LAWRENCE TOWN COUNCIL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 163, 23 March 1871, Page 5

LAWRENCE TOWN COUNCIL.

The tisual meeting of the Council was held on Monday evening. Present : —

Conncillors llarrop (in the chair), Mears, Williams, Barnett, Uren, and the Town Clerk. After minutes of previous meeting had l>sen read and confirmed, The Chairman read the following report from the Inspector of Nuisances, Lawrence, 25th March, 1871. To the Mayor mid Members of the Town Council of Lawrence. Gentlemen, —I have the honour to submit for your information a report of -i visit of inspection which I have made during the la&t fortnight of the town in lefeieuce to its sanitary stare. I h:ive ranch pleasure in statins: that owing to pleasures which I Look shortly after my appointment, nearly the whole of the swampy and unhealthy places have he-en tilled up. I would lieg to state that <luriijg my tour of inspection I have found most places clean ; and ■where I found it necessary to exercise my authority, I generally found a ready compliance with my orders, but some few who lefused to comply with my instructions I have taken proceedings against in the Resident Magistrate's Court. In reference to a report which appeared in the local paper of the spread of scarlet fever, I am happy to say that. I have not heard of any fresh cases, hut should any moro cases come under my notice, I s-hall consider it my duty to report the matter at your next meeting. I do not consider it necessaiy on the part of the Council to adopt any extra measures at present to prevent the spread of disease, as I have no hesitation in saying that Lawience is one of the cleanest, and healthiest towns in the province of Otago. I have the honour to he, Gentlemen. Your obedient servant, E. TITCHE.N'EB. Inspector of Nuisances. Several accounts were passed. Cr. 3 T ears considered the Corporation was paying the Phoenix Company far too much for the present supply of water ; £52 a year was about one half more than it was necessary to expend. They could obtain a head of water for 10s. per week, which would be an adequate supply for the present requirements of the town. He would like to see a copy of the contract between the Council and the Phoenix Company, and hoped the matter would be brought before the Council at its next sitting. The following tenders for the construction of culvert in Colon say street, were opened :— D. Wliittet, £183 ; Vye, £161. The Chairman said these tenders exceeded the estimated sum. Cr. Mears moved "That the tenders be referred back to the Public Works Committee, to alter plans in order to bring $he cost of the work -within the sum estimated." He regretted that the Council was not in a position to expend a large Bum on this work, which was a necessrry one, and one which he would like to see oompleted in a permanant manner. Cr. Williams seconded. — Carried. Cr. Mears moved <c That tenders be in-

vited from persons willing to clean out the channels in the various streets in the ; tenders to be sent in by •"tttifet Council night." He thought that if the Council employed a man to keep the channels clear it would be the means of checking a very great nuisance that had existed for some time past. Cr. Uren seconded. —Carried. The Town Clerk said he had written to the various municipalities regarding con-

tinuance of Government subsidy, as directed at last meeting.

Cr. Mears moved " That the following tenders be called, viz. :—: —

No. 1. — For formation and gravelling continuation of Whitehaven street, (about 22 chains.) No. 2.— Gravelling Kilmarnoek street, (about 24 chains ) No. 3. — Culvert, and gravelling footpath, Campbelton street. Cr. Williams seconded. — Carried. Tho Town Cierk stated that he had collected rates to the amount of £159 ss. since the 25 th of Feburary last. He had been treated by some of those to whom he had applied for their rates in a most insulting manner. In one or two instances parties had threatened to punch his head, declaring that they could not be compelled to pay rates, and that they had no intention of doing so. . He wished to have the advice of the Council as to what course he should pursue in respect to those persons who absolutely refused to pay their rates.

Or. Mears condemned the conduct of those parties to whom the Town Clerk referred. Not only had they refused to pay their just proportion of the rates, but they had backed their illegal and reprehensible procedure by threatening to punch the Town Clerk's head when in the execution of his duty. He woukl suggest that immediate proceedings should be taken against all who were in arrears with their rates. It should be recollected that £1 represented £2 with the Government subsidy, and as there was every probability of that subsidy ceasing shortly, it was imperative on the Council to get in outstanding d^bts without further delay. He woukl therefore move " That the Town Clerk be instructed to take steps to to recover all rates due, and if necessary to obtain legal advice in the matter." Cr. Barnett seconded. — Carried. In reply to a question by Cr. Mears, the Town Clerk said that Cr. Coverlid had been absent two consecutive meeting nights.

Cr. Mears moved "That the Town Clerk be instructed to wri'e to Government in reference to Ross Plac3, calling their attention to the fact that it is necessary to re-gravel that portion of the road before the winter sots in, otherwise it would be in its former impassable condition." The Council then adjourned for a fortnight.