TIMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2604, 26 July 1881, Page 2

TIMARU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the above took place last night.— Present, His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Gibson, Greenup, Ross, Jackson, Cullman, Shepherd, Sherratt, Filmer, and Gabites. CORRESPONDENCE Was read : From Mr W. Rutherfurd complaining of the almost impassible state of the road between Mr Elwortby’s and Mr Hattan’s houses, and suggesting the Levels Road Board should be asked to join the Council in remedying the evil. The Mayor thought Mr Rutherford should see the Levels Eoad Board himself on the matter, The whole of the Borough roads would shortly be metalled however.

From Mr Thomas Sugrue and others complaining of state of right of way No. 2 from Main South Road to Beach Road.

It was resolved that the Works Committee be empowered to enter into such works as to render the streets passable. From the manager “Timaru Herald,’, complaining of holes in closet pans, and stating that his attention had been drawn to a letter.inthe-'Herald” suggesting that such holes were made by the scavengers to facilitate their work. Referred to Inspector of Nuisances with a request to that officer to do his duty. From Mr James Bruce, asking for 12 months extension of time in which to comply with Building Regulations. Resolved on the motion of C'- Gibson seconded by Cr Shepherd—That as the matter of Borough Council v. Bruce for breach of Building Regulations is still before the Court this Council declines to interfere in the matter.” From clerk to Levels Road Board, replying to Council’s letter asking Board to share expenses, incurred in connection with Saltwater creek fire by the Brigade, and stating that the Act did not empower the Board to provide for the expenditure of moneys for that purpose. Cr. Gibson moved, Cr. Ross seconded, and it was carried—” That owing to the refusal of the Levels Road Board to contribute any portion of cost towards extinguishing fires in their district, the officers of the Fire Brigade be informed that it is the wish of the Council that no expenses be incurred by the Brigade in putting out fires outside the Borough, and an advertisement be inserted in the official paper stating that the council will not be responsible for the fee of £2 for first pair of horses when the fire is outside the Borough boundary.” From Mu John Goodman asking for remission of rates. Refused. From Mr Moss Jonas calling Council’s attention to water from Borough section soaking through the wall of his wool store and doing considerable damage. The letter added that the matter was becoming serious and the writer would be willing to meet the Council in anything they might do to remedy the evil, so far as justice to himself would allow. It was resolved that the Works

Committee be,requested to report, and empowered to take such advice as they may deem necessary. From Clerk to Mount Peel Road Board asking the Council’s consent to slight deviation from present surveyed line of road along western boundary of Borough Eeservo 2195 at Eaincliff, with view of obtaining better gradient. The Council were inclined to consider the matter favorably but it was resolved that the Board be requested to forward tracing of proposed deviat’on when the matter should be fully considered. PRISON LABOR. The question of cutting the embankment and forming part of Queen street adjoining the Domain gardens, cropping up, being recommended by the Foreman of Works in his report, prison labor was suggested for the carrying out of the work. Cr Greenup thought it was a pity to employ prison labor where there were ro many deserving men wanting work. The Mayor pointed out that the Council must get the work done as cheaply as possible and added that the prisoners were a burden to the country and their labor should be utilised. Cr Boss moved, Cr Jackson seconded and it was carried—“ That the work be done by prison labor.” BUNDS AVAILABLE. Cr Greenup moved, Cr Filmer seconded and it was resolved —“That the Finance Committee report at pex't ordinary meeting what money can be made available for present improvements.” CR. JACKSON’S CLAIM. Cr Jackson’s claim for recovery from the Council of six guineas paid by him for medical attendance for injuries received at the burning of Brace’s Mills, came under discussion. It transpired that no precedent could be discovered elsewhere for the payment of such a claim.

Or Jackson said he wished to withdraw the application. The Mayor said that if Cr Jackson had been in charge of the Brigade at the time the accident occurred, it would have been another matter.

Or Jackson explained that he was running to show the Brigade where to sink a well when he fell and injured himself.

The Mayor said he had not understood that Cr Jackson was on duty at the time of the accident. The Captain of the Brigade had distinctly said he was not. But if he was in charge of the Brigade at the time it was a different matter.

Cr Jackson said he was not in charge of the Brigade but was .working at the fire.

Cr Gibson moved and Cr Cullman seconded a resolution authorising the payment of the account. Cr Greenup objected on principle. There was no precedent for the thing, and if the Council established one there was no saying where the matter would end. They might bo asked to compensate a widow for the loss of a husband, perhaps. Once admit a precedent and they wonld incur serious risk. Cr Gibson thought that Cr Jackson was fully entitled to ask the Council to pay this amount. The' appointment of Fire Inspector was an honorary one it was true, but it was an onerous one also. Such an officer was liable to be called upon to risk life and limb at any hour of the day or night for the benefit of the whole community, and therefore the community should pay for any injuries sustained in their cause. They could not repair the suffering sustained but they could at least pay the expenses incurred. So far as he (Cr Gibson) was concerned he would do his best in the event of injury or death resulting to a Fire Inspector in the execution of his duly, to do what he could for him or his. It was a poor compliment to Cr Jackson to refuse to pay a paltry £G for him.

Tbe Mayor said he would be in favor of the payment of the account, but hoped that the office of honorary Fire Inspector would be abolished, and the Captain and Lieutenant appointed the sole Fire Inspectors. Cr Jackson remarked that he would pay the account himself. Cr Gibson’s resolution that the account be paid by tbe Council was put and carried almost unanimously. HEAR HEAR !. Cr Gibson moved, and Cr Jackson seconded and it was carried—” That the Works Committee be requested to bring up their report on the system of scavengering as early .is possible with «* view to remedy the many evils complained of.” A SENSIBLE STEP. Cr. Gibson moved, Cr. Shepherd seconded, and it was carried —“ That in anticipation of the early completion of the Water Works scheme the Works Committee be requested to report as early as possible upon the best plan to secure a permanent outlet to Main Bank Gully Sewer, and are empowered to employ such professional assistance as they may deem necessary.” RATEPAYERS BEWARE ! It was resolved that rates remaining unpaid after seven days be sued for. WATERWORKS CONTRACT. It was resolved—“ That the specifications Nos 30 and 31, waterworks, as read by the engineer, be approved and adopted, and tenders be called at once for the work ; No 30 to bo in by Monday, August 1, and No 31 on August B, at 7 p.rn. The Waterworks Committee are empowered to accept a tender for contract No 30.”

STREET CROSSINGS. Cr Sherratt moved, Cr Filmer seconded ant it was resolved—“ That the Works Committee be requested to draw up a a report by next ordinary meeting of Council (as as a recommendation thereto) as to tbe best method of preventing the destruction caused to footpaths in the Borough by vehicles crossing at other than the proper places for so doing, and thereby causing a serious nuisance to foot passengers.

accounts. Were passed as follows : —General, £233 6s 8d ; waterworks, £9OB. The Council then adjourned.