LYTTELTON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

Press, Volume XI, Issue 130, 9 January 1867, Page 3

LYTTELTON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

The usual weekly meeting of the members of thieOounoil took place on Monday evening, at six o'clock. Present— Messrs. Ward (chairman), Wright, Willcox, Hill, Baleetiee and Grubb. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. A letter was read from Mr Paton, stating that he had forwarded the Council's letter respecting the removal of Mr Macphereon's fence to the head office in Chrietchurch ; and a letter from Mr J. D. Macpherson, stating that he would not claim any portion of the ground on which the fence stands if he had encroached on the properly of the Municipality, which he had not had time to ascertain. The Clerk was instructed to reply to the letter, stating the question had been asked two months eince. A reply was read to the Council's letter to Mr Buchanan, respecting an encroachment on the Bridle-path. Mr Buchanan did not admit the encroachment, and considered a legal survey mast be held. Mr Willcox stated that the breadth of the Bridle-path was-thirty-three feetj he considered the encroachment to amount to several feet.

The Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the letter, end state that the Council considered that every owner should know his own boundary, and that owners were bound to survey their own property. Messrs Graham and Weybonrne's offer of a quantity of broken metal at 7e per yard was considered. An offer of 6s 6d had been made by the Council, which not being accepted, the matter dropped. The Chairman stated that a summons had been taken out by the custodian of the bathingshed. He was non-suited on the ground that the site was not freehold. Mr Willcoi suggested that at an early period the bathing-shed question should be taken into consideration, and the legal status ascertained. Mr Grubb enquired of the Collector of Kates, who was present, if all ratepayers had been called on for their rates. The Collector replied that he had called on all, but some had not been at home when he called. Mr Wright enquired the full amount not collected. A long discussion respecting the collection '■ of rates here took place. The Clerk stated ,the total amount outstanding on the last two rates levied to be £130. The report of the Inspector of Nuisances was read. No nuisances were complained of, and the gullies and water-courses were clear. j The report of the custodian of the bathingshed informed the Council of his being nonsuited on a summons to recover fees for dogs. The number of bathers during the week had been—males, 311; females, 37 ; total, 348. Mr Grubb made an enquiry respecting the progress being made towards the completion of the pump at the mouth of the tunnel. Mr Hill reported that the pump was not yet completed. The balance-sheet was then placed upon the table. The following accounts were passed for payment: — Weekly pay-sheet, £11 15s; lighting lamps, £2 2s; Childs, £2 15s 3d; total, £16 12s 3d. The business of the evening being concluded, Mr S. E. Wright proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for the very efficient manner in which he had filled the office during the year. Mr Balestiee seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimously.