asking the Council to furnish them with views or photographs of Timaru for exhibition at Home, and stating that they had been supplied with a number of views by the Councils of other towns. From Messrs Butler and Dovanc asking for an extension of time in which to complete their contract with the Council, It was resolved to grant an extension of three weeks without prejudice to contract.

From Mr William Johnson, asking permission to fill in a footpath in front of his section in Charles street from a bank of clay in the same street. Granted, subject to approval by Foreman of Works.

From the Rev. Father Cliataigncr, asking that certain earth on the West town belt near the Convent of the Sacred Heart might be removed, and that the levelling of the belt bo proceeded with, with a view to a permanent approach to the Convent being made.

Referred to the Works Committee

From Mr A. Perry, solicitor to tha Council, in reply to their letter asking whether certain land within the borough on which a gravel pit had been recently opened had been dedicated as a public road, and stating that the road was so dedicated on Sept. (>, L%4. From the Firs Brigade asking Hie Council to contribute towards the cost of a testimonial to Lieut. Mills.

it was resolved to decline the application owing to want of funds. The letter also enclosed a report on the lire bell, making certain suggestions with respect to the improvements of the sound of the same.

From the Chairman of the High School, asking the Council to give a “ Borough Council ” gold or silver medal or medals, in connection with the High School, as an appropriate way of shewing their interest in the cause of secondary education, and reminding the Council of the fact that the Mayor is c.t ojfic'w a member of the High School Board of Governors, thus giving them a direct connection with and interest in the School.

Cr. Gibson was entirely opposed to the granting of the application. The “ High School” was an old friend under a new name, When he was a boy these schools were called charity schools, and he could not see what charity schools wanted with gold and silver medals. The Council had no funds available for purposes of this kind. They had been spending money riotously and lavishly, and could not afford to lay l - it out on luxuries like valuable medals. The Council was in fact like the prodigal son, it had been disbursing money riotously, but unlike the prodigal son, it would have to return not to its father, but to its “ uncle.” (Laughter.) Another reason why he was opposed to acceding to the request of the High School, was that passing the School recently he had noticed carriages drawn up, containing pupils, and with flunkeys on the boxes. He would move—“ That in answer to the Chairman of the High School Board, requesting the Council to provide gold or silver medals as presents for the pupils attending thatinstitutions, ho bo informed that the rates and (axes collected by the Council are intended and must be spent for purely Municipal purposes, and that the Council is of opinion that if it is thought necessary to distribute gold or silver medals in order to induce the children attending the High School to take the greatest possible advantage of the present system of charitable education the least the Board can do is to take its first appeal for funds to the wealthy parents of the proposed recipients, and therefore the Council must respectfully decline his request.” The motion was seconded by Cr. Jackson and carried. His Worship the Mayor refused to express an opinion on the matter. THE FI UK RRIGADE. The members of the Fire Brigade waited on the Council to urge upon it the necessity for providing new working uniforms, those in use being now worn out. IMoved by Cr Boss, seconded by Cr Cullman, and carried—“ That the Insurance Companies carrying on business in Timaru bo respectfully requested to cooperate with the Borough Council in contributing towards the cost of efficient new uniforms for the Fire Brigade.” WATE U WORKS I’EAXT. Besolvcd—“ That the action of the Finance Committee in sending .£1704 Os through the Comicil’s bank to London to meet payments of waterworks plant, ordered from Glasgow, be approved.” MUXIGH’AL DICKDS. Resolved—“ That all deeds nowin the hands of the Council’s solicitor he removed to the strong room in the Town Hall for the purpose of reference.” GEORGE AXD RARXARD STKKKTS. It was resolved—“ That the Works Committee he requested to examine the plans of Mr Wrigg, rc lowering of the above streets, and that the Committee obtain the signatures of property owners that will be affected thereby, wilh a a view to obtaining their consent.” TIIK WORKS COMMITTEE. Resolved—“’That Cr. Filmer be elected a member of (he Works Committee in place of Mr Bruce resigned.” The Foreman of Works’ report was read. DOROUGII RATES. Resolved—“ That a short advertisement be inserted in each of the local papers stating that all rates must be paid by Sept. 20, after which date the}' bo placed in the hands of a solicitor for collection.” ACTOUXTS. Accounts amounting to .£429 Ids Gd on general, and £1725 8s 10d on Waterworks account were passed for payment, and the Conned soon afterwards adjourned.