BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXII, Issue 9187, 11 August 1880, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of this body was held last night. Present — His Worship the Mayor, Crs Nathan, Brown, Spurdle, Chadwick, Richards, Carson, and Sharpe. Minutes. — The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Crown Grants. — His Worship stated that in regard to the Crown Grants, he had received a letter stating that they were ready. He had written to Mr Ballance, enclosing a cheque, and expected the grants shortly. Gas Committee. — The Gas Committee recommended that three gas lamps be erected on the River Bank. Five had been asked for by the residents in this direction, but the Committee were of opinion that the number recommended would be sufficient at present. — Moved by Cr Brown, and seconded by Cr Spurdle, That the recommendation be adopted. Carried. Correspondence. — Letter from ratepayers of Campbell-street, calling the attention of the Council to an open drain in that neighbourhood, the water in which was injurious to health, there being no footpath on the side of the street on which the drain was situated. — Cr Chadwick moved, and Cr Brown seconded, That this letter be referred to the Foreman of Works to report on. Carried. — Letter from Mr D. Murray, asking the permission of the Council to sub-let a portion of Block 30, which he held under lease from the Council, enclosing plan of proposed division of block, showing streets, &c. — Cr Chadwick said he thought the Council should agree to this request, as if these blocks were sub-let it would be to the ultimate benefit of the town. The streets would of course be formed by Mr Murray. — Cr Sharpe said that the Council would not demur to the request, as Mr Murray could certainly cut up the block if he chose to ; it was merely an act of courtesy, his asking permission. He would of course have to conform to the Acts in regard to right-of-ways. They had decided at a previous meeting to treat every application of this nature on its merits. — His Worship said it would be necessary, as the work would be of a permanent character, that one condition should be insisted upon — viz., that the right-of-ways be 40 feet in width. — Cr Sharpe asked if permission, subject to this stipulation was granted, how would it affect the block when it reverted to the Council at the expiry of the lease. — His Worship said the ground would come into the hands of the Council in the same condition as it was left by the tenant. The Council could, if it chose, block up the roads and pull down the buildings. It would, perhaps, be better if the consideration of this question was deferred till next meeting, as it should have the mature consideration of Councillors, and if necessary a legal opinion. Agreed to. — Letter from Mr J. Duthie, complaining of the stagnant water which had accumulated underneath his premises, and requesting permission to put in a tile drain at his own expense. — Cr Chadwick moved, That permission be granted. — Seconded by Cr Brown, and carried. Bell-street. — His Worship stated that a letter had been received from Mr Macfarlane some time ago regarding a filling-up in front of his section in Bell-street. Mr Macfarlane was now in attendance, in order to give any information that might be required. — Mr Macfarlane stated that he had filled up a portion of his section, and this caused a hollow in front. He asked the Council to fill up this portion of the road, as it would not be prejudicial to the interests of the neighbouring sec-tion-holders, and would be to the benefit of the public. Sand was to be had in quantity handy to the place. — Cr Carson moved and Cr Brown seconded, That the matter be left in the hands of the Mayor and Foreman of Works, with power to act. New Works. — Cr Carson said that a drain was badly wanted in Ingestrestreet, from St. Hill-street to the Avenue. The roadway also required to be lowered. — His Worship said there was no doubt that this work was necessary, but the state of the funds would not, he was afraid, permit of it being done. It would be better to leave it till the summer. — Cr Carson said he would be satisfied if the drain was authorised to be undertaken as soon as practicable. He proposed a motion to that effect. — Seconded by Cr Spurdle. — Cr Nathan said too much money was being expended in St. Hill-street, and he thought the ratepayers should pay their share of the cost of this work as they had to do in other streets. — The motion was carried. Arrears of Rates. — His Worship said it was very unfair when a tenant fell in arrears of rates and went through the Court, that the landlord should be come upon. This had occurred in some cases, and he thought the Council should take some steps in the matter. Ratepayers should not be allowed to become eighteen months or two years in arrears without an attempt being made to recover the amount. — Cr Carson said he understood this was a part of the duties of the Finance Committee. He thought that Committee should have instructed the Clerk when to take the necessary steps. He would move that an advertisement be inserted in the papers intimating that all outstanding rates unpaid by the 1st of September be sued for forthwith. — Carried. Accounts. — Accounts to the amount of £221 4s 9d were passed for payment, and the meeting separated.