MASTERTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 2346, 14 July 1886, Page 2

MASTERTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tp ordinary meeting of the Council was held last night. Present—The Mayor, and Crs Heron, Hessey, Gapper, Chamberlain, Cullen, Williams, Mason and Muir. Correspondence. From Resident Magistrate, re alleged impediments in the Waipoua river. From Messrs Cottrell re gas plant. From Mr G. Beetham stating that Government had granted his application for an additional constable. In reference to the letter from Mr J. J. Freeth the Clerk stated that he had advertised the intention of the Council and given notice to the public concorned in accordance with the act.' From Mr A. W. Renall, to the effect that in declining to sign any document commuting him_ with the : action of the Council in dealing with the protection of tho Waipoua river banks, it was not to be understood that he offered the slightest objection to the Council entering upon his land. He further stated his views upon tho proposed work, and that it wnuld be money thrown away to carry out the Councils mtertion.

The Mayor said he was glad to have had the letter of Mr Renall and although they had had this warning from him they could not go in tho face of the recommendation of the County Engineer supported by the Government engineer. He remembered some years ago in dealing with the Waiohino river, Mr Renall made similar remarks and yet they had succeeded in keeping the river within boundß there. THH FOUND. Thd'report of the pouiukeoper for tha month was road, showing expenses of maiiagiug were barely covered by receipts liIIIRAXY COMMITTEE.' It was resolved that application be invited for a ■ librarian and custodian to the institute, duty to commence in a fortnight, That a sub-committee arrange for the removal and re-arranging the fixtures of .the reading room and supply of new fittings and furniture required in the building. That the closing of the reading room be left tp the discretion' of the subcommittee. Accounts amounting tp £2 16s were passed for payment, The Olork was instructed to see to the bindiug of books. The report was adopted.' FINANCE COMMITTII. Accounts amounting to £23 18s Bd wore passed for payment. It was resolved that the balance of, the purchase money of the gravel pits, -, Donald's Estate, be paid, and the deeds obtained. The report was adopted. WORKS COMMITTEE. Tho Overseer's report of works in hand waß read. He recommended that the approaches to Renall's creek be made; That Queen-street be metalled where required, and he asked that an extra horse and cart be put on, and that, an extra hand be - employed. • Cr Gapper stated the Committee were of opinion that Queen Street should only bft patched, as the roads would shortly be broken up for .the purpose of laying gas piper, and then they would make a good job of re-metalling the whole road. He moved the adoption of the report. Cr Chamberlain seconded the motion. Or Oullen was of opinion that it would be a waste of money to put metal on Queen Street before the gas-pipos were laid. The motion whb carried. GAS COMMITTEE. It was resolved' That tenders be called for pipe-laying, j i The Engineer submitted an estimate, I

on the probable coat of the remainder of plant, and cost of furnishing Gaa-wofka,

It was resolved that debentures to the amount of £SOO be sold. A payment was' passed on account of the building contract,

The Engineer was instructed to prepare a plan of streets where mains are to be laid. k sub-committee was authorised to procure timber, etc., required. In moving the adoption of the report the Mayor said he was glad to say they would not require a great deal more money 1 to finish the Gas-works. It would tike about £OOOO to complete the whole works. They had sold £5500 shares, and had an application for another £SOO worth of shares at par, and they might be congratulated upon the manner in which they had been able to get on without a hilch. Having authority to borrow.to the extent of £IO,OOO, should the town increase they would be able to issue debentures by degrees as pipes and mains wero required. He had no doubt of its financial success, although they must for the first year or two not expect a great profit. Or Mason seconded the motion.

Or Muir said he had read a report in Giaborne where gas works had beon established for eighteen months, they were able to pay a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent.

Cr Gapper said ho thought they should not be too sanguine for the first few years, i Gisborne and other towns were differently situated to Mastorton. They were short of fuel, and used gas for cooking and other things, but fortunately at Masterton they had a good bush district. A. private onmpany would hive been better. Cr Mason said Hastings was about to start gas, and lie understood only about 200 consumers were there. Ho thought. Maßterton had nothing to fear. The motion was put and carried. fIKS BRIGADE. The report was read and adopted. GASBPILDIMS. Cr Gapper submitted a plan and estimate of two small buildings required in connection with the gasworks. Referred to the Gas Committee with power to act. TOOL BHED. Cr Gapper reported the Works Committee could get from the Gas Committoe a site for a tool shed and to deposit timber. He moved that the Works .Committee be authorised to get a building 12 xlB on the gas site erected. Tenders to ,be called, Or Hosaey seconded. TENDERS. For Waipoua protective works only.tore tenders were received, and they being in excess of the estimate, it was resolved to hold them over until the application to the B.M. had been heard. . For forming and metalling West Bush road, the following eight tenders were received Accepted conditionally: M. O'Brien LB6 ss; Declined: H; Stevens L 36185, T. P. Girdwood L 42, Gunderson & Co. L 43105, P. Carr L 47, P. Mulcaby L4716s 6d, Gilbert L 52 lOs, McKenrie &00. L6o2i, Th» Council then adjourned.