BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4975, 19 December 1884, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting was held last night, there being present His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Crs Me Gowan, Renshaw, Bawden, and Wood. Cr Farrell's absence was apologised for. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. His Worship the Mayor moved that a hearty vete of thanks be passed to Sir G. Grey, and Messrs Cadman, Morris, and Whyte, M.H.R.'s, for the assistance afforded by them to the member for Thames in forwarding the construction of the Thames railway, and that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the gentlemen named. He referred in eulogistic terms to the zealous manner in which Sir George and the others had helped him.-— Cr McGowan had much pleasure in seconding theresolution, which was carried unanimously.

Tenders for carting were received as follows :—P. Maxwell (accepted), 1 horse team, lls per day ; 2-horse team, 15s 6d. —Kicketts,, 1 horse team, 12s 6d per day ; 2 horse team, 20s ; every additional 2-horse team, 20s. COFBESPONDENCE. Jas. Wright, G.V.F.B. engine keeper, was granted three weeks, leaveof absence to attend the Dunedin Demonstration in January, subject to the Supterintendent's approval. W. McCowat, recreation ground lessee, offered to give up occupation if the rent due was allowed as a set off against loss sustained in consequence of the Council's reported iniention of selling the land.— Hia Worship reported that he had visited the ground with Mr Jackson, surveyor, for the purpose of arranging to have it cut up into blocks for sale.—Cr McGowan did not think applicant was entitled to any abatement of the rent.—Eesolved, after discussion, that the agreement with applicant be concluded, and three months' rent forgiven, on his paying £10 16s 6d by January 15, and that the Works Committee get the land surveyed and laid off for sale, the rough plan to be submitted to the Council.

L. Ehrenfried asked that the outlet of the drain from his brewery to the Karaka Creek be cleared before Christmas.—Eeferred to the Works Committee, with power to act. The Queen of Beauty G-.M. Co. legal manager requested the Council to pay the £150 due to the company on account of subsidy.—-Resolved that the Council is not in a position to do so.—The Mayor gave notice of motion, " That notice be gireu to both the Queen of Beauty and Deep Level Cross Companies that, in consequence of the Borough's financial posi* tiou, the subsidies will be discontinued

until the Council is in a better position," and moved that the companies be informed that, subject to the Council's approval at next meeting, the subsidies would be stopped on December 31.—This was carried.

REPORTS. The Works Committee reported that the footpaths on Bird-in-Hand Hill had been improved ; instructions given for the cleaning out of Mackay and Baillie street water-tables; the culverts near Tararu cemetery needed repair, and it was recommended that in future the hearse stop at the bottom of the hill; in censequence of the Borough's financial position, the only portion of the Tararu road, which it was proposed to repair was that opposite Mrs Sawyer's Hotel; an expenditure of £10 would give carts access to the Karaka culvert at Beach road.—Adopted. The Water Supply Committee reported having informed Mr J. Miller that his water charges were the same as those of all butchers. OTHER MATTEEB. On condition of a deputation (consisting of Mr D. Henderson, jun., and Mr Mullins) obtaining the written consent of the residents of lower Karaka to lay down service pipes if the main was extended a certain distance, the matter was referred to the Water Supply Committee with power to act. The usual accounts were passed for payment, and it was resolved that after Saturday next only the Foreman of Works and two men be employed.

Authority was given to the Town Clerk to issue meat rations to the poor at Christmas.

Cr Farrell's proposal for the amalgamation of offices was allowed to stand over, and in consequence of the altered position of the Borough re the £400 for flood damages, the Finance Committee's report was referred back to them. On the motion of Cr McGowan, seconded by Cr Renshaw, it was resolved that applications be invited up to January 15th for the positions of Returning Officers for the separate wards of the Borough. Cr Renshaw gave notice for the discharge and re-modelling of the Committees, rendered necessary by the withdrawal of the Parawai members. This concluded the business.