Thames Borough Council.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3370, 10 October 1879, Page 2

Thames Borough Council.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Council was held at the Council Chambers last evening. Preseut—His Worship the Mayor, Crs Marshall, Wilson, Mennie, Ehrenfried, McGowan, Osborne, and Bawden. MINUTES. The minutes were road and confirmed. OVTWABD COBKESPONEDNCE. The outward correspondence was rend over. DIVIDING FENCB. A latter was read from Mr K. N. Smith drawing attention to the fact that the dividing fence between his property and the Orpbauage had not been commenced. The Towu Clerk taid it would be started on Monday. CHABITABLE MATTEBB. The Town Clerk stated that two ladies had called on him that'day on behalf of a Mrs Fitzsinimons, who was dying, and who wished to obtain an assurance that her infant child would be looked after. It was decided to inform the ladies that the request would be attended to. PIAKO TKAMWAT. Mr Gellion wrote to the Council informing them that he would be willing to pay the Council £15 arrears of rent if the tramway was sold. The Town Clerk stated that Mr Gellion bad since informed him that the tramway had not been sold.

TBEE PLANTING AT THK OBPJEEANAGE AND

THE BBCBEATIOIf GBOU>"D,

A letter was received from H. Stilwell offering to lay out the Orphanage grounds and plant it with trees, and also the Eereation ground. He gave a list of prices for various trees.

The Mayor stated that the writer had seen him on the matter, and he had requested Mm to forward a letter to the Council.

The letter was referred to the Works Commitee.

BEPOBT OF THE BECBEATION GBOTJSD AND

TVOEK3 COMMUTES

The report of this committee was read. It described the several lines that had been suggested for the continuation of the Kauaeranga Valley road, but recommended none for adoption. The report was received on the motion of Cr Mennie.

Cr Mennie said that the committee had had some little discussion over the matter of the Recreation Ground road, and they had decided to refer the question to the Council. He, therefore; to test the feeling of the Council, would more the following resolution :~" That in the opinion of this Council it will be the most eouducive to the interests of the people of this district that the Kauaeranga Valley road as it passes through the recreation ground, ■hould take the course as laid out by the Foreman of Works, inasmuch as this course entails some expense to cut through the spur abutting on the Kauaeranga river, that tin's Council will be prepared to contribute to the cost of this cutting a turn not to exceed one half the entire cost of the said cutting." He thought that the upper road was the right one to take, as it was the duty of the Council to keep the Grounds as intact as possible. It was on higher ground than the route along the river, and could be maintained more cheaply. He thought the making of the road on the flat would damage the property. He felt convinced that the course laid out by the Foreman of Works was better than that asked by the County Council. Cr McGowan seconded, but said, though he did so, he did not wish it to pass exactly in its present form. He was sure the County Council would not oppose the higher road but for the cost of cutting the saddle, but he did not think they should bind themselves to the coit of cutting the saddle. Cr Osborne rose to move an amendment to the effect that the County Council be allowed to take either the higher or the lower route. He did so for these reasons:—The County Council would hare to make the lower road at their own cost, and it could be easier kept in repair, | as the shingle might be taken out of the bed of the creek.—Cr Marshall seconded, j

Cr Ehrenfried referred to the fact that the recreation ground was not the property of the Borough, but of the whole district, and was only held by the Council as trustees, so that they should not try to carry their opinions alone. He spoke slrongly in support of the making of the lower road.

Cr Bawden supported the amendment. He considered that the lower road would be eusier made, ta it would be level, while the other would be up hill and down dale. He did not think they should dictate to the County Council in this matter.

Cr Wilson also supported the amendment. Cr McGowan contended that the higher route was level with the exception ot the small saddle, which would cost about £20 to cut.

His Worship the Mayor suggested to the mover of the amend meat that the County be requested to fence and form the road with as little delay as possible. Cr Mennie replied, speaking againit tbe arguments used by councillor* who supported the amendment. Cr Osborne added to the amendment that both lines of road be laid off by the Borough foreman. Cr Ehrenfried said he knew the County Council well, and their usual mode of doing things, and if the Borough threw any obstacles they would not make the road at all. . Cr McGowan said as Cr Ehrenfried told them he knew the intentions and objects of the County, he would at once withdraw his opposition to the lower road. He certainly was discussing this matter in a spirit of fairness, and with the understanding that tho County were in earnest in their intentions to form and make a road for the convenience of residents in the Kauaeranga. The impression left in his mind from CrEhrenfried's remarks was that the County did not want to make a road at all, and would like as au excuse for their inaction that the Borough should throw obstacles in the way. Cr Ehrenfried said Cr McGowan was not exactly right in his statements. He certainly thought no obstacles should be thrown in. the way of hating the road made.

Cr Osborne's amendment was then pat and carried.

Cr Menni* moved that before any traffic be allowed over the road that it be fenced on both Bidet. This wm carried.

ll was then resoived that the report M amended be adopted. EKPOiiT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE. The report of the Finance Committee was read aud adopted. APOLOGY. The Mayor apologised for the absence of Cr Graham. FIEE JJBIGADE TELBGBAPH SIGNAL!. The Mayor said that the superinten* dents of the local Fife Brigades bad been in communication with the Telegraph Department regarding the placing of their residences in telegraphic communication with the Fire Unmade station! and bell towers. The cost would be about £20. He might say it was also proposed to hare a communication with ' Ehrenfried's brewery, where there was a night-watch-man. The Council decided to sanction the expenditure, as soon as funds were available for such a purpose. FINANCIAL. Cr Minnie gare notice of motion— "That at next meeting the Council take imo consideration the appointment of a committee of ways and means." NAME OF STBEET. Cr Mennie moved the motion standing in his name that the name of Eyre street be altered to Queen street. Seconded by Cr Marshall aud carried. VALUATION. Cr McGowan gave the following njotice of motion, "That the valuation list and return of Borough properties for the next year be made by the collector, who for that purpose be and is appointed Boro*2!T~' valuer; that as to the value of a»y property he may be doubtful upon, he be and is' hereby authorised to obtain the assistance of the Town Clerk, and that at to the compilation of the valuation list, and the final copy of the same, he be assisted by the Council messenger daring office hours." ' ■ iOPENING OF OBPHANAGE. The Mayor intimated that the formal opening of this institution would take place on the 24th inst. lie suggested a formal opening in the afternoon at the Orphanage, and a calico ball to celebrate the occasion in the Academy of Music in the everting. The matter was finally referred to • sab-committee. KABAKA TBAMWAT. Several residents of Karaka creek, wrote complaining of the careless way the tramway was worked, and were referred to the Subrlnspector of Police. BOADS. The Mayor stated that some of the residents of Irishtown and Karaka have waited upon him urging the necessity for putting the road from the Karaka to the top of the hill in better repair. The matter was referred to the Works Committee. This concluded the business.