Cromwell Borough Council

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 1929, 20 March 1905, Page 5

Cromwell Borough Council

Thursday, Maech 16th. 1 [Present—His Worship the Mayor (E. Murrell), Crs. Betts, Gair, Olds. McLoughlin and Richards.] CORRESPONDENCE. From the Municipal Association of New Zealand, stating that it had forwarding two copies of the Local Government Law as per order.— Received. The two books were laid on the table for inspection, and from all appearances they should prove a valuable asset to the Council Library and from them many knotty points can be settled. From Mr John Betts, asking that he be allowed to surrender his last four allotments, as no water could be obtained to grow anything, and that the incoming tenant pay valuation for fencing.—Surrender accepted. From Mr T, S. Graham, secretary Central Otago Charitable Aid Board, asking for valuation for ensuing year, so as to enable a levy being struck, and also asking for a remittance of levy, £2 2s 6d for year ending 1905. —Received. From Mr R. A. Loughnan, secretary Land Commission, thanking the council, on behalf of the Chairman, for the courtesy of granting them the Council for its meeting, and also the Town Clerk for kindness in seeing that every thing was ready for the meeting.— Received. From Mr G. H. Stephenson, sec. School Committee, drawing th© council's attention to the fact that that body was exempt from valuation and rates under the Education Act in respect of cottage that was standing empty. —Received. From Mr T. K. Harty, manager of Cromwell and Bannockburn Colleries Co., Ltd.. re valuation in respect of part of lease in the Borough. That the assessment of £3O is excessive for the reason the whole lease only costs £5 2s, and that it be amended to .£8 or £lO, as this is a matter for the Assessment Court to deal with.--Letter received. From Messrs Thomson, Bridger and Co., stating that the order placed in their hand for domes was not obtainable in the Colony, but that if the council wished they could import them from America.—Resolved that Messrs Thomson, Bridger and Co. import them, and that an order for lamp glasses be placed in their hands also. From Corporation Dayman, stating that he went up to the reservoir twice a week, and after heavy winds he made a special trip to clear away rubbish that may have blown in. He also drew attention to the fact that residents were in the habit of putting rubbish of all sorts, including bones, kitchen slops and decayed vegetable matter into their ash pit, causing a stench to arise in hot weather. — Resolved that it be referred to inspector for his report. From Dr Ogston, stating that he had received Professor Black's, Government Analyst, report on samples of water sent. He pronounces both waters " suspicious," the latter, which was the worst, was taken from half way between the head of the race and the reservoir. This confirms the statement made by Inspector Gladstone, that the water in the race and reservoir was being polluted and both required cleaning out. A great discussion ensued, every councillor taking part. Cr Gair pointed out how the reservoir might be cleaned out. | Cr Old moved that the water of the town be cut off for 8 hours during the day and let on during the night.—No j seconder. This brought Cr Gair to his feet, stating that a plan of work was necessary first. A councillor interjected that it appeared that one councillor did all the talking. At times several were speaking at once. On the motion of the Mayor and Cr Betts it was decided that all the councillors visit the reservoir before next meeting and report, and that the letter be received. The following accounts wei'e passed for payment: — Municipal Association £1 0 0 Otago Daily Times advertising debentures 3 6 0 Agricultural Department twelve days rabbiting .. .. 3 12 0 £7 18 6 Cr M'Loughlin brought forward the matter of the drain at Mrs Stuart's which was in a dilapidated state and required attention. This work was passed some time ago but had never been done. Some councillors thought this was a work that Mrs Stuart should do, as she was delivering her water into the gutter and leaving it there. It was her duty to find a proper outlet by putting in pipes to take it out to the front street. Resolved that the Mayor and Cr Gair visit the drain with power to act. Cr Betts brought up the building of the Fire Brigade Station. —lt was decided that plans be prepared for next meeting, and that tenders be called for the work.