BOROUGH MEETINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 304, 22 December 1903, Page 6

BOROUGH MEETINGS.

GREY LYNW. The Grey Lynn Council met last night. Present: The Mayor (Mr J. W. Shaekelford), Councillors J. Farrell, J. Currie, W. Dimery, R. H. Creamer, C. Mcllaster, J. Proud, S. Thomas, W. S. Smith, and W. W. Dumper.

The Assets Boara offered to allow the Council to remove soil from two lots to enable earth to t>e obtained for filling In a roadway. The latter was referred to the Engineer. A number of applications in a roadway. The letter was referred to the Streets Committee.

Finance.—The report of the Finance Committee was passed. It authorised the payment of £688. of which £299 19/ went to the City Council, £193 to Mr H. H. Metcalfe, and £75 10/ for interest.

Tenders.—Tlie following tenders were received: Formation of Crammer-road from Tennyson-street to Great North-road (engineer's estimate, £865 174), W. C. Peebles £1039 10/2, W. Lovett £796 16/2, W. Henry (accepted) £789 14/5, J. McGee £1034 2/. Williamson's avenue, from Pollen street to the pound: J. Larkin £1248 17/, W. C. Peebles £985 2/11, W. Lovett (accepted) £882 5/8, W. Henry £964 15/, and J. McGee £1656. Engineer's estimate £980 14/2. The Council appointed Mr Snodgrass clerk of works temporarily, Messrs Farrell and Smith objecting on the ground that the position should be advertised.

Licensing Fees.—The Mount Albert Road Board wrote protesting against the cost of the recent licensing elections, and expressing the opinion it was unnecessary to advertise in any but the daily papers. Mr McMaster contended that as all the local bodies paid the cost of the election, the license fee from the one hotel in the district should be divided proportionately, and not go to the district in which the house chanced to be. Mr Irwin explained that the Act did not provide for the division of the license fee. As to the cost of election, he contended it could not have been done more cheaply. It was decided, on the motion of Mr McMaster, to ask the Colonial Secretary's opinion upon the point raised, and also that of the Auditor-General.

Stopping a Subsidy.—A letter was read from the secretary to the Treasury notifying that the subsidy of £187 10/ had been" retained in part payment of the £217 18/4 due as contribution to the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. On the motion of the Mayor (Mr J. W. Shackelfocd), It was agreed to protest against the action of the Treasury in this matter. lie said the Council had always paid promptly, anfl had the secretary to the Board asked, this" amount would have been forwarded as promptly as the first half. The conduct of the Treasury in thfs matter was neither courteous nor considerr \t.

Changes.—Mr C' McMaster moved that the Council advertise for a ponndijeeper and dog registrar, which was agreed to, as was also another resolution by the same councillor requesting the Streets Committee to report upon the best means or securing the most results from the borough workmen.

DEVONPORT.

The Devonport Council met last evening. Present: Messrs E. W. Alison (in the chair), W. Handley, W. J. W. Philson, J. A. Walker, C. C. Dacre, G. V. Kdgeumbe, F. E. Mason, R. Logan, jnn., and J. B. Graham. A letter was received from Messrs Devore and Martin In connection with the proposed Stanley Point Drainage Loau, which stated it was necessary to call a meeting of ratepayers to deride whether a poll should be taken. —It was pointed out that the loan could be raised without taking a polL—The council decided to apply to the chief health officer for information on the subject It was decided to give the public notice that it was the council's intention to fix Wednesday as the half-holiday in the borough next year.

NEWMARKET.

An ordinary meeting of this council was held last evening, and attended by Messrs Jn. McColl (.Mayor), F. Bennett, A. It. Seecombe. ■V. Lock, W. llolmee, B. Davis, Wm. Edgerly. and Jas. McColl. The Half-holiday.—The council last evenIng lixitl npon Wednesday for the weekly lialf holiday.

Society of Arts. —The council deferred decision as to contributing to the building fund of the Auckland Society of Arts.

Tram Service.—The tram service was the subject of criticism by members.—Cγ. Davis suggested that the council should co-operate with any other local bodies In tho appointment of an inspector to watch the tramway Bcrvlce, with special reference to punctuality, the conduct of the officials. CTOwalng, etc. —No resolution was passed.