Thames Borough Council.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2810, 15 February 1878, Page 3

Thames Borough Council.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Thames Borough. Council was held at the Council Chambers last evening. There were present—Crs Ehrenfried, McGowan, Butt, Wilson, Price, and Head. Cr Ehrenfried was voted to the chair. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting •were read and confirmed. The letters sent since last meeting were read over. ■PBESENT TO COUNCIL. The Town Clerk laid on the table a handsome shield of the photos of the delegates at the recent Municipal Conference at Wellington, which Or Kowe had sent as a present to the Council. It was agreed that the picture be framed, and a vote of thanks was passed to Cr Eowe. APPLICATION FOB WOBK. A letter was read from J. Woodford, asking for work, as ho had been out of work for some time, and had a larpe family to support. Letter received.

DOS COLLARS. A letter was read from Mr E. Bullen, asking that the Council provide a supply of dog collars for issuing on the Ist pros. The Town Clerk said that he had asked those, who had been in the habit of supplying them with collars previously to send in tenders, and the following had been received:— Haydon, 7sd per collar, Hnrley 7d, and Culpitt 7d. It was reSolved that the contract be let to Messrs Hurley and Culpitt conjointly. OBAHAMBTOWN AND TABAEU TBAMWAY. A letter was read from Mr William Souter asking that the Council remit the rent of the Grahamstown and Tar'aru tramway, on the ground that it relieved the road of a great deal of wear and tear, and at present did not pay expenses. Mr Souter was in attendance, and in ■ support of the application said that when the tramway was first laid down they paid rent but not rates. They were teavily rated now. Cr McGowan said he did not think that because a thing was a bad speculation that the rent should be remitted. Mr Dean said it was not the tramway proper, but that portion from Burke street to the Queen of Beauty. Cr Bnrenfried thought that this was j entirely different After some further discussion, on the motion of Cr Bead, the application was granted. BOAD METAL. A letter was read from Mr Ashly asking that the Council pass an account for the carting of spauls, which he had brought in after the expiration of his contract. It was agreed that the application be granted. FIBK PLUGS. A letter was read from the Secretary of the Water Supply Committee asking the Council to call for tenders for the new fire plugs in connection with the 9-inch mains. It was decided that 17 plugs be provided and placed in the positions sug* fested by the Superintendents of the Fire brigades. WOEKS COMMITTEE'B BEFOBT. The report of this committee was read. Ife stated that the urinal in Albert street should be washed out every day, and they had given instructions that this be done. The flume tinder the Caledonian mullock tip waß in a very bad state, and there was not more than eight inches clear for the flow of water, while many of the timbers had started. The committee were of opinion that it would cause great destruction if not repaired before the next flood, andic■triicted the company's secretary and the Warden of the Goldfields of the state it was in. Cr.Kead said Mr James had promised to put a man on. • The report was adopted, and the Foreman of Works was instructed to examine the Caledonian flume, and if in an unsatisfactory state, to report to the Town Clerk, who would report to the Warden. FINANCE. A number of accounts, chiefly for contracts and wages, were passed for pay- . ment, ; AITEBATION OP BY-LAW NO. 5.

The Town Clerk read a number of alterations in By-law No. 5, relating to Slaughter houses, so as to make the by-law assimilate with the new Slaughter House Act.

The Council approved of the alterations, and it was resolved that the alterations be printed, and considered at the next meeting of Council. THE PHOPOSBD PUBLIC BATH.

Cr Ehrenfried's notice of motion re the public bath was then considered. .... Cr Ehrenfried said he had no doubt that since their last meeting they had all well thought over the matter, and had come to the conclusion that a public bath was much needed here. ISTo other place of the size was without such a conrenience. The population of the Thames Was chiefly a working population, and was the more needed on that acccount. Then again the cost would not be very great. (The speaker read a clause from the Municipal Corporation Act, showing that Councils were authorised to expend money for public baths and wash-houses.) He would more that the erection of a public bath be placed on the list of works to be carried but during the next financial year. Cr McGowan said that he could not support it unless it was left in the position that i£ they were in funds next year the work;^be done. The finance "of the Borough was in such a position that the Works Committee could not eren do the ■works already authorised, such as footpaths, and other necessary works. Cr Ehrenfried said he considered the health of the people a matter of the greatest moment. A small charge would cover expenses. Cr Head seconded th.c motion.

CrMcQowan was of opinion that the making of a charge would deter those to whom it would bo the greatest use from using it. The motion was then carried.

Or Khrenfried suggested the appointment of a committee .to report on the matter. He moved that Crs Price, Bead, McGowan, and the mover be a committee to make a report and such preliminary arrangements as may be necessary. Carried,

OF OIP BATEB. Gt Bead moved the notice of motion standing in bis name re the collection of old rates and the striking off the ratebook of those unable to pay. After some discussion tbo matter wo 3 referred to the Finance Committee to report on. This was all the business.