ASHBURTON.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 6850, 7 September 1887, Page 6

ASHBURTON.

The usual meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held on Monday. PAsent—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. It. Friedlanrler, H. Friedlander, A. Harrison, Tucker, Thomas, Reid, A. Roberts, mid Williamson. The Mayor stated that the debit balance at the Bank was £934 12s; the amount of rates outstanding was £32 11s 2d. The Mayor also stated that, on behalf of the Council and the ratepayers, he wished to welcome Cr. A. Roberts at the Council table. He thought that both the Council and the ratepayers ought to feel satisfied at having such a gentleman as Mr Roberts in the Council. A letter was read from the Hampstead Town Board, stating that Messrs Mayo and Andrews had been appointed to represent Hampstead on the Hoard of Health. The question of keeping the South town belt in repair was referred to the Works Committee. A letter was read from Mr W. B. Denshire, strongly complaining of the condition of Aitken street, and the way in which the Council had neglected to repair the street. Cr. Williamson, as Chairman of the Works Committee explained that, owing to bad weather, it had been thought unadvisable to proceed with the repair of Aitken street. The contractor would, however, proceed with the work next ■week. He complained of the tone of the letter, and thought it was one that should not have been sent to a public body. The letter was laid on the table. The Engineer's report was read and dealt with. The Inspector of Nuisances reported that the right-of-way leading from Moore street to Tancred street was in a disgraceful state. Cr. R. Friedlander stated that the right-of-way was in good, order, but that a section adjoining the right-of-way was in a disgraceful state. The Inspector of Nuisances should have made some enquiries before writing his report. After some discussion, the clause in the report was referred back to the Inspector, with instructions to him to take immediate steps to abate the nuisance. Some discussion ensued on the cost of river protection, and Cr. Harrison moved for a return showing what amounts had been expended since July 7th. On the motion of Cr. Williamson it was resolved that in future the Engineer be paid a retaining fee of £25 per annum, in addition to / per cent, on the value of all work carried out under his supervision for the Council. Some warm discussion ensued on the question of the motion moved at a previous meeting having reference to Mr A. Orr's brick wall. Cr. K. Friedlander wanted to move that the motion be rescinded, and gave notice for next meeting to that effect, the Mayor having ruled that notice of motion must be given. Cr. Harrison and Cr. H. Friedlander, who retire by rotation, addressed the Council in appropriate terms, and said if the burgesses saw fit to again return them they would be happy to re-flll the seats they were about to vacate. In the list of accounts to be passed was an item for the hire of the Oddfellows' Hall for the purpose of Sir Sir Julius Vogel's late address. Cr. Tucker and Cr. Reid objected to the account being paid out of the borough funds. The other councillors, with the exception of Cr. Roberts, contended that the meeting had been called on behalf of the burgesses, and that the accounts should be passed. A very animated discussion ensued, but ultimately the account was passed with two dissentients. Cr. Thomas then gave notice to move-at next meeting—" That in future all expenses incurred in connection with meetings held in respect to other than Borough matters be paid by those who request that snch meeting be called." The Council then J adjourned. '