LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2606, 12 May 1869, Page 2

LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Monday, Mat 11. The Council met at the usual hour. Preseat—Councillors Woledge, Ward, Hawkins, Hargreaves, Chalmers, Allwright; his Worship the Mayor presiding. The minutes of the former meeting were read and confirmed. The clerk informed the Council that he had received during the week—Rates, £2 13. Correspondence read from Mr Inglis, Matheson's Agency, stating that the damage done to their store was caused by the Council’s removal of earth.

His Worship said it was evident Matheson’s Agency held them liable in case of another accident. If there was no great expense incurred, he thought the Council might alter the land, so that the storm-water might run off.

Councillor Hargreaves considered that Matheson’s Agency were to blame in the matter.

After some discussion, it was resolved that his Worship should confer with Mr Inglis on the matter.

The Inspector of Nuisances reported that he had summoned two persons for a breach of the by-laws ; judgment had not been given.

The Works Committee’s report was read. It recommended that Jackson’s road be widened; but,.in the absence of the chairman, nothing, was decided on. The Municipal Reserves Committee’s report was read. Councillor Woledge said, although a member of the committee, he must protest against the report. Councillor. Allwright moved, Councillor Chalmers seconded, and it was resolved, that the Council go. into committee on the subject. His Worship having left the chair, being interested in. the matter, Councillor Ward was voted to the chair. Clause 1—“ That the resolution of Dec. 9, 1867, in respect to the rentals, be rescinded,” was carried.

Clause 2 proposed “ That Mr Davis’ rent be reduced from £llO to £BS per annum.”

Councillor Woledge opposed this clause. The rent was not reduced enough. The tenants did not want more land; they wanted reduction in the rental. The laud ought to be reduced at least fifty per cent. The tenants asked for one thing, and the Council offered them another.

The clause was passed, with one dissentient.

Clause 3 proposed “ That the rent of the section leased by Mr Willcox be reduced from £3O to £20.” Clause 4, “ That, the rent of the section leased by Mr Julian be reduced from £6l 10s to £40.” Councillor Woledge moved an amendment to both clauses, to the effect that the rents be reduced 50 per cent. There being no seconder, the amendments lapsed, and the clauses were passed. Clause 5 proposed.“ That such reduction take place at the end of the present quarter respectively, provided all arrears are paid up on or before the respective due quarter’s rent.” Carried.

Clause 6 proposed “.That Mr Cuff’s building and section be put up to public competition at the expiration of his tenancy.” Carried.

Clause 7 proposed, “ That the upset price of section 1 be fixed at 30s per foot frontage to Oxford street, the Council reserving the right of retaining a portion of the frontage for Council’s offices iu Donald street, until removed.” Carried.

Clause 8 proposed, “ That the upset rental of sections 3,4, aad 5, be 20s per foot frontage to Oxford street.” Carried. Clause 9 proposed, “ That the lessees of sections 2,6, 8, and 9, should have the option of taking the back portion of their respective sections, paying tor the full extent of the rental under their existing leases; the lessees to determine their intention of availing themselves of this.option within one month after due notice being given.” Carried. The Council having resumed. Councillor Hargreaves moved, and Councillor Ward seconded—" That the report of the Reserves Committee be received and adopted.” The motion was carried with one dissentient —Councillor Woledge.

Councillor Chalmers moved—“ That the report of the Fire Brigade Committee be adopted.” This motion led to a considerable discussion. The clauses as published were considered seriatim. It was proposed to amend c'ause 3as follows“ That 8 men be appointed by the Inspector or Chief of the Brigade, to be drilled, at his option, not less than once a month, at the rate of one shilling per hour.” Councillor Allwright opposed this and other clauses, as he considered a brigade did not want any drill, andi also that it could be formed by volunteers without any expense being incurred.

On the motion of Councillor Hargreaves seconded by Councillor Ward, it was resolved’ that the report be handed back to the committee for them to draw up by laws.

Councillor Hargreaves suggested that a room might be allotted to the Brigade at the Council’s office, so that in case of a fire they might always know where to find the keys.

The following account was passed for payment. Weekly pay-sheet £6 2s. Councillor Hargreaves gave notice of motion, and the Council adjourned.