HASTINGS BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9156, 17 December 1891, Page 4

HASTINGS BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tho statutory meeting of the Council was held yesterday. I'reßeDt— His Worfillip tbe Mayor-elect anil Crs. lieilby, Foreman, Hughcß, Lioricy, M'Kwan, Murdoch, and Tanuer, THE NEW MAYOR. Mr Ellis having made the usual declaration took his seat as Mayor. Cr, Beilby congratulated the Mayor upon bis election to the office for the fourth time, and assured him of the loyal Bupport of tho Council. Cr. Tanner »aid that hla Worship in offering himself for re-election had, lie was sure, been actuated by a feeling more noble than mere honorable ambition, viz , the desire to do good. He joined in tbe congratulation. Ore. Murdoch, M'Kwan, Foreman, and Hughes also tendered their congratulatioop. His Worship, in reply, thanked the councillors for their kindly expressions, and assured them that it would be his endeavor to carry out the duties of his office satisfactorily. Sometime* lie aud they had disagreed, but he hoped that auy disagreement* in iuliire would as heretofore be left in the Council chamber. As they were aware, the reason he had resigned was that a resolution which he considered unconstitutional and contrary to the standing orders bad been brought, forward. But in the case of any other such resolution being brought forward he would refuse to receive it. He hoped, however, that the business of tho Council would be carried on harmoniously. RENT OK THE CHAMIIKR. The Mayor referred to the matter of the rent of the Council chamber, and informed tbe Council that tho Land Court refused to pay tho increased rent. Under these circumstances he, together with tome other citizens, would mako up the difference to prevent friction between the Land Court and the Council. Cr. Murdoch said that his Worship deserved tho thanks of tho Council for the offer which ho had mnde, bub he (the speaker) must object to the course proposed, an it would set) an undesirable precedent. It was not right that a Mayor who gave his time for nothing should he put to any expense in the discharge of his office. The Council should either enforce tho incrensed rent or accept tho original rent. Kor himself he had voted for the increase upon certain representations made in the Council. When Btibsequcntly it was pointed out lo him by business nun that there wan a danger of tho Court holding its sittings elsewhere if the increased rent were insisted on, ho had brought forward a motion to rescind the resolution for the increase ; but it was negatived. He advocated the return to the original rent. Moved by Cr. Tanner, aud tecomled by Cr. Foieman, "That the Htaiidingordern be suspended to enable the Council to deal with the qaestion of reducing the rent of the Council Chamber."— Carried, Moved by Cr. Tanner, and seconded t.y Cr. Murdoch, " That the reso'ulifiii parted by this Council, raising thn lent of tbu Council Chamber to 103 per day. Ins r«Bonded, and that the rent bo £2 per week."— Carried. DOG TAX. Moved by Cr. Beilby, and seconded by Cr. Murdoch, " That) the dog (ax ior the

onsuiuß year be the samo as last year, viz : 10s for greyhounds and 6s for all other dogs ; and that the Town Ulerk be Instructed to invite tenders for collars and bbat tho Mayor be authorised to open and accept the same."— Carried. COURT HOUSE. Cr Foreman suggested that, as the Minister of Justice would Bluntly visit Hastings, some of tho Council should 900 him about (be Ion*;- promised Court-house, aud also about the state of the railway approach. Cr. Tanner suggested the formation of a select committee to wait on the Minister, and it was moved by Cr. Foreman and seconded by Cr. Tanuer, "That a committee, coußisting of the Mayor aud Cis. Beilby, Liuuey, Murdoch, and the mover, wnit on the Minister for Justice when ha is in Hastings for the purpose: of calling his attention to the necessity for a Resident Magistrate's Court-house for the district, and also to c.ill his attention to the stato of the appioach to tho railway sla'.ion." — Carried. The Council then adjourned.

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