SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7221, 22 April 1884, Page 6

SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

An ordinary mooting of tho Sydenham Borough Council was hold at 7 p.m, yesterday; 'present—His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Day, Andrew, Sherlock, Ashworth, Comber, Brown, Forrester, Bowden, and Glcdbill. CORRESPONDENCE. The following was read : From tho Registrar-General’s office, Wellington, requesting information as to tho area, population, Ac., of tho Borough. It was decided to furnish tho information required. From Messrs C. Ladds and J. Bowlkor, Borough Auditors, enclosing tho annual statement of accounts for tho year ending March 31, 1884. They had much pleasure in testifying to the caro and accuracy shown by the Town Clerk in keeping tho Council’s books.

-The letter was received, and tho Town Clerk was instructed to publish the report and balance-sheet, in accordance with tho Municipal Corporations Act. From Mr 11. Robison, Lord Brougham street, calling attention to the injury threatened to bis property through tho tilling up of a drain along tho frontage, and stating that ho would hold the Council liable for damages. Referred to the. Works Committee. From Mr W. Rodger, and 27 other ratepayers, drawing attention to the danger to foot passengers in front of tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company’s promises in Durham street, arising from the practice of loading heavy bales by a block and tackle from an upper window of the warehouse into carts backed on to the footpath. The petitioners also complained that the side channel in front of these premises had been piped and filled in, thus diminishing the space available for carrying off water. Tho matter referred to was dealt with in the Works Committee’s report, and consideration of the letter was deferred.

Prom tho Christchurch City Council, inviting the Council to send a representative to a conference, to be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, to consider tho drainage question. Councillor Brown moved—“ That Councillors Andrew and Forrester he appointed a deputation to attend the conference of bodies concerned in the question of taking over the powers of the Drainage Board, the deputation not to hind the Council in any waj, but to report.” Councillor Bowden seconded the motion, which was carried. From the Secretary to the Sydenham Football Club, asking for the use of the Council Chamber for Committee meetings. It was decided not to grant the request. WORKS COMMITTEE. The following report was read: — “ 1. Tour Committee beg to recommend that tenders be invited for the supply of about 100 yards of broken metal, or rubble stone for making same, for repairing the Lincoln road. 2. Mr Ferguson attended the last meeting of the Committee respecting the construction of Johnson street, and arranged with the Committee to endeavour to get the street widened to 40ft, so as to enable the Council to put the street in proper repair. 3. In consequence of complaints respecting the loading of drays upon the footpath in front of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company’s store in Durham street, tho Committee have given instructions for a kerb to be made to the footpath at that place, to prevent drays getting on to the footpath; and to take legal proceedings against any persons who may he found obstructing the roadway or footpath in future.” The report was adopted, clause 3 being amended by striking out the words “ roadway or.” It was decided to forward a copy of the report to the ratepayers who had petitioned the Council on the subject. LIGHTING COMMITTEE. The Lighting Committee brought up a report recommending the erection of 17 street lamps in various parts of the Borough. Only one of these would he within the reach of the gas mains. ' Councillor Day moved, and Councillor Comber seconded—“ That the report be adopted.” Councillor Bowden moved as an amendment—“ That the report be held over until the estimates are brought up.” Councillor Ashworth seconded the amendment, which was carried on the voices. FINANCIAL. The Finance Committee reported that the receipts for the past fortnight had been £42 9s Bd, and the expenditure £265 12s lid. The credit balance at the bank was £468 4s 4d. The report, which also dealt with one or two matters of routine, was adopted. It was decided to hold a special meeting of the Council at 7 p.m, on Monday, April 28, for signing tho Burgess 8011. THE BOROUGH SOLICITORS. Councillor Bowden moved “That a letter be sent to the Borough solicitors, stating that considerable inconvenience has <been felt by the Council on account of having to consult other solicitors, and stating that unless they are prepared to act for the Council in all cases in future, the Council will be obliged to appoint other solicitors.” Tho Mayor said that notice would have to he given of the motion, unless the Council were unanimous in favour of its being received. Councillor Forrester suggested that the resolution should read—“ That a letter be sent to the Borough solicitors, asking them if they will be prepared to act for the Council in all cases in future.”

Councillor Bowden agreed to accept this. Councillor Comber seconded the motion, which was agreed to unanimously. OBSTRUCTING THE FOOTPATH. Councillor Andrew moved—" That the Police authorities be communicated with in respect to the obstruction on the footpath in front of the Oddfellows’ Hall, Colombo street, more especially on those evenings when the Salvation Army meetings are held.” The Mayor and several Councillors objected to tho final clause of the resolution, on the ground that it was not fair to attempt to stigmatise any particular body. Councillor Andrew agreed to withdraw the last clause. . The motion was put, and negatived by six votes to four. SEWELL STREET. Councillor Ashworth presented a petition asking for the formation of a now road in the neighbourhood of Sewell street. The matter was referred to the Works Committee. The Council then adjourned.