Municipal Council, Queenstown.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1579, 4 March 1887, Page 2

Municipal Council, Queenstown.

The ordinary monthly meeting of above body was held at the Council Chambers, on Tuesday evening, Ist instant, when there were present Councillors J. Morgan, D. M'Bride, J. O'Meara, W. J. Powell, H. B. Robinson, F. St. Omer, E. T. Wing and T. Gilmour. In the absence of the Mayor (Mr Reid) who was indisposed, Cr St. Omer was voted to the chair. Cr Gilmour, a new member, was introduced by Cr O'Meara in a few complimentary remarks. Inward correspondence consisted of a letter from Mr J. P. Taylor, captain of the Fre Brigade, calling attention to the necessity of having a fire plug placed at the west end of right-a-way in block 11., as the nearest plug now at the rear of Eichardt's Hotel requires 400 feet of hose to reach the inside of hotel, and that quantity would not be available in the event of two lengths being laid from Church-street. Two lengths of ladder were much required. Captain Taylor also again drew attention to the urgent necessity of having the fire bell removed and placed in a more central position, as he thought, from the experience of a recent fire, it must be evident that the bell was perfectly useless in its present site to those living more than a block distance. The estimated cost of bell tower, 40ft. high with room beneath, was £2O. "The Fire Brigade (concluded the writer), is, I am pleased to say, in a satisfactory state-regular at practice, and, at a fire, all there when wanted." Considerable discussion took place concerning the erection of a new bell tower, Cr Powell expressing an opinion that the Council had already fixed the site to be at Ballarat-street bridge. It was shown by the minutes, however, that such had not been the case. Cr Gilmour was of opinion that the most suitable site would be on or close to the Corporation reserve alongside the engine house. Some thought that the position was not sufficiently central, and that, in such a case a second bell would be required. It was finally resolved, on the motion of Cr* Robinson and Morgan—That the present fire bell be shifted to the fire station, Shotover-street, and raised to a height of not less than 40 feet. It was resolved that an extra fire plug be put in at end of right-of-way in block 11. Resolved, on the motion of Crs O'Meara and Morgan—That the matter of erecting new bell tower and marking the sites of fire pings be left in the hands of Crs Wing, M'Bride and Powell with power to call for tenders and to arrange generally for carrying out the works. It was ordered, on the suggestion of Cr M'Bride, that the Works Committe instruct the dayman to form, as soon as convenient, the foot-path and water-channel in Shotover-street between the bridge and Rees-street. Cr O'Meara called attention to what he considered a standing disgrace, and that was the breakwater reserve being allowed to be used as a drying ground for clothes. It was also absolutely dangerous in having clothes lines on the reserve, which was a public place very much used by people and horsemen who were likely to get caught and injured. Crs Gilmour, St. Omer and others quite agreed. Cr Powell thought it would be a great pity to put the residents adjoining the breakwater to inconvenience as that was the only space they had for bringing out their washing ; besides, it was no disgrace, but a sign of cleanliness to see nice white linen hanging out. He thought if the clothes lines were put up higher there would be little objection. Cr O'Meara thought the whole of the town was in a disgraceful state, cowb and horses were wandering all over the tow n at all hours, and he thought the inspector of nuisance—if there was any —should have strict instructions to put down the nuisance, and if he failed iu his duty he should be hauled over the coals. He would put the matter strongly as the town was never in a more disgraceful state. There had also been a hbrse in the public park for days past. Cr M 'Bride quite agreed with the remarks made. Cr Powell objected to the prevention of clothes being hung out on the recreation reserve. After a few more remarks, it was resolved, on the motion of Crs O'Meara and M'Bride—That the inspector of nuisances be instructed to keep the streets clear of cattle, and to strictly do his duty in this respect; also, to ask those persons who hang clothes on the breakwater to discontinue doing so. The clerk said he had held back the defaulters list till next meeting, as several had promised to pay their rates shortly. It was ordered, after some discussion, that the clerk wait upon Mr F. H. Daniel and request a settlement of amount due for rent of Islands without delay—either by payment or a reply in writing as to what he intended to do. Cr O'Meara spoke of the advisability of planting willows outside the breakwater, and (after a short discussion) he proposed—That willows be planted round the breakwater, inside the present planking. Seconded by Cr Wing and carried.