DEVONPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 78, 2 April 1913, Page 6

DEVONPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

- The ordinary meeting of the Devonport Borough Council was held last night, those present being: The Mayor (Mr W. Handley), and Crs. A. J. Tapper, J. Allen, C. T. Consul tne, W- Parsons, T. Cranch, and A. Nixon.

Councillor's Serious Loss.—A resolution of sympaOiy, which was cordially supported by all present, was adopted, and ordered to be tendered to Cγ. Gannon, expressing regret at the serious misfortune by which Cr. Gannon had. lost through destruction by fire, his valuable collection of engineering data and plans.

. Bathing By-laws.—Some time ago the Council wrote to Wellington asking for a copy of the by-laws relative to the control of bathing in that city. Owing, apparently, to some misunderstanding, copies only of amendments to the'by-laws were retnrned, and these, without the text of the main by-law, were of no practical assistance. The Council decided that it was not worth while proceeding with the, matter any further.

Cab Fares.—A lafly resident of the 'borough forwarded a complaint that a waggonette driver- had charged 1/ as fare for a comparatively short joorney, .and suggested that the amount was illegally large. It became apparent In the discussion which followed the receipt of this letter tkat Hie borough by-laws governing this matter were incomplete. Crs.. Considine and Allen expressed the opinion that the Council had been culpably dilatory in this respect, bat the Mayor and Or. Tapper contended that the by-laws could not be framed until the borongu officers were In a position to have the affairs of their departments set out in proper form. The matter was in hand and would be, dealt with, ia due coarse. It was decided that the comphrlnant be asked to furnish fuller particulars of the alleged overcharging. Several councillors were of opinion that it was understood that the minimum, charge was 1/ when a waggonette was called, off the stand.

Water and Water complaint concerning the very bad state of the water available for residents In Vanxliall Terrace was considered at length, the justice of this and similar complaints being admitted. It was explained that the cause o£ the trouble was doe to the false rjconomy' of using for tie street in question pipes that liad been removed from VauxhaU Boad, and had been allowed to dry before being reltld in Vauxhall Terrace. Councillors at the time bad acted in good faith, but Were ignorant of the bad results that would follow. The matter was referred to the water Inspector for report and recommendation