WYNDHAM TOWN BOARD.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 467, 4 August 1898, Page 2

WYNDHAM TOWN BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING.

The meeting of the Wyndham Town Board, which lapsed on Monday for want of a quorum, was held last night, there being present, Commissioners J. McLauchlan (chairman), W. A. Cockbuni, H. Ive, I. W. Bayniond, E. Paull and J. "Walker.

It was resolved that kerbing be obtained for the footpath in Redan street, from Nightingale street to Balaclava street.

The Works Committee were empowered to report to next meeting on the best means of getting rid of surface water in Alma street.

It was resolved to have the pound repaired at a cost not exceeding £5, and haye 1 legal notice sent to property owners to clear broom and gorse. on the roadline opposite their property.

The Chairman reported that all the outstanding rates had been collected except 12s or 14s. . ■

Specifications and an estimate of the cost, prepared by the Board's Engineer of "works proposed to be done on Cardigan road and Inkerman and Baglan streets were laid on the table, and it was decided to have tenders called and submitted to the next meeting of Board.

A rate of Is in the £1 was struck, payable by the 31st August. The ratable value' w/is stated by the clerk to be £2231.

Commissioner Raymond's motion that the number of commissioners be reduced frqm seven to five was carried, the general opinibn of the meeting being that the interests of the ratepayers would be as well looked after by the smaller, as by the present number, and that more interest would be attached to being a member of the Board than there had been for some time past. . ,

Mr E. Munro, lessee of the lignite pit,' waited on the Board, and asked for a reducduction of rent by one-half. He stated that the cost of raising the lignite was now half as much again as it was twelve months ago, owing to the great inrush of water. If the Board would not grant, the reduction asked for he would be compelled to raise the price of coal to the limit allowed, -viz., 10s at the pit, instead of the present price of ,9s for about 25cwt. delivered in ..the township. — Commissioner Baymond moved that the request be not granted, and in speaking to the motion stated that the lease had been bought at auction, and if matters had turned out better for the lessee, and it was paying him handsomely, it was not likely the- Board would ask for an increase of rent. Although personally it would be more pleasant to grant than to oppose, they, . as members of the Board had a public jluty to perform and that was to look after the interests of the Board.Commissioner Walker seconded the motion which was carried.

A credit balance was shown of £82 2s 5d less accounts passed for-payment amounting to £12 9s 4d.

It was decided to pay a further sum of £25 on account of loan to the County Council. The meeting then adjourned.