BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 296, 9 May 1911, Page 8

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

MONTHLY MEETING. The first ordinary meeting of the newly-elected borough council was held last night, when there were presenlt: His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Crs. G. W. Browne, J. C. Morey, J. T. Mannix, J. Clarke, W. Ambury, H. Stocker, T. Buxton, J. Buttimore, and G. W. Hartnell. TECHNICAL COLLEGE SUBSIDY.. Mr. P. S. Whitcombe, secretary of the Education Board, wrote that he noticed] in the draft of the estimates submitted to the council that no provision had been made for continuing the payment of the subsidy which had been granted for years past towards the maintenance of the classes conducted at the New Plymouth Technical College. Taking into consideration the advantage the school was to a number of inhabitants of the borough, and that it had to relv to a great extent on donations for its upkeep, he was directed to respectfully ask the borough council to take into consideration the question of continuing the donation. "" I The Mayor stated that for some years] in the past the subsidy had been £SO per year, but for the past two years it had been reduced to £25. This year the Mayor was present at a meeting of the Technical College Advisory Committee, when the director stated that there was a credit balance of over £IOO. As the council's finances were not too strong, he thought that it was time to reduce some subsidies and not spoon-feed too | many institutions. The, discussion was continued when the estimates came up. Cr. Ambury pointed out the vast importance of the Technical College to the people of the borough and district. A subsidy of £l5O for the Recreation Grounds was very nice, and so was one] for the library, but he considered a subsidy for training their young people in technical skill, so that they would make competent workmen, good citizens, and domesticated women, was much more important. He pointed out that last year the Technical College had only made a profit of £ll, and its receipts had included £25 borough subsidy and £25 Government subsidy on that, as well as £3O from the High School Board. Hud it not been for that there would have been considerable loss. Since then, with a view to increasing the

popularity of the school, an organiser had been appointed by the board, and next year the increased number of pupils might render the school self-sup-porting. He moved that the £25 be granted this year. Cr. Morey said he understood ther j was a credit of £]fiO. I

u The Mayor remarked that so did he. - He had ahvays taken great interest in the Technical College, and had as a i] member of the Education Board done r a lot to further its interests. He was f not opposed to subsidising it, but the t council's subsidies last year totalled e £I2OO, which was more than they could i afford, and the pruning knife must be a put in somewhere. However, if the 1 £25 subsidy would save the situation. 1 it would perhaps not be missed. Thie 1 Technical College was a good institution, and the people should support it. J Cr. Stocker seconded the motion. Cr. Buxton thought that they should add to the motion, "and that the bor- • ougli council should be supplied with a copy of the receipts and expenditure each year." This was carried. ABATTOIR CHARGES.

Mr. A. L. Humphries, secretary of the Master Butchers' Association, asked if the council would arrange to meet a deputation from the Taranaki Master Butchers' Association re reduction of killing charges at the abattoir. He was also directed to point out that the killing charges at the present time were far in excess of the amount required for the upkeep and wages of the abattoir, and the law provided that only the necessary amount for the upkeep and wages shall be charged. The Mayor moved that this matter be referred to the Abattoir Committee. He was not prepared to vote in favor of any reduction. If the council reduced these fees, continued His Worship, would the consumer get the benefit? much. (Hear, hear, from all members.) The motion was carried. REPORTS. The reports of the borough engineer, the electrical engineer, the abattoir manager, the Works Committee, Finance Committee, and Electric Light Committee were read and adapted as published. ESTIMATES. The Estimates as drawn up were passed, with the addition of a slight increase in the salary of the engineer at the electrical power-house, £25 subsidy to the Technical College, and £IOO for an up-to-date water-cart. The executive committee was 'authorised to get data re water-carts. GENERAL. Authority was given for the signing of the petition for a continuous telephone service. The borough engineer was instructed to prepare a plan showing the sewer system and the connections thereto. The abbntoir manager wrote asking for certain extra painting at the abattoir at a cost of £7. —No action taken. Mr. J. H. Bagley asked the council's advice and assistance in obtaining payment for services rendered during the past two years at certain residences owned or leased by the Charitable Aid Board and occupied by persons who were in receipt of charitable aid.—Referred to the Hospital Board with the council's support.