Thames Borough Council.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3073, 20 December 1878, Page 2

Thames Borough Council.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Council was held at the Council Chambers last evening. Present—Crs Ehrenfried, Graham, Mennie, McGowan, Price, Hansen, Brassey and Wilson; INSTALLATION OF MAYOB. . The Town "Clerk introduced to the Council W. McCullough, Esq., Mayor of I Thames. Mr McCallough then took the statutory declaration and his seat. Cr Ehrenfried said : Mr Mayor, permit me, in the name of the Council, to welcome you as Chairman of this Board of Council. I assure you that we welcome you as our Mayor with very great pleasure, and know, from the way we have worked with former holders of the office, that we will all endeavour to work with you in the. same manner, and do all we can to strengthen your hands. I congratulate, you that you come into the Council at such an important time as the present. 1 Up to now the Borough—and indeed all the Thames—has laboured under a very great depression, but I now see looming in the distance signs of prosperity. It is a very important omen that soon after taking this chair you will be called upon to take part in the turning of the first sod of the railway, a work which we have worked strenuously for many long years. When we know that a very few months ago we were enclosed in four square miles of country, but are now able to i go into the country fora distance of thirty or forty miles, we think it is very congratulatory to the present Government that, owing to their exertions, and espepecially those of Sir George Grey, we will be able at no distant date to travel to the Upper Thames in the most comfortable manner, through a country which no long time ago w»s unknown to us. A greui manj important works will be commenced during the time you will hold office. Already the Harbour Board has done good service, and I think that in the coming year they will be able to make the harbor so efficient that lar&e ships I will be able to land goods direct from England, a thing which hitherto had been impossible, and think that when the railway is tnade that the Government will fulfil their promise and open the land in the Upper Thames, for if that is done the gloom which at present lies over us will go away. There is one other matter to which I shall refer, and that is the mining industry. I think our exertions will be required to assist the Mayor to induce the Government to continue the south drive from the Big Pump to the Piako shaft. I don't think I need run on my speech any longer, but will simply welcome you, Mr Mayor, to our Board, and trust that we will work with you in the same manner as we did your predecessor. (Hear, hear.)

The Mayor responded as follows:— Councillor Ehreafried and Councillors of the Thames Eorough Council: You will pardon me if I pt oice express to you the pleasure I feel in being installed into the very honorable office of Mayor of this Borough, and my thanks to you for attending to administer the necessary declaration. It is not without a certain amount of timidity that I enter upon the duties of the office; end were it not that I have confidence in the members of the Council —many of whom have occupied seats at the table for years—that I would receive their support and assistance—that fealing of fearfulness would be greatly increased. The declaration I have just made—a similar one to that which each Councillor subscribed—calls upon each one present faithfully to administer the duties devolving upon him under the Municipal Corporations Act, and I need scarcely say that my determination is to carry out its terms. Notwithstanding the opinion of certain Councillors, I trust that—the majority of the votes of the ratepayers having been

recorded in my favour—every member of the Council will see that it is his duty to work with the Mayor with that harmony and good feeling which should characterise gentlemen who have received the confidence of their fellow-burgesses, and whose sole object is to administer the affairs of this Borough for the common good. I regret that, owing to circumstances, the administration of the declaration to me as, Mayor elect was not proceeded with at the hour appointed by the Act. The few gentlemen who attended were true to their declaration. Councillor jtihrenfried was absent in Auckland on pressing private business, and had expressed to me his regret at finding it necessary to be absent from the annual meeting. Councillor Graham had impovU> >t business on hand also, and was not expecled to be present. Crs Speight and Hansen, under a misapprehension, were absent, so tl.at a quorum, owing to the unwillingness of one councillor to attend, was impossible. It shall be my endeavour to emulate my predecessor in the office, and if possible to avoid some of the errors, to work with harmony with the other local governing body, and to prove that the gentlemen elected to the several Councils and Boards in the place are possessed of that common sense and judgment which no doubt led to their receiving the suffrages of their fellow ratepayers. It is a matter for congratulation that the railway so long looked for to the Waikato bids fair to be undertaken within the next few months, and that the time is near when the lands of the Upper Thames will be thrown open for selection. Those circumstances cannot but have the greatest influence on the future of this place. In conclusion, I thank those Councillors present for their presence and aid on this occasion.

The ordinary business of the Council was then proceeded with. ■■■. "•■ ,MINUTES. ' ■ ■ ■■ : . The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed ; also the minutes of the special meeting. OTJTWAKD COBEESFONDBNCE. A precis of the outward correspondence since last meeting was read over. One of them was a letter from the ex-Mayor to Mr.Hislop re the Thames High School. The writer recommended certain gentlemen as Governors to the school. Cr Ehrenfried asked to see the letter to which that was a reply. He wished to see the letter. The Town Clerk said he did not have, it.

Cr Ehrenfried said that was the first time the/ had heard of the letter. He thought that the Council should hare been coPSuKed before the reply was sent. Cr Graham held similar views. The Town Clerk said, unofficially, he might state that the. letter was not an official one, but a private one to the Mayor. Cr McGowan said the reply should not appear in the Council's letter book then. Cr Speight suggested that a letter be sent to the late Mayor asking an explanation. Cr Ehrenfriod said he thought the letter, which asked that gentlemen to be nominated for the school board, was a letter to the Council, and should have been laid before them. Cr Speight said he was one of the gentlemen nominated by the ex-Mayor, and if the Council thought fit he would telegraph to Wellington and ask that his name be withdrawn. ; Cr Brassey moved that a letter be sent to the late Mayor asking for information relative to the letter he had received. This failed to fiud a seconder, and Cr Ehrenfried moved that a letter be sent to the late Mayor asking for the letter referred to. ' ■ ';• ■ "■'■";" '' ,: : ■■.■'"■ '. ■ - : ;' Cr Price seconded. The resolution was put, and four voted for it and four against. The Mayor gave his casting vote in favor of the resolution, which was declared carried. He did so that a proper understanding should be had upon the matter. There would be reflections, perhaps, cast upon the action of the late Mayor if the letter were not laid upon the table, when it would rt once be seen, and probably be found that Dr Kilgour had not exceeded his duty in having sucli a reply sent to it. The May or said that Cr Brassey had not voted, and requested him, in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Council, to vote. . Cr Brassey said he would rote against the motion. The Mayor then gave bis vote and casting vote in favor of the motion, which was declared carried. EAUAEBANGA VALLEY BOAD. A letter was read frora i.he County Council; covering a transcript of a resolution of the Council, asking the assistance of the Borough Council in making the road up the Eauaeranga Valley, as it would be of material benefit to the Borough, deceived. DIBTY WATEBTABLE. A letter was read from Mr J. E. Banks, complaining of the filthy state of the water-table in Willoughby street, opposite West's blacksmith's shop. Referred to Foreman of Works with power to act. WOBKINGOF? BATES. A letter was read from Thomas Aitken stating that some time since lie had applied to the townclerk (d have his name placed on the list, but he had been refused. He now had been applied to for his rates, which he was unable to-pay. The letter, was; referred to the Charitable Aid Committee, on the motion of Cr Mennie.

HOSPITAL DEMOHSTBATION. A letter was read from the Chairman of the Demonstration Committee' requesting the attendance of the Mayor and Council at the demonstration to give e*clat to the proceedings. Cr Ehrenfried moved that a reply be sent to the effect that most of the Councillors would be present in other capacities, but r 3 many as could attend as Councillors would be present. Carried. wobss committee's bepobt. The report of the Works Committee was read as follows:—" The water table in Pollen stcet, near Willoughby street, has been cleaned out; the water table at junction of Sealey end Macky streets should be .vised to cause the water to flow more freely; the committee advise that a t:!e drain be laid across lower Sealey street, south side, and the holes, filled in, and a wooden water table be laid down on the north side on residents paying one-third the cost. Tenders for iron* monkery, stationary, borse feed, and advertising have been called and are laid before the Council for their acceptance. The erection of the fishmarket on the Shortland Wharf will be proceeded with." Cr Ehrenrried moved the reception of the report. Carried. Cr Speight moved its adoption. Seconded by Cr McGowan. Carried.

TENDEBS FOB SUPPLIES. Tenders for the supplies for 12 months were then opened. Ironmongery—nails, shovels, cio. ; G. McCau!, only one tender, acceptea. Horse Feed ; Browne & Co., accepted. Stationery; R. Burra, W. Wilkinson, and J. Nodder. Mr Wilkinson's tender was accepted. Advertising ; no formal tender. FINANCE. The fortnightly accounts, comprising a nnmber of stone breakers accounts, were passed for payment. COMMITTEES. i Cr McGowan moved pro former that the Mayor be a member of all committees. Carried. Cr McGowan moved that the Mayor be a member of the Water Supply Committee. Carried. r i ME BULLEN.B DEPABTUEE. Cr McGowan moved—" That the thanks of this Council be tendered to Mr SubInspector Bullen for the excellent order maintained while in charge of police force." It was not necessary for him to say much in support of this resolution. The absence of crime on the .Thames was a clear evidence of the manner Mr Bullen carried out his duties. Or Graham seconded. Carried, it being decided to have the resolution engrossed and forwarded to Mr Bullen. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. Cr Mennie moved the notice of motion in his name to the effect that the Borough Council Chambers be closed during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Cr Price seconded. Canird. PfiOCLAMATION OF HOLIDAY.

Or Speight moved, and Cr McGowan seconded, that the Mayor be requested to proclaim a public half holiday on Saturday next. Carried. DAMAGE TO TEEKB. Cr Brassey said he had visited the Becreation ground lately, and found that | some|persons were burning off the natural growth of the trees, and he thought it should be prevented. He moved that the Town Clerk be authorised to take such steps as he considered necessary to protect the trees. Carried. THE EAILWAY TETE. ■ Cr Speight moved that this Council take part in the reception of the visitors and subsequent proceedings on Saturday in connection with the turning of the first sod, and that the members of other Borough Councils being present be entertained by this Council. Cr Graham seconded. Cr Mennie moved that Crs Ehrenfried, McGowan, Speight, and the mover be a committee to confer with the County Council and the Harbor Board re the ceremony of the turning of the first sod and reception of the visitors. The Mayor pointed out that the Bailway Committee had taken steps concerning the reception of visitors and the ceremony. The matter appeared to hinge on the question of expense. Cr Mennie's motion was carried. Cr Graham moved that about £20 be. placed at the disposal of the Committee, if necessary, for expenditure on the reception of visitors, etc. This was seconded. Cr McGowan moved that this Council authorise its share of the expenditure in this matter. Cr Graham withdrew his motion, and seconded Cr McGowan's, which was then carried. The Council then adjourned. After the conclusion of the ordinary business, the Mayor asked the Council and a number of gentlemen present to join him in taking a glass of champagne. When the Council table had been made to look convivial— ; Cr Graham rose and proposed the health of " His Worship the Mayor," and long life and prosperity to him. He had made a good beginning. Drank with cheers and " He's a jolly good fellow." i The Mayor, in responding, thanked them for the kind manner his health had been drunk. He would try to work in , harmony, and with good feeling, with the | other local governing bodies. (Cheen.) ' Tfce Mayor proposed " The health of the retiring Mayor, Dr Kilgour." (Cheers) He said Dr Kilgour had always taken great interest in the Borough, and whatever might be his faults, he had never been accused of want of attention. He had worked to the best' of his skill and ability for the Borough, his not being re-elected was not intended to cast any reflection upon his labors during the past year. Drunk with cheers.

Cr Mennie responded on behalf of Dr Kilgour, and in doing so said he had much pleasure in responding, as he felt the encomiums were deserved. He con* gratulated fie Mayor on his entry into office just at the dawn of better times for the. Thames.

Cr Ehrenfried proposed " Our Visitors," which was • responded to by Mr Spencer in a neat speech,. who then proposed " The Thames Borough Council." This was well received. • Cr rEh/enfwed, as one of the oldest Councillors present, responded, and referred to the pleasure he had felt at occupying his seat at the Council. Cr McGowaa proposed "The Local Bodies," and in doing so, referred' to the advantages of local self-governmert. Cr Mennie responded for the Harbour Board, and then proposed " The Officers of the Council, coupled with the name of F. C. Dean." Drand with cheers. Mr Dean, in responding, said that the Board had sometimes being spoken of as a fledgling, but he might say . they had a quill at the Bank of New Zealand which had written down £2000 overdraft. (Laughter.) He was only the power behind the throne, but he thanked them for the manner the toast had been drank. , , Mr Rawdontalso responded. Mr Osbornl proposed " The Press,," and Mr Hopcraft responded for (he Star and Mr MoGowan on behalf of the representative of the Advertiser. In doing so the latter gentlemen referred to a gentleman present who had been instrumental in getting the railway started at the Grahamstown end. Cr Speight following up Cr McGowan's remarks said he had good reason to I believe that Cr Graham had been chiefly I instrumental in urging on Ministers the advisability of starting the line from here. (Applause.) Cr Graham assured them he would never forget the importance of the Thames, which, he believed, would soon make its mark. He referred to the many advantages the Thames possessed. He had done his best to promote the matter of the railway, and had . pointed .out to Ministers that unless the railway was commenced from Grahamstovrn, the Te Aroha lands would not realise half what ,

they would if it was commenced here. (Cheers.; Cr Wilson proposed the " Thames Valley Railway Committee/ coupled with the name of Mr Osborne. Drank in bam. pers, after which Mr Osborne briefly responded. Mr D. Miller proposed "Local Productions," coupled with the names of Price Brosi, Mennie & Dey, and Ehrenfried Bros. Drank with applause. The representatives of these firms present responded. The toast of "The Ladies," which was responded to by Mr J; D. Jht. Gibbons, as the youngest present, brought the pro-' coedings to a close.