HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1201, 9 March 1880, Page 2

HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A meeting of the Hamilton Borough Council was held yesterday evening. Present: Crs. Vialou (chairman), Price, Beale, Peat, Davis, and Jones. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. The Works Committee recommended that if the residents m Clyde-street would form the footpath the Council nhould gravel the same; and with reference to the drainage of Mr Gardener's property, that a flume should be constructed to carry the water from the street drains. The question of confirming the Works Committee's report drew from Cr. Jones a protest against the confirmation of these reports by the Council. The Chairman ruled that all that was laid down m the Standing Orders was that reports of committees should be "read," and the Council declined to confirm them. The resignations of the Mayor, and Crs. Cumming, McDonald and Knox were read and accepted. Cr. Vialou said it would be necessary to advertise the vacancies. Hia opinion was that the raoancies did not exist until to-night, but the legal opinion of Mr Whitaker was that the vacancies dated from the time of the Clerk's receiving the resignations. CLAW FOB COMPENSATION. A letter was read from T. S. Seddon, Esq., showing that lands m which he was interested have had their frontage destroyed by the bridge approaches and deteriorated m value ; and claiming the sum of £400 for the damage sustained. Cr. Jones moved, "That Crs. Beale, Vialou, and Price be appointed a committee to consider Mr Seddon's olaim, and report to the Council." — Saconded by Cr. Peat, and carried unanimously. A letter was read from Ross and Dunbar stating that as the Council refused to pay the extra charged for, they would claim m addition £100 for loss sustained by non-completion Gf the contract with regard to the land spans. The chairman explained that he had arranged with the contractors as to the alterations, and pointed out the document referring to the matter. It was proposed to instruct the clerk to acknowledge the receipt. Cr. Beale then moved, and Cr. Jones seconded — That m the opinion of this Council, all matters m relation to the bridge contract, between the council and Messrs Ross and Dunbar are settled, and the council will not acknowlcdgo any further claim. Carried unanimously. A letter was read from Mr Percy Smith stating that lands on the river foreshore would be surveyed and described as being within the Borough. Crs. Price and Davis were appointed to visit Mr Potter's stock-yard and see if the timber was suitable for a pound, and if so, arrange for the price, &c. A letter was read from Mr Trewheellar claiming that the space between the road and his shop be so filled m as to enable him to get to his shop, The Chairman thought m the present finances nothing of the kind could be done, and that the letter should be acknowledged stating that the work would be considered when the Council was m funds. The Returning Officer applied to have the fees for an election raised from two guineas to three guineas. Crs. Peat and Price spoke against, and Cr. Vialou m favor of the increase. It was resolved to let the matter stand over to a full Council. The Engineer recommended that Heaphy Terrace, being the main way from the Bridge to the East Hamilton Station should have more money expended upon it than £20 voted by the Council, so that it should junction with the station road made by the railway, half-way between Dr. Beale' s and the school-house. He estimated another £30 would complete the earth woi*k. The Chairman advocated the work, Cr. Jones opposed it. There were back streets unformed m Hamilton West. It would be time enough to make this street when the station was built. Cr. Beale said that the public safety demanded that this work should be done. Cr. Davis protested against this expenditure, while streets were altogether neglected m West Hamilton. The Works Committee were ordered to report. Notice of motion was given by Cr. Peat for next meeting, to pay the Clerk of Works a weed's wages m dispute from the 6th to the 13th of January last. A letter was read from Mr Jolly, asking the Council to fence the approaches to the railway on the 1 own Belt, and so prevent the cattle trespassing through the railway into his paddocks The Council agreed to the request. The claim of Mr Coombes for raising the grade m tfeaphy Terrace was considered, and advocated by Crs. Jones and Vialou, and the 2d per yard on 13»0 yards allowed by the Engineer proposed to be increased. Finally the matter was referred to a committee of the whole Council. By a resolution of the Council, Cr. Vialou was appointed acting Mayor until the election. Cr. Beale was appointed to sign cheques m connection with the acting Mayor. The Foreman of Works was instructed to gravel Clyde-street forthwith. Cr. Jones moved, and Cr. Beale seconded — That the solicitor to the borough be instructed to take proceedings forthwith against the Waikato County Council, to recover the awarded to the borough by Thomas .Macffarlane, Esq. Carried unanimously. Cr. Beale gave notice to discontinue the use of the ohaiu at the East end of the bridge and substitute a gate for it. — Agreed to. The Chairman said there was not half money enough to undertake the drainage works contemplated on the Eaat side of tho brirlgo. Tho bridge account showed

only £131 to the credit of the Council. He thought the best thing to be done would be to fasoiue the clayey spots of road and keep the channels clear. The embankment would need to be widened, and thoy must reserve fuuds for that purpose. The ouly tender was £300. Cr. Jones agreed with the Chairman.