HAMILTON DOMAIN BOARD.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2344, 19 July 1887, Page 2

HAMILTON DOMAIN BOARD.

Tim usual monthly meeting of the board was held at the borough chambers last night. Present: Messrs Barton, (chairman) Jones, Knox, Grovdle Smith, Tippen, 8011, and Dev. The Pare Reserve.— The question of planting this reserve, as suggested by Mr G. Edgecumbe, was brought up. The secretary said trees could be had very cheap at present. After some conversation it was decided to insert a notice in The Waikato Times, inviting those desiring to assist in the work, either by giving trees or labour, to communicate with the secretary during the ensuing fortnight. Sydney Sijl'arb.— Mr Keep wrote, offering to keep the trees on Sydney Square in order for twelve months, on conditions that he got the grass. In answer to Mr Smith, the chairman said a resolution had been passed at last meeting, authorising the ranger to let the ground for grazing sheep, but at tbe request of some members of the board ho had withhold the authority until the meeting.—Mr Knox moved that tbe resolution be rescinded, and this_ was seconded by Mr Dey.—Mr Tippen said it was now the general opinion that the sheep would destroy the macroearpa trees, hence there was a great outcry against letting the square as a sheep run.—The motion was carried. —Mr Smith moved, and Mr Dey seconded, that the offer of Mr Keep bo accepted, the work to be done under the supervision of the recreation committee. This was carried without discussion.

Lands Leased.— The Secretary reported that Section (ill, Hamilton East (Galloway redoubt, 10 acres), had been leased to Air Von Stunner at £3 per annum, and Section 70, Hamilton West (1 acre) at 21s per annum, to Mr Sexton.— I The Secretary further reported that four lots opposite Mr Northcroft’s residence had been permanently reserved. —Mr Knox said the drain running alongside the railway had been stopped by Mr Jolly, and it was resolved to obtain a legal opinion upon the matter.— It was then decided to offer for sale the lease of the allotments mentioned, together with a number of others. Fox-street Drain.— Mr Dixon wrote, drawing attention to the inefficiency of the main drain, and offering to deepen it to Scddon’s drain for the sum of £3.—After some discussion the offer was accepted. Domain Rents. The chairman and Messrs Jones and Bell, being lessees, retired, and Mr Dey was called to the chair. —Mr Knox then, in accordance with notice, moved that a rebate, equal to 50 per cent, of the amount of the domain rents, be given to tbe tenants tliis year. He did so owing to the badness of the times, and he need scarcely impress this fact upon the board. He understood that the tenants were going to petition the board on the matter. —Air Smith seconded the motion pro forma. He did not think it would be possible to reduce the rents in view of the charges to bo met by the board, in the shape of interest, secretary’s salary, etc.— Mr Tippen did not believe Mr Knox was in earnest. If they carried the motion the board could not carry on. —Mr Knox said he was quite in earnest. He was sure their tenants would not be able to pay. If 50 per cent, was too much then they might make it 25 per cent., but some concession must be made.—The Chairman said he had heard no complaints of the severity of the rents. —The motion was then put, when there voted for it only Mr Knox, and it was accordingly lost. Accounts. —Several small accounts were passed for payment, and the board rose.