Blenheim Borough Council.

Marlborough Express, Volume VI, Issue 293, 20 May 1871, Page 6

Blenheim Borough Council.

The Council met on Tuesday evening, when'' were present : The Mayor (in the chair), Crs. Eobinson, Hutcheson, Sinclair, M‘Lauchlan Farmar, and Nos worthy. ’ The Collector brought under the notice of the Council certain names on the rate list which! were incorrect, and they were ordered to be’; erased. Cr Nosworthy brought up the report of I the Committee with respect to the erection of ! lamps. They recommended that three lamps be erected—one at the Grove Eoad end of the Omaka bridge; a second on the north side of Alfred-street, opposite Wrigley’s corner; and a third in the line of High-street, and near the well in the Market-square—to be placed on posts 9 feet high ; and the cost estimated at £lO. They also recommend a post being placed at the corner of Alfred and Market-streets for the protection both of passengers and the footpath. The report was received and laid on the table. Cr Nosworthy next moved that the Council go into committee on the Valuation, Mr A. M‘Laachlan in the chair. The committee reduced F. Adams for butcher’s shop, from £26 to £2O ; T. Ady’ section 3. Blenheim north, was inserted at £4 ’ G. Barry; for Marlborough Hotel, reduced from £l2o tO'£loo ; W. Blick, for shop and bakehouse, Grove Eoad, was increased from £l9 to £26. On W. Booker £SO, being read out, the

Mayor proposed to reduce it to £4O, as the premises were not worth more. Cr Sinclair objected to the redaction, denouncing it as an intrfßb. The Mayor and Crs Robinson and Farmß supported the reduction. Cr Sinclair insisted upon retaining it, as it was cutting the ground from under the valuer. Cr Hutcheson thought they had a right to alter and amend the amounts by reducing as well as increasing where it seemed necessary. Cr Sinclair adhered to his former view, and objected to altering the valuation, while admitting that £4O was quite enough. For some reason not apparent, he turned his attack upon the reporters, whom he dared to put down what he said. Cr Robinson defended them as being unable to speak for themselves. Cr Sinclair replied in terms which we do not care to repeat, and a scene of great confusion ensued, amidst which the committee adjourned sine die without coming to a decision on Booker’s assessment or reporting to the Conncil. The consequence is that the proceedings of the Committee so far were void, and the evening wasted.