ELTHAM.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7374, 28 January 1902, Page 2

ELTHAM.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

(from our resident agent.)

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held last evening. Present : — His Worship ihe Mayor (Mr G. W. Tayler), Crs Potts, Thompson, Blackball, Runciman, Yon Stunner, Fitch, W. H. McGarry, Allan, Graves.

HALF-HOLIDAY.

It was resolved, That the wish expressed by the public meeting held recently be acceded to, viz , that the statutory half holiday in future be held on Thursday instead of Wednesday, the change to take place on and after next Wednesday.

CORRESPONDENCE.

The Hawera Borough Council wrote, stating that they had a fire engine and plant for sala at a price of £100, and also a firebell, and asking Council to make an offer for same. — It was decided that the matter be left over until the public meeting re formation of brigade.

From Hawera County Council, stating that a nightsoil depot on Chapman road was not available, the road now being open to traffic.

From Colonial Secretary re Council's request concerning adjustment of accounts between county and borough. — Cr Blackhall considered that as the County Council had dealt shortly with borough, the latter should follow suit. — Cr Allan said as it was evident that the borough would, on adjustment of accounts, have to pay over to the county a substantial sum, he thought they should " let sleeping dogs lie." — The Hawera Council will be informed that as three months have elapsed since the borough was formed, and as they have done nothing in the matter, they be requested to move without further delay.

STREETS COMMITTEE.

The committee reported on various street works. Adopted. NIGHTSOIL COMUITTHE.

The committee reported: Resolved, That Cr Blackhall be chairman of committee. That the committee recommend entering into agreement with Mr Jacobsen for three years (less last three days), with right of renewal for further like term, at £5 per annum, subject to right of Mr Jacobsen to determine at any time after first year on six months' previous notice. Offer accepted. Tenders will be called for making of road to the proposed site.

HOARDINGS.

H. Marchant tendered for right to erect hoarding boards for the Year at £2 103. J Accepted.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

The Council went into committee to consider the draft of the proposed Electric Lighting Bill. Mr D. Syme (Borough Solicitor) was present to explain the provisions of the draft bill. On resuming, it was reported: — "That, subject to the consent of the Governor-in-Council, under the Electric Motive Powers Act, 1896, and passing of a special Act in lieu of draft bill submitted and approved as altered, the Council consents thereto." This was adopted. GERMAN SLANDERS.

The Mayor mentioned the matter of the " scandalous statements " made by the German press as to Britain's conduct of the South African war, and asked the Council's opinion as to the advisableness or otherwise of passing a resolution on the subject. One member absolved the German press, but blamed " Campbell-Banner-man."

Eventually, on the motion of Cr Graves, seconded by Cr McGarry, a resolution was carried disapproving of the comments of the German press, and upholding the action of the British Government in South Africa.

WATER AND DRAINAGE.

Cr Fitch gave notice of motion for next meeting, That steps be taken to raise a loan of £20,000 for the purposes of water and drainage. The Council adjourned.