BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1845, 3 February 1888, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The council met on Wednesday evening. Present — His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Major), Councillors Spence, Whittington, Grant, Davidson, Winks, Sutton, Bate, and Robbins.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From County Council, stating that it was proposed to metal tbe road from tbe Waingongoro to tbe borough boundary ; also from the borough boundary to Princes-street should the Borough Council agree to pay its share. — It was mentioned during a discussion that took place tbat the Borough Council's share would be about i! 100. — The Mayor moved that the Public Works Committee report on the subject at next meeting of the council, and that the advice of Mr. J. Twigg be obtained. — Agreed to. Mr. Clarson wrote, explaining that most of the critical work in connection with Mr. Syme'B contract had been done before he left, and be thought tbat the balance could have been passed by Mr. Duffilll ; but suggesting that 75 per cent, should be paid, and tbe balance on his return in the middle of February. — This had been done.

Mr. Syme wrote, askinar for payment of balance, but it was explained by Councillor Robbins that, as Mr. Clarson would be back in February, he had no ob]ection to wait until then. — It was resolved to let the matter stand over on tbe understanding tbat, if Mr. Clarson did not return as anticipated, some arrangement would be made.

RECREATION GROUND.

The committee submitted a report from Mr. Rowe, recommending tbe thinning out of the belt of trees on the recreation ground in the autumn.

It was resolved to carry out the recommendation.

ACCOUNTS.

A number of small accounts were passed for payment.

GREY STREET.

Mr. Haughey waited on the Council and stated that he was about to remove his wood and coal business into premises formerly occupied by Mr. Furlong, and as there would be heavy traffic on a short piece of Grey street, he wished the Council to grant him metal and be would find tbe labour.

Left in hands of Public Works Committee, cost to Council not to exceed £3.

FOOTPATHS.

Councillor Grant suggested obtaining gravel for footpaths. He thought about 200 yards would be required, and he hoped that better stuff would be obtained than they had had in tbe past. He moved that tenders be called for the supply of 200 yards.

The Mayor said the Council would have to be careful to get good gravel. Motion agreed to. LIBRARY.

The Mayor mentioned tbat the librarian of tbe Institute had asked for the patronage of the Council in favour of two entertainments to be given on race night in aid of the Institute funds. Resolved to accord patronage. ROAD TO THE BEACH.

The Mayor reported that no progress had been made in this matter ; and now a notice of motion bad been given on the Road Board to rescind the motion to grant He djd not understand why Mr. Fantbam bad given notice of that motion, because he had understood from Mr. Fanthatn that Mr. Dive was willing to give access which would be as convenient as tbat desired by the Council and there would be no difficulty; but although Mr. Dive bad been written to he had not had the courtesy to reply to the letter, and therefore it had been thought well to proceed through the Road Board.

It was decided that the Mayor should wait upon the Road Board in reference to the matter.

BATHS.

The Mayor reported progress in connection with the baths. Mr. Hulke, owner of the mill, was inclined to contribute to tbe cost of making tbe dam if it were made larger. When it was seen what was to be done, there must be an appeal to the public for funds to assist the vote of tbe Council.

NUISANCES

Councillor Pricbard said that at the last meeting of the council Councillor Grant had complained of dead rats being thrown into tbe streets ; this bad been improved on, and dead cats were being thrown into tbe streets.

Inspector of Nuisances to have his attention called to tbe matter.

AN OLD FRIEND.

Councillor Grant suggested action in connection with the old brewery drain, and thought pipes should be laid.

The Mayor said it had been estimated tbat the cost would be £50, and matters had been left in abeyance. He suggested tbat the Public Works Committee should bring up a report.

CEMETERY COMMITTEE,

Councillor Whittington was added to the Cemetery Committee.

GRANT TO THE MA.YOR

The Mayor having retired and Councillor Winks having taken tbe chair, the discussion on the motion that a sum of .£2O be granted to tbe Mayor.

Councillor Prichard said that since he bad brought the. matter before the Council at last sitting his action bad been explained and commented on by tbe Star, but he had not altered his opinion that tbe Mayor must be put to some expense, which it was only fair be should be recouped. He did not wish that this should be an annually recurring vote, but in this instance the Council might gracefully make the grant.

Councillor Bate Baid tbe matter had been thrashed out, and no doubt Councillors bad made up their minds, so it was not necessary to debate it further.

Councillor Sutton supported tbe vote regarding it as an act of grace to make tbe grant, and having no desire to see it an annual donation.

Councillor Bobbiqs objected to tbe vote on tbe principle tbat small boroughs could not afford to pay their mayors, and gentlemen who aspired to the position of mayor should understand that thoroughly. As for precedent, there was a vote to the present mayor last year, and that seemed to be regarded as a precedent ,* and if the vote were twice made, be did not sec how they could refuse it in future.

Councillor Davidson also objected. The Chairman aIBO opposed, and Baid tbat, as a gentleman who had offered his services on the distinct understanding that they were to be paid for had been rejected, that was evidence that the ratepayers had no wish to see the mayor paid.

Councillor Frichard ,-bad' expected a long speech from -Councillor Bate, presuming that be asked for -notice of motion in order to prepare a speech to edify the council with scintillations of wit and wisdom. H** twitted Councillor Bate with jealousy, that no councillor thought him worthy enough to justify a vote to him when mayor, and said that, no doubt, was the reason of his opposition to this vote. He also said that Councillor Bate bad caused litigation, while mayor, tbat swallowed up more than many years' allowances. As to the ratepayers being against this, there had been no correspondence in the press, and not a word had been said to him in opposition. Motion negatived. TENDERS.

Tenders were received for gravelling Wilson and Disraeli streets, and were considered in committee. The report was a recommendation tbat for the present tbe works be nob proceeded with. Report agreed to. Council adjourned.