TOWN COUNCIL.

Clutha Leader, Volume II, Issue 102, 23 June 1876, Page 6

TOWN COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting* of the Balclutha Town Council was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday evening*. There were present his Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Tosh, Hope, Kilgour, Mason, Hogg-, and Dunne/

The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed.

A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary, forwarding map shewing the boundary of the Municipality on the east side of the river, and from which it appeared the boundary only extended to the road between Macdon aid's house and the corner of Mason's paddock, on the Main road.

Several councillors said they had Crown grants for properties beyond that point, and which were therein described as within the township. The explanation appeared to be that that portion of ihe township had not been included in the proclamation of the Municipality. Councillor Hogg* reported on behalf of the Finance Committee that an expert had been employed to examine the weigh bridge sent by Messrs Briscoe and Co., and it was found that the various pieces of the machine did not correspond with the invoice, while several portions were altogether awanting. It appeared as if portions of several machines had been sent, but the whole did not form a complete machine.

The Clei'k was instructed to acquaint Messrs Briscoe and Co. with the state of matters.

Councillor Mason, on behalf of the Works Committee, reported that the various works within the township, authorised by the Council, were progressing satisfactorily. The Committee recommended some extra works at the corner of Elizabeth-street, opposite the ■Fanners' Arms Hotel, and at Brig-gs's

corner.

These works were agreed to. The following accounts were passed for payment :—

Chirnside and Gormley, cartage of weighing machine, L 2 18s. Do., progress payment on contract No. 1 (subject to certification by. Works Committee), L6O. John Sinclair, salary as Inspector of Works, Ll3 10s. P. Mason, rent, LI 3. The Inspector of Works reported the cost of the various works carried out by him as follows : — Hasborough Itoad, widening and metalling, .. .. £28 18 3 Repairing fences and cleaning water tables ... ... 18 0 Surfacing on Hasborough Road.. 4 0 6 Repairing Main South. Road ... 20 10 3 RenfreW'Street and School G-ates 26 7 6 Lanrrk-streeb and Junction of Clyde-street. .. ... 10 15 01 £91 19 71 He also handed in. his labourers' time-bill. Councillor Dunne expressed his satisfaction at the manner in which the various works had been carried out, and the very satisfactory nature of the several works. The other Councillors concurred.

The Ma3 r or pointed out that the contractors should hand in their' accounts a day or two before the meeting, so that they might be. examined and certified by the Works Committee ber tore being presented to the Council for payment. The valuator handed in his valuation of the township.

The same was read over, and, after various slight corrections, adopted, and sig-ned by the Mayor. It appeared that the valuation of the whole township amounted to about £6700, considerably higher than last year.

Councillor Hogg moved that the rate be Is Cd in the pound for the ensuing year. He pointed out that the Council coming into office would have no borrowing powers, nor would they have the advantage of an ..overdraft. The licenses about to be collected were already hypothecated, as well as portion of next year's rates, for works already decided upon.

Councillor Mason seconded the motion, expressing* his belief that the rate would have the support of the ratepayers. If the rate was high, it was to be employed in improving the properties of those who had to pay. Councillor Dunne moved that the rate be Is 3d. The township, he said, was not so prosperous as it had been, and a great deal of money would not be required for public works for some time. He thought the ratepayers would consider Is 3d quite high enough.

Councillor liilgour seconded the amendment.

Councillor Hope supported the Is 6d rate, which he did not think would be objected to. He reminded the Council that they had the interest to pay on their loan, and the rates were already encroached upon.

After some discussion, Councillor Dunne withdrew his amendment, and the motion was carried.

The Mayor considered a Is 6d. rate very reasonable. The town was increasing-, and a good deal of money would be required for necessary works. It would now be for those who might be in the next Council to see that the money was expended to the best purpose. Councillor Dunne moved, according to notice, that a map of the township be procui-ed.

Seconded by Councillor Mason. The Mayor said ie was five years since the motion was passed.

Councillor Hogg 1 said a map had been promised to be prepared for the Council free of charge. He hnd seen Mr Henderson, surveyor, who informed him- that he was at present engaged upon it, that it would be lithographed immediately, and that a copy would be given to the Council.

Councillor Dunne said he would then alter his motion, and ask the Mayor and two Coancillors to call upon Mr Henderson, and ascertain definitely about the matter. This was agreed to.

The Mayor reported that some maintenance metal was wanted for Hasborougb Road, and the portion recently metalled required blinding. These matters required immediate attention, otherwise a large expenditure would be necessary to keep up the road. After a somewhat warm discussion, the Works Committte were authorised to attend to the matter, the cost not to exceed £10.

The Clerk reported that he had not yet received the amended plans and specifications of works agreed to he undertaken within the township, from the Engineers. It was agreed that a special meeting be called upon receipt of these to decide upon the matter. The matter of the work done by the Works Committee beyond the town boundary at the Railway Bridge, — and for which, on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Council resolved that £1 be refunded, — was again brought up. It was agreed at last meeting that the cost of the work should be fixed by arbitration.

Mr Sinclair, Inspector of Works, was appointed on behalf of the Council, and Mr Marr on behalf of the Committee, to value the work.

The M ayor said other works had been carried out by the Council beyond the boundary, — particularly the metalling' of the main road near the manse, — and he thought the cost of these shonld also be refunded. He was ready to pay his share, The Council could not select one case and demand a refund. They mu&t make all alike.

Several members explained that the metalling of the main road was simply a mistake — a misapprehension as to the boundaiy — whereas the other was intentionally done.

The Mayor said it had yet to be proved that it also was not a mistake as to the exact line of boundary. At all events, both were equally illegal, and should be treated alike.

The meeting then adjourned.