HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

Waikato Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2234, 2 November 1886, Page 2

HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

The usual monthly meeting of the council was held last night. Pie.sent : His Worship the Mayor, Cr?. .Edgecumbe, Tippen, Bell, Barton, Yon Stunner, Scott and Dey. Borough Solicitous. — Mr W. M. Hay wrote acknowledging the receipt of the resolution appointing Mr O'Neill and himself solicitors for the borough. — The Clerk reported that no reply had been received from Mr O'Neill. — Cr. Edgecumbe said he had been under the impression that the retaining fee covered the case of the council and the Domain Board. He thought the board should pass a resolution similar to that carried by the council. — The clerk sajd the fee was supposed to cover both. Road Repair.— Mr J. Devitt wrote, drawing attention to the existence of a "big pot hole" near his house, which was a source of danger. — On the motion of the Mayor the letter was referred to the Works Committee. The Hood-street Drain.— Mr W. M. Hay forwarded an opinion in regard to this matter. He was of opinion that the council were not under any obligation to cover the drain, unless it becamea nuisance, which was not likely. He did not see how the council could be held responsible for any accidents, but he gave no definite opinion on this point. Mr flay attended and explained his opinion. — As to the liability for damage in case of accident, that would depend in great measure upon circumstances. The element of contributory negligence would come in. In the event of a-ny nuisance arising the council was liable to abate it. — Cr. Scott said from personal conversation with Mr Vincent, he understood that he complained of the nuisance arising from the drain. He thought something should be done before the summer came on. — The matter was referred to the Legal Committee to reply to Mr Vincent. Destroying Rivkr Bank.— Mr John Webb wrote complaining that the river bank was being destroyed by cattle. He recommended that a fence be put up to qtop cattle going near the river. —Cr. Yon Stunner recommend the council to fence in the foreshore near Mr Webbs and plant it with treesi, Qn the suggestion of Cr. Edgecumbe the matter was deferred fo the works committee with power to act. The Wajkato Coal and Shipping Company's Leases.— The Secretary of the company wrote stating that the land was leased to the Waikato Steam Navigation and Coal Mining Company, a company which had been wound up. The Waikato Coal and Shipping Company could not be sued for the rent.— After some discussion the matter was referred to Mr Hay to take legal proceedings for the recovery of the arrears of rent. [Cr. Jon.es here took his seat.] A CAgs oj-' DiSjTKKhS. — The Mayor brought under tba notjge of the gouncil the case of a woman in Hainjlfcon JJast in poor circumstances and in want of medical assistance, &c. Considering the position occupied by the council in relation to hospital and chaiitable aid matters, he vvould recommend the council to provide the means for relieving the woman, pending the establishment of f a local institution. The pojice would look after the case provided the council provided the funds. — After some discussion the Mayor's suggestion was agreed to. Waikato Hospital District.— On the motion of tlje Mayor it was resolved jto hold a special meeting of the, goungij on. We.d-

nesday, the 17th inst., for the purpose of electing ;i member of the new Hospital B »an'. — r t was decided to givo'a guarantee to the Waipa County Council to pay a share of tho expenses incurred by the Waipa county in resisting paymeat of contributions to the Auckland Board, provided that Waipa would contribute to the expenses of Hamilton in case the borough were proceeded against. Flood Damage.— Mr T. King, Hoodstreet, wrote asking the council to take some measures to prevent hi.s land and house being again flooded in heavy rain. He suggested several improvements" in the drains. —The Works Committee reported recommending that the work required be done. — This was agreed to. Excursion Trains, Christmas Week.— A letter was received from the District Traffic Manager, stating thcit the subject of running cheap excursion tnunH to Hamilton during Christmas week would bo attended to. — The Mayor said it was almost certain th.it the favour would bo granted. Extra Suukackmvx.— Mr E. Wilson wrote, applying for the poat of permanent surfaceman for Hamilton West, on the ground that by the present arrangement the foreman of works lost much time in showing the men taken on what they had to do. — Referred to the Works Committee. Fukzk on Roads.— A committee was appointed to visit Liverpool-street and roport upon what was required in the matter of clearing furze thereupon. Works Committee Report.— Vaiious small works were reported on as having been done. Re pipes in Anglesa-street, it was resolved to take up the pipes running across the road opposite to Munros at right angles to the same, and to relay 12in. pipes along Munros frontage into the old brick culvert. Two chains of pi pea would bo required. Miscellaneous. —The half-yearly accounts were read and adopted. Two applications were received for the appointment of a valuer for the borough from Messrs F. Gaudin and T. G. Sandes. The former was elected on a ballot being taken. Re the commonages lately fenced and the appointment of rangers, after a long discussion it was resolved that the fee for grazing cattle and horses in the unimproved commonages be Gd per head per month for the time being. For the use of the improved grass paddocks at Hamilton West it wa% resolved to charge 2s Gd prr head per week for horses and cattle, residents of the b >rough only to be allowed the use of these enclosures ; all fees to be payable in advance. A committee, consisting of Councillors Tippen, Yon Stunner, Jones and EiJgecumbc, win appointed to take into condition the matter of the pound, appointment of Rangers &c. and report to the meeting on the 17th inst., as to remuneration for services of same, and also to take into consideration the position of ths clerk — with regard to his duties and salaries. A number of accounts were passed for payment and the meeting was adjourned until the 17th inst., at 7.30. p.m.