MATAURA BORO' COUNCIL.

Mataura Ensign, 18 April 1917, Page 6

MATAURA BORO' COUNCIL.

The last meeting of the present Coun-1 cil was' held in the Council Chaitfbers last .night and attended by the Mayor •*. (Mr F W. Brown), and Councillors J. ■ *N. West, J. W. Aitken, T. F. Quilter, " . James Calder, J. L. Mitchell, and -s., ' Peter Curtin. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors W. A. Mowat and W. P. Thorn. CORRESPONDENCE. Smith and -Dolfimore, borough solicitors, wrote forwarding memorandum of transfer, Burgess to Burgess, for the purpose of having the Council's consent • endorsed thereon. —Approved. T. F. Martin, counsel to. the Munici- ' - pal Association of New Zealand forwarded an opinion regarding a - local resident''plying for llire as follows: _"T,he local resident is not plying for - lljore and "is accordingly not liable to pay any license fee imposed by the "CJfouneil on vehicles plying for hire. In " r U * S S ° n alK * USm » tUe . SOnS> 'ca*w§fhe would require a driver's ' riceiise if the Council's bylaws provide ',.' " ' for tlie issue of such license. If, however, the father plies for hire with his awn cart, even occasionally, such cart should'be licensed!— Left in the hands -of the town clerk to arrange. ' T. F.' Martin also forwarded -an opinion regarding the river reserve. In '_-" " liis" opinion ■ the Council has no power ." * to" sell the gravel from the islands uni" •,, ;.?e'ss i£ "is-, - -necessary to get rid of the purpose of protecting the * i '* "Tjyer and in the absence of any powers being given to the Council by the Older the writer did not think the - Council could pass any bylaws or regulations as to trespass or removal of - giavel. An Order-in-Council should be applied for giving the Council the ■ power it is intended to have. The matter was loft in the hands of the town clerk to bring before the new Council. " James " McDowell, secretary Mataura - Town Band, wrote regarding the rent on the section on which the bandroom stands. The Band has no funds at present, not being able to get any adults to fill the places of those who have left for the front. The Band is being built up with boys who cannot be charged , . until they are- over 16 years of age.' It did not want to call upon the public until the war was over if they could *hold the instruments in the town in the meantime. As the Band's application was not dealt with last December perhaps the Council would give it favorable consideration now. —On the motion of Councillors Mitchell and Curtin it was decided to refer this matter to the new Council.

Hon. W. H. Herries, Minister for Railways, wrote acknowledging Teceipt of, the resolution passed by.the Council and business men of Mataura protesting against the proposed withdrawal of [' the through express, " IhvercargiilLyttelton, and stated tliat the matter .; was receiving consideration. —Received.; G. J. Anderson, M.P., wrote forwarding the Minister for Internal Affairs' reply to the Council's resolution regarding imposing a tax on motor tyres. The Minister's reply was'to the effect that a bill was prepared in 1914, but owing to the war it has not been , possible to deal .with the matter yet. — Received. W. Ferguson, chairman National .Efficiency. Board forwarded a lengthy communication asking the Council! to obtain for the use of the Board a special report dealing with any matters that would tend to increased efficiency in the district, botn at the present time and in the future.—The letter was left in the hands of the town clerk to attend to. REPORTS.. The Foreman of-Works' and Borough Surfaceman's reports of work dorfe during the month were submitted and approved. ' The Borough Ranger reported that during the month of March he had seized 11 cows and two horses on the streets of the borough.—Adopted. Joseph Doimell reported on work he intended to carry out at the Council's sanitary farm, which included sowing turnips and oats and clearing another paddock.—The report was referred to - the new Council. The town clerk suggested that all meters removed and later refixed in the same premises should be charged foi at the rate of 5s for each refitting. The clerk also reported that his attention had been directed to the necessity of planting willows or making some such provision against river encroachment in Block VII., and recommended that the Foreman of Works' be requested to report on the matter, and also the state of Carteret Street bridge. In conclusion the clerk wished to thank "the Council for the considerate manner iu. which all matters had been received, and for the kindness and courtesy extended to him throughout the Council's term of office.—The report was adopted, andit was resolved that the new Council be asked to favorably consider the matter of providing protection on the river bank and repairs to Carteret Street bridge. GENERAL. Applications for electric light installations from G. A. Watson (five lights) and W. .White 'seven were granted. The applications of Mrs Stark and

Mrs R. Martin for electric light extensions'were granted. On the motion of Councillors Quilter and Calder it was resolv,ed I hat the incoming Council be recommended to lease the Recreation Grounds lor grazing purposes. . The "town clerk mentioned that 110 applications had been received for the position of • eledrical inspector, ah though enquiries had been nuide as to what the Council was prepared to pay. The clerk suggested doing any work requiring attention by the hour in the meantime. —On the motion of Councillors Quilter and Calder the matter-was lett in the hands of the clerk. ACCOUNTS! Accounts amounting to £172 6s 4d were passed for payment. The Council adjourned, and the new Council will meet ou'lho Jirst Wednesday in May.