BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1102, 29 August 1873, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

At the Council meeting, held on the 24th instant, the following-business was transacted : Letters dated the 4th and 10th of June were received from Messrs Seaton anil Munro applying for leave to con struct wharf and protect a portion of the river bank. On the motion of Cr. Suisteo. seconded by Cr. Powell, it was resolved that the application should stand over for consideration until definite information had been received as to the proposed action of the General Government.

Letters from Mr Seaton applying for lease of block of land for establishing a brick and tile manufactory, and also to lease certain suburban allotments.

On the motion of the Mal'or, seconded by Cr. Wjiyte, the Town Clerk was instructed to inform Mr Seaton that as the Reserves had not yet been conveyed to the Council, none were yet open for application. Letter from Mr John Ward asking permission to erect cottage on Henley street.

Besolv d that the application could not be entertained.

Letter from Mr Jules Simon, dated 10th July, offering to lease portions of the public reserves.

On the motion of Cr. Powell, seconded by Cr Stitt, it was resolved that the proposal could not be at present entertained.

Letter from Mr W. S. Munday objecting to Mr E. Roche's application to fence intermediate sections between his own and Mr Monday's occupation sites.

Deferred for consideration with Mr Roche's letter.

Letter from Mr Walters, of Grey. mouth, referring to appointment of Town Clerk and Surveyor. The Acting Town Clerk was directed to acknowledge the letter, and retain the same for future consideration.

In reference to a telegram received from his Honor the Superintendent, referring to the transfer of reserves, it was moved by the Mayoii, and seconded by Cr. Stjtt,

That a, telegram be sent to Mr E. J. O'Conor, M.H.R., desiring him to urge the Government to cause the necessary transfer to be made at once.

As an amendment, Cr. Sheahan pro posed and Cr. Thorpe seconded,

That the Clerk be instructed to communicate with the General Government and request that immediate steps should be taken to transfer the Westport Colliery and Municipal Reserves to the Municipal Council. The amendment was carried by 6 votes 03.

Cr. Sheahan proposed the following motions standing in his name : That application be made to the Nelson Waste Lands Board for copies of any lease, agreements, prospecting rights or other privileges entered into or conferred upon any persons for that portion of the Waste Lauds of the province situated between the Buller and Mokihinui rivers and contiguous to the town of Westport for the purpose of coal mining. Seconded by Cr. Blacklock. Lost by a majority of 6to 1. That the Acting Town Clerk be instructed to communicate with the Minister of Public Works as to the manner in which contracts have been entered into iu the Buller district under the Public Works scheme, with persons absolutely without means and unable to pay their workmen, whose interests have thereby been sacrificed and the community made to suffer. And further that in view of further works being commenced the Council urge the necessity of an alteration in the system of letting contracts and the enforcement of a deposit of 20 per cent upon the amount, or that bonds should be entered into with approved sureties. The motion was lost by 5 to 3.

A motion by Cr. Wuyte that Crs. Shehan, Thorpe, Powell, and the mover form a Committee to prepare by-laws was carried.

Cr. Okgax's motion that copies of the Municipal Ordinances should be obtained was carried.

On the motion of Cr. Suisted, seconded by Cr. Bi,acklock, it was decided that the retirement of one of them on the 13th proximo should be decided by lot. The choice fell on Cr. Suistecl. In reference to a letter from Mr M'Farlane, butcher, requesting permission to retain occupancy of the site now held on the line of Cobden street, it was decided that he should be informed that the Council did not possess authority to confer any right of occupation for sites on public streets. The honorary Acting Town Clerk was empowered to advertise, inviting applications from parties willing to perform the duties of Acting Town Clerkat a salary of £2 weekly. NOTICES OP MOTION By the Mayor : That having in view the necessity of at once raising funds to carry out the business of the corporation and urgent works, assessors be elected in accordance with the Act, and the remuneration to be allowed such assessors also determined.

By Cr. Oroan : That at next meeting a Public Works Committee be appointed. The next meeting of the Council is fixed for Monday, the Ist proximo, at 4 p.m.