TEMUKA TOWN BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2720, 4 October 1894, Page 3

TEMUKA TOWN BOARD.

The first monthly meeting of the newly elected town board waß held last night. Present—Messrs P. Coira, G. J. Mason, R. Comer, and M. Scannell. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. The clerk took the chair, and read the result of the last election. He then invited members to elect a chairman. On the motion of Mr Comer, seconded by Mr Scannell, Mr G. Mason was unanimously re-elected chairman. Mr Mason briefly returned thanks. He accepted the position with some diffidence, but should be glad to hold it until the return of their old chairman, Mr Blyth. Mr Scannell said the position should be a permanent one, and after some little discussion Mr Mason conceded the point. CLERK AND OVERSEER. On the motion of Mr Comer, seconded by Coira, Mr E. Pilbrow was re-appointed clerk and overseer to the board on the same terms and conditions as previously. Mr Pilbrow acknowledged the compliment paid him in re-appointing him clerk and overseer, and in future he would endeavor to perform his duties as faithfully as previously. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were read, and a slight discussion was raised by Mr Scannell ou the relation of the Fire Brigade to the Town Board. —The chairman said their relation to the brigade was the same as borough councils and fire brigades. —Mr Coira said that the brigade was in existence fir the benefit of the ratepayers. Were it not for the fire brigade their iusurance premiums would be trebled. The matter was dropped till a further stage, and the minutes were, confirmed: CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read and dealt with as follows : From Mr F. R. Flatraan, M.H.R., covering copies of several Bills. From the Temuka Cemetery Board, stating that the use of the town board's office for meetings had been discontinued, and enclosing cheque for rent due. —The chairman said that while on this matter he might explain that some years ago the board's office had been engaged for holding meetings of the Temuka Cemetery Board and the Temuka Park Board. The former had always paid for the rent of the room, but the latter refused to do so. —No decision was come to. From Mr W. M. Preßton, re overdue rates, and enclosing cheque for same. From Messrs Smithson & Raymond, asking for particulars re rates due on Temuka Hotel; also telegram from same bearing on the Bubject The clerk had attended to same. From Mr J. Hay, solicitor, Timaru, enclosing cheque for rates due on Mr Allan's property. From Mrs Alice Bates, drawing attention to condition of Vine street drain. —After considerable discussion, the clerk was instructed to notify the licansee of the Temuka Hotel that unlesß steps are taken to abate the nuisance the drain leading to the main one would have to be closed. From the Temuka Fire Brigade, suggesting the advisability of erecting another firebell at the north end of the town. It was set forth in the letter that if a proper alarm had been given more property would have been saved at the late fire. A statement of accounts re the fire was also enclosed. The poll clerk's declaration was read. A REQUISITION.

A requisition, signed by about a dozen ratepayers, was received, praying that the board prohibit the driving and herding of cattle in the streets; also their being permitted to wander at large at night. Damage to property and annoyance to pedestrians were mentioned as the ground for complaint.—After a lengthy discussion, it was decided to communicate with the police. DISCUSSION ON FIRE BRIGADE. Some discussion took place as to grants to the fire brigade, the question involved being whether the board should allow extra money for services in connection with fires. A statement of accounts in connection with the late fire was read, from which it appeared that in all 38 men had been employed at intervals, and that a charge of 24s was made for refreshments. M. Scannell objected to the board being asked to assist in such a direction. He thought it a bad precedent, which if followed out would not only lead to abuse, but that would destroy the espirt da corps. The chairman aaid that it was understood the board would recoup the brigade in such cases.

Mr Scannell said he did not desire to decry the services of the brigade, but he thought ii a mistake to allow any section or body to incur expenses without the board having a reasonable control. After some little discussion it was resolved to allow the matter to stand over until next meeting, to admit of the captain and lieutenant meeting the board, and discussing the matter of expenses, and of the erection of a new bell. OVBBSEEB'S BiSPOET. The overseer's report was to the follow, ing effect:—Pipes crossing Wood street had been taken up, cleaned, and broken oneß replaced. North of this the drain had been raised, and if the discharge of offensive matter were stopped there would be little further trouble. He had arranged with with the proprietor of the Temuka Hotel relative to his drainage, but had not had any intimation from Messrs Perry &.Co. as to drainage at the back of Messrß Lee and Beri's premises. The chairman said his attention had again been drawn to the stoppage of the road near Mrs Clark's at Fraser street, and after a littje discussion Mr Soannell moved, and Mr Cqira secqnded, | matter be left to the discretion of u ne chairman.

ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £55 lis 2d wore passed for payment, and the meeting terminated.