BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume VXII, Issue 7155, 21 March 1901, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The Borough Council met last evening. Present: The Mayor (Mr Major), and Crs Paoey, Fantham, Haughey, Sargeson, and Quin.

DEPUTATION.

Messrs Wrigley and A. H. Parkinson, on behalf of the Town dock Committee, waited on thn council. Mr Wrigley asked the counoil to make a donation to the Town Clock fund. He reminded the council that on the Ist of August the counoil had decided to postpone the question of contribution until it was seen how the public and the Government dealt with the proposal. The public had given £165 and the Government £50, and the oommittee now asked the oounoil to contribute the sum of £10. The Mayor thought the request a resonable one, particularly in face of previous resolutions. The cloak would be an asset of the borough although vested in the general Goverment. Or Fantham moved, That a sum not exceeding £20 be voted for the clock. The Mayor suggested that £10 be voted noto, and another £10 if it was found to be necessary. Cr Fantham acoepted the suggestion, and the motion, being seoonded by Cr fcjargeeon, was carried.

UNCLAIMBD LAND.

The Public Trustee wrote that as allotment 27, section 9, had been claimed by Mr McGuirc, he had no intention of proceeding further in the matter of dealing with the land under •' The Unclaimed Lands Aot." The Mayor said this had reference to a section in Wilson street which had been vacant fpr 18 years, and the council had decided that it should discover whether it could lay olaim to it. The Town Clerk had since written to the Public Trustee asking how Mr MoGuire had proved his olaim. Another gentleman, who had been paying rates on the section, also laid olaina to it. The Town Clerk Btated that Mr Coleman, who bad been paying rates on the section, had inquired as to title to the section, and he (the Town Clerk) thought the counoil might be able to secure it under an Act dealing with such matters.

EXPLANATION. Mr Clarson; architect, explained that Mr Hooker's exouse for delay in completion of work was soaroity of labour and preßßUre of work. The reason cement had been substituted for paint on the chimneys of the Chamber was that, after further examination, he (Mr Clarson) found that to pah»t them would require the chimneyß to be repointed, which was not provided for in the Bpeoificationß. By using cement a double purpose was served.. " Cr Sargoson asked if there bad been any rebate on account of the alterations in connection with the chimneys. It was unfair to the other contractors if such was not the case, as a saving had been Riven the contractor by the alteration. He also spoke as to the manner in which the work had been carried out, and he moved, That Mr Clarson be asked to give an estimate of the cost of one coat of paint, and put it on at his own expense. Cr Pacey seconded the motion, and in doing so detailed a conversation which had taken place in the Town Clerk's office. Cr Bobbins said in justice to Mr Clarson the matters complained of should first be laid before ihat gentleman. He would prefer that CrSargeaon should move in that direction. Cr Quin was in accord with the Bentimentß expressed by Cr Bobbins. The Mayor thought the proper course would be "to ask for an explanation of the rumours, and then the counoil could consider the subject. Cr Bargeson said he was not aoting in a vindictive spirit, but thought it nis duty to bring the matter forward. He had no doubt Mr Oiarson had aoted in good faith. He would aooept the Mayor's suggestion. Cr Bobbins suggested that Cr Satgeson withdraw* bis motion, and move, That a committee, consisting of Crs Sargeion, Facey, and Haughey, be set vp to meet Mr Oiarson, and report at next meeting of the counoil. This Cr Sargeson consented to do. Seconded by Cr Pacey, and carried. fDBEMAN. Mr "Whittington (foreman) wrote, tendering his resignation, the reason being his inability to dispose of bis business satisfactorily to himself. L. M. Copeland, Wanganui, applied for the position. $ The Mayor was sorry Mr Whittington had deemed it necessary to resign. I He presumed the counoil would have to call for applications. Regarding Mr Copeland's application, the applicant was known to the speaker, and was an estimable man. Mr Whittington desired to be relieved aa soon as possible. He (the speaker) moved, That the resignation be accepted. Cr Pacey seconded, and in doing so suggested that the council, could not afford a foreman at JE4 a^week. The expenditure in labor at present was £910 a year. He thought a man might be temporarily engaged and that Mr Brown could go on as he had been doing before the appointment of a foreman. The motion was carried. Cr Bobbins did npt think the counoil could dispense with Mr Whittington's services before the end of the month, ci it was only right that applications should" be called for. When the council decided to appoint a foreman it' was thought there was going to be a lot of street works, but there could not be much done now, as the autumn was on us. He thought, as the council was in its dying struggle, the question of the appointment of another foreman might -well be left for the new counoil to decide, fie moved in that direotion. Cr Sargeson seconded. Cx Fantham moved as an amendment, That a foreman be advertised for. Mr Hall was leaving at' the end of the month, and there would be no one to look after things. The council bad works worth £88,000, and they should have a competent man, or the loss might be considerable. The Mayor suggested that Mr Copeland be employed temporarily, and by the end of the month they would have some idea as to his capabilities. He agreed with Cr Fantham that the counoil would run great risk if it tried to jdo without a foreman; that was Mr Hall's opinion, too. Ab to Cr Pacey's statement, the Mayor pointed out that ihat sum was chargeable against the water and drainage, as well as ordinary account, and inoluded even the Town Clerk's salary. Cra Haughey and Quin also spoke. The latter did not think that Mr Copeland should be favoured because he had been quick in sending in an application. Cr Paoey seconded the amendment, which was oariied. Cr Bobbins moved, That the wages of the foreman be £S 10s per week. Cr Quin seconded. Cr Fantham Baid Henry Brown had l been in charge of the streets for some years. He was a competent man, and could look after Btreet improvement, while the foreman could devote his time to water and drainage matters for a period. , The motion was carried. DANGEROUS. Sergeant O'Donovan wrote stating that, in compliance with the council's request, he had issued instructions to the police to pay close attention to the enforcement of the bye-law providing for the locking of the wheels of vehicles standing on the streets. COST OF HPf£»««4 .., IBriscoe, MacNeuV»d<fy»jaatractors for the supply of pipetlksp'festhat so far they had been unable *mgaiXß at a settlement of the railage, and asked the cauncil for use of railage vouchers. The writers thanked the council and officers for the pleasant manner in which they met the firm's representaf,ve. The letter proceeded : "We are brought face to face with the fact that the coßt to us has been very much than wo could have anticipated, X, h-cakagesh -cakages alone being some 75 tons, 5n «ii« &y» £15 °- Seeing that our Son!a»d that it « o^y reasonable to breakage lO caurre4 fcetwjeen this point and the final destination, we would respectfully ask your reconsideration of our invoice of December 1, 1900, for SJSSVttai Pit** JeeUng BQre

standpoint as well as your own when considering our proposal." The writers further reminded the council of the unlooked-for difficulties encountered, mentioning the loss of the Huia, the unworkable state of the Patea bar at times during winter, etc On the Mayor's motion, the matter was referred to the Water and Drainage Committee.

FIRE BRIGADE.

Mr . Reynolds, C.E., wrote : Mr Hall has just written to me advising that the fire brigade is now using the water mair.B, and I wish to draw attention to the necessity of impressing upon the brigade to close the hydrants gently when shutting off the water. Brigades when practising, especially against i me, and unless they are alive ' to the risk, ere in the habit of ' shutting off the hydrants rapidly, and by so doing cause a tremendous shock on the mains. The matter should, therefore, be explained to the officers of the brigade, and I have asked Mr Hall to do so, and feel certain that your council will see to the matter also. , The Mayor said a copy of the letter had been sent to the brigade. INFORMATION. The Town Clerk reported that he had, by request, supplied the Colonial Secretary with information as to number of councillors, etc. , The Mayor said he had tried to ascertain the number of councillors that would be required under the new regulations, but had not so far been able to do so. Doubtless the Colonial Secretary desired the information asked for so that the number might be fixed by Order-in-Counoil. 'health. Ciroular from Dr. Mason (the gist of which we have published) re care in regard to sanitation was read. ABATTOIRS. The Department of Agriculture reminded the council that the Slaughter' ing and Inspection Act of last year, which deals with the establishment of abattoirs, would come into force on Ist April, and that within twelve months from then an abattoir has to be established for all boroughs of 2000 inhabitants or more. A circular on the same subject was received from Mr Jickell, oity engineer, I Nelson.. The Mayor explained the provisions of the Act. CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Canterbury Agricultural College forwarded reports, whioh can be inspected atrTown Clerk's office. WORKS COMMITTEE, The Works Committee reported: The foreman estimates that cost of forming only of footpath on South road to borough boundary would be, at 7s 6d per chain, £18 15s, and, considering that end of financial year is at band, the committee have no recommendation to make until after annual balance-sheet is presented; that appointment of assistant (as reoommended by foreman) in connection with water and drainage works be held over until after general election; that improvements recommended at east end .of High street (Fellmongery road) be carried out as per report adopted by the council on 21st November, 1900. Cr Pacey said the foreman had been over the Fellmongery road, and that the work would coßt at least £100, but that the work could not be gone on with for at least three weeks, as the County Council was carting gravel on the other end. The Mayor said provision, had been made for this work in November last. Cr Bobbins thought the work should be done as soon as possible. He moved to that effect. Cr Sargeson seconded. Or Fantham moved, as an amendment, That the cutting be madA no further than this side of the rubbish depdt. / Or Haughey seconded the amendment, which was carried on division. Ayes : Crs Fantham, Haughey, Paoey, and the Mayor. Noes : Crs Quin, Bobbins, and Sargeson. In reply to Gr Bobbins' representations, the Mayor said he must rule that the resolution previously passed must be rescinded. Eventually it was deoided that the motion of amendment be withdrawn and the question stand over till noxt meeting of the council. TONGAHOB. The Mayor moved, That the Government be urged to lose no time in re-commencing the work on the Tongahoe road.' He believed the only way to secure one's rights was to fight for them* When the Minister for Lands was here last, he said a sum bad been placed on the Estimates, but nothing had been done. Cr Fantham seconded. ACQUIRING LAND. The Mayor moved, That the acquisition of Mr Livingston's property by the Government, and leasing same in areas of 100 acres and upwards, 'would be beneficial to the colony. He pointed out the few number of houees between Yiotoria street and Manaia mill. Cr Haughey would second the motion if he thought the land could be got at a reasonable rate. Or Quin asked if the public had ex* pressed a wish for the Government to acquire this property. The Mayor said the matter had been discussed m the press. Cr Bobbins seconded the motion. He objected to the compulsory acquisition of estates, but as Mr Livingston was agreeable to Bell it made all the difference. Close settlement was a good thing, and the 'cutting up of this land would be of benefit to the borough.

Cr Fantham did not think it the council's place to take notice of a matter like this. If Mr Livingston wanted to sell his land let him sell it for himself to the best advantage. He did not think at the price asked for the land people could afford to pay the rents that would be required.

Cr Haughey quite agreed with Cr Fantham ; people could not afford to take up land at the rent that would, judging by the price that was wanted for the land, be asked from them. The Mayor said there could not be two opinions that the acquisition of the escate would be of benefit to the borough and the colony. It was, although it might be a selfish standpoint, in the interests of the borough they should work. The motion was lost. NELSON AND NAPIEB STREETS.

The Mayor said there were sufficient drain pipes for Napier and Nelson streets, and coßt of labour would be all that would be required. Mr Hall estimated that it would cost £220 to connect Milmoe street. Consideration of the matter was deferred.

ESTIMATE.

The Mayor said an estimate of expenditure had been prepared. The amqunfc expended to date was £25,833 ; and the council would have overspent at end of year by £527. The water rate, payable half-yearly in advance would be struck, and that would cover the deficit. , SACRED CONCERTS. Cr Fantham moved in effect, Thai in future no permit be granted for holding a sacred concert unless the object of such concert is a charitable or religious one. If the present state of things was allowed to continue we would be doing as they do on the Continent. Cr Pacey seconded. He would go further, and not give permits for any Sunday entertainment. Cr Bobbins was inclined to agree j with Cr Pacey. Cr Sargeson moved, as an amendment, That no permits be granted. If one section of the public was barred all should be.

The Mayor could not aocept the amendment, whioh would be ultra vires. He thought travelling companies should endeavour to earn enough during the week without touching on the Sunday. The motion was carried. LEASB.

Be lease held by Mr W. A. Parkinson, it was decided to call for tenders for same. , The council rose.

The Patea Jfress reportß that Messrs William and Jack Gibson returned to Patea on Tuesday after a lengthy trip, practically around the world. Mr W. Gibßon has deoided to reside permanently in Patea. It is reported that Mr F. 0. Jury, of New Plymouth, has purchased Mr Nicoliami*!M<*iai**m*t in <*U£ f«"ttmf|Miftl Hotel.

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El

don as to the benefit we derived from the harbour, that I looked on it as a river that flooded onoo a year arul carried away an acre of my land, not even leaving a stick of firewood behind. Yet Hawera merchants tell me it cos' 3 8s to 16s a ton more to land goods via New Plymouth than by Patea. Ido not mince matters. The New Plymouth people mean to have this money to spend, by fair means if possible, if not by any means, and they have longheaded men amongst them who can plot, plan, Hcheme, and pull the strings. Instance, the seizing of the sinking fund of the present loan, whioh, if allowed to accumulate, would by this time have extinguished the loan. [ The motion lost at last meeting will I be brought forward at our next, And probably carried by the casting vote of the chair, but, I fear, with little effect, I as the New Plymouth members (with the one end always in view) have unfortunately managed to introduce the political element into our discussions, and without the slightest foundation. As far as I am concerned, politics are dead and buried, I not caring a straw whether Seddon or Russell runs the show. I may, however, be allowed to say in my opinion in the case of the £40 steal the Government party took the more honorable course — by saying " We consider we have earned the money, and, having the power, we will take it " — than those members of the Opposition who, while voting against it, took the money and applied it to their private use. I may have old-fashioned ideas, but to me it seems like selling a man's birthright of honesty (which should be every true man's glory) for a mess of pottage. No. sir, lam simply a farmer, but I have done my little best all my life to rouse my brother farmers to a sense of their power, and to resist some of the injustices under which they Buffer. At present we are perfectly ignored on this great question of Federation, we are not even asked to give an opinion, while, at a great expense, the tailor, candlestick, and lollipop - maker are asked for their opinions. Well, we get our desserts. We are either asleep or too inert to arouse ourselven. The authorities pass by, saying of the farmer : "No use asking that fellow. If you kick him he only turns over and grunts. We dance while he pays the piper ; let him dose away." But one day the sorew will get the extra turn too much, when he will arise in bis might, and perhaps take more than would have satisfied him were it voluntarily given. The only excuse I can make for troubling you with this long letter is the gravity of the subject with wbioh it deals, and, as I do not often trouble you with correspondence, trust you will find it a place in your columns. ThanlriDg you ia anticipation. — I am, etc., Geo. McLean.