FOXTON LOCAL BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 96, 1 August 1879, Page 3

FOXTON LOCAL BOARD.

♦ Wednesday, July 80 The Board met at 3 p.m. Present — Messrs Crowiher (Chairman), Coley, Kaston, Loudon, and Cook. The first business of the Board was to consider whether Mr Francis Loudon had still a right to retain his seat. An examination of the niinu: es showed that Mr Loudon had oeen absent from the meetings held on the following days, viz.— May 30, June 3, June 14, June 30, July I G, July 18. Leave was asked for absence on May 30 ; that on July 18 was extraordinary; whilst Mr Loudon declared that he attended on July 16, but the Board did not meet at the time specified in the circnlar. He therefore claimed that he had a right to hold his seat, the Act declaring aVsence from four meetings requisite to the lapse of a Commissioner's seat. Eventually the follow ing resolution was proposed by Mr Cook, seconded by Mr Ea&ton, " That after carefully enquiring as to the attendance of Mr Loudon at the meetings of the Board, the Board finds that he has not absented himself from four consecutive meetings, and therefore remains still a Commissioner of the Board." Carried. The Clerk was instructed to enter a minute to the effect that Mr Loudon was present at the Board office at 3 p.m on July 16, and also that leave of absence was granted to him for Way 30. * ' . A letter was read from Rev. J ames Duncan, asking for settlement of a claim of £7, sent in some months ago, as that sum had been spent by h?m during the temporary suspension of the Board's operations, on very necessary and useful work, in repairing the Lady's Mile, on the understanding that an aliowanco would be made for it. — Mr Loudon asked who authorised the work. — Mr Cook said the late Chairman, Mr Liddell had authorised it, Mr Duncan had told him he would refuse to pay his rates until the claim was settled. — The Chairman said Mr Duncan had tola him the same. — Mr Loudon thought this was a threat the Board should not entertain. It would be a bad precedent «o allow an expenditure authorised by on 6 member. — Mr Easton said the work was necessary. It would also benefit ratepayers who had so far received no benefit from the Board.— The Chairman said Mr Duncan had assured him the whole £7 was paid away.— Mr Co'ey thought if the late Chairman had authorised tho expenditure, Mr Duncan should be paid. — After some discussion, Mr Loudon moved, "That a Committee consisting of Messrs Crowther, Cook, and Coley, inspect the work, and report at next meeting." — This was seconded by Jlr Coley and carried.— An amendment proposed by Mr Cook, "That the Key. Mr Duncan's account be paid," was lost. A letter was read from Timothy M'Carthy. requesting a pi ogress payment of £30, on the contract for forinalion of main street footpaths, also stating that the signature of the Board's receipts in future would be T. M'Carthy instead of Hobinson and party.— Mr Loudon propesed,— " He letter of Mr M'Cirtliy, this Hoard declines any payment on account of work until the whole be completed, there being already too much delay." Seconded by Mr I 1 astcn and carried. A letter was read from Mr Moinet, asking the Board to lease about 80 acres of the public reserve near the

Omarapapaka Bush. It was resolved to inform Mr Moinet that the Board intended to c.tll foo teuders for lease of the land, when satisfied that they have power to deal with it. The following accounts wore passed : — f lhos O'Connor, for 16 chains draiu from sections 547 to 582, £5 12s. S Cook, l.bor on Moutoa road, £2 16. W. Aitkins, labor, £2 9s. An account from Geo. Oook led to discussion, as it contained £2 2s, for filling up a hole opposite Whytes Hotel. After discussion, the account was passed, less tho £2 2s referred to.