Borough Council.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4702, 1 February 1884, Page 2

Borough Council.

The ordinary meeting of the Council was held last evening. Present —His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Bawden, Carpenter, Kilgour, Mennie, McG-owan, McCullougb, Speight, and Veale.—Before confirming the minntes Cr Speight called attention to the absence of division lists re the Mason reinstatement. These were inserted.—The correspondence was then dealt with. Mr Jos. Pearce called attention to the state of the gutter in Pollen street, between Cochrane street and the Star Office; referred to the Works Committee.—The formal announcement from the Returning Officer of the election of Dr Kilgour to the Middle Ward was made. —Mr A. Phillips wrote complaining of a dirty water table in Willoughby street. Eeferred to the Works Committee.—Mr G. Henderson asked that a few loads of gravel be placed on the footway in lower Mary street. Eeferred to the Works Committee.—-Mr John Eead called attention to the dirty state of the intake, and suggested its occasional flushing. This matter was allowed to stand over. —Mr G. Watson asked that a resolution passed by the Council re the formation of pathway on the beach near his premises be carried out. Eeferred to Works Committee. —Mr W. Burton asked that the water rate be reduced on a shop in Pollen street, as the premises were not occupied as a dwelling. Eeferred to the Water Supply Committee.—The Borough Valuer reported re land to be taken to straighten theiHape Creek, to the effect that the Council was entitled to collect as rent, from Mr Pitkethley, £4 10s 3d per annum; from Mr Stone £10 per annum for one parcel, £25 9s 6d for another, and £2 4s 5d for another; from Mr Hansen £112s per annum for the balance of their terms of lease; and the Council was entitled to the whole of the space occupied by Mr Savage and other unoccupied allotments adjoining. It was ordered that the lessees be notified that the ground rent was now payable, to the Council.— Mr Edwards, of Waitoa, had reported that 700 acres of the Borough Endowment had been burned off, and if the Council sewed grass seed on it, it would grow most luxuriantly. After a not over serious discussion, daring which the generosity of the settlers around, who would probably reap the advantage of such sewing, and an expression of opinion that offers to lease the land should be invited, the matter dropped.—The application of Mr C. Judd that the Council continue th,e 4-inch main from Pahau street to hjs property, ■ was referred to the Water Supply Committee. — In reply to a communication made to the police, re the appointment of an Inspector of Adulteration; the officer in charge of the district suggested that an officer of the Council be appointed, as in other places. It was resolved to write to Inspector Thompson, stating that the Council was aware of what was stated, and asking could they have the services of a member of the force for the purpose, and on what terms. —A renewal of the license to the' Temperance Hall, Eolleston street, was granted.—Mr Carran wrote complaining that a man named Maher was pulling down the sea-wall on the Tararu road, and suggested that a solicitor's letter be sent to the latter individual. It was resolved that a reward be offered for the conviction of any person so acting.—Mr L. Melhose complained of the existence of stagnant pools near his house in Davy street. The Council decided that the nuisance, if existent, be abated. —The Works Committee reported re Eickit and Allen's contract to the effect that it was not being carried out'as required by the specification. The Committee cannot recommend any further payment to the contractors, and refer the matter to the Council to decide if the contractors shall be allowed to finish the contract, or if the Council will enforce that part of the specification which allows in the event of the work not being completed within the specified time, the Council to complete the same at the cost and charges of the contractor. After some discussion it was resolved that the contractors v be notified that they are not doing the work according to specications.—The Water Supply Committee's report recommending a reduction in Messrs Newman, Davidson, and .-Vidal's water rate ; that Mr McKenzie's claim for exemption be agreed to; that Mr Clarke's supply be cut off unless he replace his service pipe with a new one;, and that a connection be made with Edwards street sub-main and Mr Bruce's premises; was adopted.—A. report on, defective chimnies was referred ; back for information, —Cr Kilgour was appointed to all the seats an Committees "rendered vacant by late Cr Osborne's resignation. —The Mayor said that since the last meeting the Foreman cf Works had died at his post, and left no means for his widow. He thought the Council should do something for the widow of as old and faithful a servant of the Borough as Mr Eawdon wag. It was decided that the Finance Committee should bring up a report to the next meeting as to the power of the Council to make a grant to Mrs Eawdon.—The Finance Committee's report was received, and accounts passed for payment to the amount of £286.— Eelative to a judgment obtained against Mv T. Spencer for prater rates, the Mayor asked fo? approval of his action in giving three months time to Mr Spencer to pay the amount of the judgment. The Mayor's action was approved.—Cr McCullough spoke in highly eulogistic terms of the late Foreman of Works, and moved, f'That this Council desires to place on record its high estimation of the services rendered by the Uite Mr Thomas Eawdon, Foreman of Wqrks, during the 12 years he was a servant of the Council; and that a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded to Mrs Eawden ex* pressing the Council's sympathy with her in her sudden bereavement." Cr MeGowan seconded the motion, which was parried.—lt was depided that the acting Foreraaa of Works continue in office until i

the Council farther decided.—Tenders for supplies were received : For ironwork, Messrs McCaul and Morriu ; for timber, Messrs Read and Stone; and for stationery, Mr C. McLiver. Keferred to the Works, Committee, with power to accept the lowest. _■■..*