TIMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2491, 15 March 1881, Page 2

TIMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

An ordinary fortnightly meeting of the above took place last evening at the Council Chambers. Present —His Worship the Mayor presiding, and Councillors Shepherd, Sherratt, Gibson, Gabites, Greenup Jackson, Ross, Cullman, and Filraer. COKEESPONDEXCE Was read from the Secretary to the Mechanics’ Institute, inviting the Mayor and Councillors to attend the laying of the foundation stone of the new Institute by the Governor, on March 24. His Worship remarked that it was usual to present an address on these occasions, and he thought they should do so in this instance. After some discussion it was resolved that an address should be presented, Cr Gibson dissenting however, remarking that he was sick of addresses. He thought the custom of presenting them should be “ more honored in the breach than in the observance.”

I'rom the Secretary to the Post-office and Telegraph Department, Wellington, re town clock, intimating that a tender for a clock was in course of completion, the specified weight of the bell of which was 5 cwt., but that if the Council wanted a larger bell they had better notify the department to that effect.

After discussion it was resolved that the bell should be one capable of being heard at a distance of a mile.

From Messrs Harper, solicitors, Christchurch, asking for the name of the Borough solicitor in order that they might serve process in re Mr Rhodes’ claim for compensation. From Mr A. Perry, Borough solicitor, stating that he had considered the claim made by Mr Rhodes for alleged encroachment on section 279, part of rural section 730, in altering course of Main South road, and was of opinion that the course of the road had been considerably altered, but when and by whom he could not say, but assuming that Mr Rhodes had allowed the road in its present position to be used by the public for over 20 years, he was of opinion that he would not be entitled to compensation, but that was a matter of evidence the facts of which he had been unable to learn. If, on the other hand, the Council had encroached on the section within the above period without Mr Rhodes’ consent he would be clearly entitled to compensation. Cr Cullman that if Mr Rhodes had any claim on the Council, he should forego it and make the Council a present of the land. Cr Gibson suggested that the Mayor should write to Mr Rhodes, asking him to reconsider his action with reference to the laud. Cr Cullman said the road had been where it was for 22 years to his knowledge. After some further discussion Cr Ross moved and Cr Greenup seconded the following resolution which was carried—- “ That respecting the alleged encroachment on Mr Rhodes land Main North Road, and the letters thereon of the solicitor employed, this Council regrets that any cause for litigation should arise, seeing the road has been in use as a public benefit to Rhodes’ township for many years, thereby no doubt creating a public right. That His Worship respectfulty .communicate with Mr Rhodes direct pointing out the local circumstances of the alleged diversion, and moreover that the Council have had continued difficulties and disputes arising from the faulty survey originally created in respect of the whole township.” From Thomas Green, asking that he might be granted a cartel’s license at 10s per annum. It was moved that the application could not be entertained.

From Capt Cain,asking for permission to build in 4J- inch brick. Granted. From a ratepayer, reporting that he was suffering from typhoid fever. From Mr W. Ziesler, asking on behalf of Mrs Watkins for a modification of building regulations.

No fee having been enclosed, the Council refused to receive the application.

From Sband, Mason and Co., London acknowledging the Council’s order for firemens’ uniform and stating that the same would receive immediate attention.

From Fire Brigade, threatening to disband unless supplied with annual supply of hoots within a week from date (March 7). It was moved by Cr Gibson, and seconded by Cr Boss —“ That the Council accept the resignation of the members of the Fire Brigade, and the the clerk be instructed to advertise in the official paper for gentlemen to send in their names who are willing to form a new brigade, and that for the future a sum of money be granted in lieu of the annual distribution of boots, applications to be in by the next ordinary meeting of the Council.” Cr Jackson thought they should have a brigade they should not be ashamed of,

In reply to His Worship the speaker added that he would be in favor of the resolution did he think that a better brigade could be formed. Cr Gibson said that the Council should procure a list of candidates for the new Fire Brigade, and pick out the men who were really eligible for the office.

The resolution was carried unanimously. In reply to a question His Worship said that the money composing the Brigade sick and accident fund did not belong to the Brigade and that if they drew a cheque for the money they would render themselves liable to an action at law. It was then resolved that the engine keeper should be appointed to receive the property of the retiring Brigade on behalf of the Council. TOWN LEVELS. It was resolved with reference to the above “ That Crs Gibson, Eilmcr and the mover be a Committee to confer with the Engineer re proposed plan of fixing the town levels, such plan to be laid by the Committee before the Council at the next ordinary meeting.” Cr Gibson strongly dissented. me bruce’s claim. Messrs Beid and Enubley wrote claiming compensation from the Council On behalf of Mr James Bruce, whom they alleged had sustained injury in consequence of the defective state of a drain opposite his premises, which had been flooded, and a number of casks of cement damaged, in addition, and for which he held the Council responsible. It was moved by Cr Ross, seconded by Cr Jackson, and carried—“ That in answer to Messrs Reid and Knubley’s letter re Mr Bruce’s grievance, the Council acknowledge receipt of same

but cannot agree with the statements made in such letter.” DECLINED. It was resolved with regard to a petition read at last meeting from a number of ratepayers asking that a public weighbridge might be erected, that the Council could not at present entertain the application. APPLICATION. Messrs Peacock and Gcancy, wrote asking permission to erect an external Venetian blind at their shop at corner of Church street. lief erred to Foreman of Works to report. THE BOROUGH OFFICERS, The sub-committee appointed to report on the appointment of the ranger and the Borough ofliccrs, submitted the result of their labours, and the following resolution was attached to same—“ That the committee having carefully examined into the duties performed by the Town Clerk, his assistant and the Clerk of Works, they would recommend that no dog ranger be appointed, or alteration made at present in the working of the oflice, or otherwise, and that in regard to the permanent labourers wage?, the same should not be reduced below the amount at present paid as it has been shewn to the committee the men are trustworthy workmen ; but that the extra labourers should be paid at the rate of 7s per day. The committee recommends that a per centage be charged to the waterworks account for clerical work, account keeping &c., Same to be credited to the general account of Borough fund.” Cr Gibson was of opinion that the assistant clerk should aid in collecting &c.

His worship remarked that whenever he needed Mr Dale, he was engaged in collecting or delivering notices, or something of that kind.

Cr Gibson said that that was a fact, and added, that it was absurd that Mr Dale should be spending his time in delivering paltry notices when fever was stalking through the town, and his services as Inspector so urgently required. The state of Tiraaru was a crying shame, and the place was becoming a by-word through the columns of the public press. The Inspector of nuisances could not do his duty at present—he had not got the time at his disposal, and yet he ought to be vigilantly employed now, and prosecute in every case where necessary. People must be prosecuted where they refused to be cleanly otherwise.

Cr Cullman considered that the reports in the public press were greatly exaggerated.

Cr Greenup thought that there were a great many more cases of fever in Timaru at present than the Council had any idea of. He quite agreed with Cr Gibson. Let the inspection of nuisances he more thorough, and then they would not give the papers the opportunity of publishing paragraphs about the filthy state of the town. Cr Cullman said he went about the town but failed to notice the evils complained of. ACCOUNTS. Accounts were passed for payment as follows: Waterworks, £3 2s 6d ; general, £l7l 19s lid. PENCING. The Council’s solicitor was instructed to serve owners of properties along the water-race with the required notice to fence. ADJOURNMENT. At twenty minutes to eleven o’clock, there being still a good deal of business in hand, it was resolved to adjourn the meeting to next Monday evening, at the usual hour.