LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 8089, 9 February 1887, Page 2

LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the above Council was held in the Council Chambers on Monday evening;' present— His Worship the Mayor (in chair), and Councillors Milsom, Joyce, Alston, Dimond, Webb, and M'Lellan. Correspondence was read. Prom Mr H. N. Nalder, Borough Solicitor, stating, in reply to a letter from the Council, that he considered the Council’s by-laws were still in force. The letter was received, and Councillor Alston suggested that the by-laws be revised as soon as possible. He thought they were rather old, and several other important matters wanted looking into in connection with the laws. Prom Mr J. Burnip, complaining of the bad state of the road running past his property, and asking that something be done the matter, as it was very difficult for a cart to get to bis place. Councillor Milsom proposed—“ That the letter be referred to the Works Committee, to bring up a report for next meeting.” He had examined the road mentioned in Mr Bumip’s letter, and thought it was high time something should be done in the matter. Seconded by Councillor Holland, and agreed to. Accounts amounting to -£lB2 4s Sd were passed for payment. The report of the Foreman of Works was read, which stated that the workmen had been employed during the fortnight in filling up the road behind the retaining wall in Dampier’s Bay, and also repairing the main sewers in the town. It also stated that the heavy downpour of rain that evening would wash away the work done during the day to sewers, which would all have to be done over again. The report also gave particulars of some fencing proposed to be done on the property occupied by Captain Taylor. The report, as read, was adopted. The report of the engineer of the Pumping Station was read, which stated that the Inspector of Machinery had examined the two boilers at the station, and hadrequested that they be at once repaired, as they were not in a fit state to use with safety. One boiler had been repaired, and the other would be done as soon as possible. After some discussion. Councillor Webb's name, with that of His Worship the Mayor, was ordered to be placed on the coupons of the debenture for loan. His Worship stated that the lease of the British Hotel would; be out on June 24 next, and would then fall into the hands of the Council. -It would be well for them to decide what should be done with the place. Councillor Joyce proposed—“ That the Estates Committee be instructed to bring up a report upon the advisability of improving the hotel.” Seconded by Councillor Milsom and carried. Councillor Joyce then moved the notice of motion, of which he had given notice at the last meeting, with reference to the Water, Finance, Works, and Estates Committees, which, on being put, was lost on the casting vote of the Chairman. Councillor Alston then moved the notice of motion standing in his name, viz. «That the Standing Committees of this Council on and after this date be only two, to be called together when necessary by a written notice of the Town Clerk, who shall attend such meetings, and enter in a minute-book, provided for each Committee, the business done at the meeting; and that such two Committees shall consist of what is now known as the Works, By-law, Finance, Building, and Colonists’ Hall Committees, amalgamated as one Committee, the members of which being Councillors, Stinson, Dimond, M'Lellan, and Joyce, and what are now known as the Water, Estates, Bathing, Sanitary, and Kre-Prevention Committees, amalgamated as one . Committee, the members of which shall be Councillors Webb, M'Djnald, Holland, Milsom, and Alston, with His, Worship the Mayor a member and Chairman of both Committees.” In speaking to his motion, he said he considered it was quite time these Committees were put on a proper footing. The business of the Council had , been carried out in a very unsatisfactory way for some considerable time. The whole thing wanted revising very badly. He felt very strongly on the subject, and said the business appeared to be carried on on a very rotten ” system, and he hoped Councillors would support him in his motion, and. let the work be done in a business-like manner. Councillor Dimond seconded the motion. Councillor Webb thought Councillor Alston's remarks had been very sweeping. If Councillor Alston, being a member of the Council fqr t about five months, could speak of how the business of the Council had been conducted for the last 23,years, well then he (Councillor Webb) considered that Councillor Alston must hardly be in his right senses. Of course it was the place of Councillors to seei that, the business was conducted in a proper manner. He would move an That Councillor Holland be placed on the Sanitary,, Bathing, Fire • Prevention and Colonist Hall Committees,” which was carried. Councillor Alston then tabled the following notices of motion for next meeting ■ “ That all members of the Council’s Committees be discharged from the same, under ; section 112 of : l The Mpnidpal Corporations Act. 1886,’ ” and " That upon, a vacancy arising in either Committee by resignation; death, or expiration of time, of a Councillor, the same be filled up by the Councillor elected by the ratepayers in place of

the Councillor whose seat on such Con xcittee is so made vacant/* The meeting then adjourned.