NEWTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7644, 22 May 1886, Page 3

NEWTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A special meeting of the Newton Borough Coiyyjil was held yesterday evening for the purpose of considering the proposed altoration of the levels of Richmond Hill and Roso Road, and the water and drainage scheme. There were present : His Worship the Mayor (Mr. R. T. Warnock), Messrs. Rigg, Laing, Gordon, Buckley, Lee, Hastings, and Billington. A number of ratepayers were also present at the meeting. The Mayor being interested in the fixing of the levels of Richmond Hill, Mr. Kigg wan appointed to the chair. The Mayor moved, "That the levels of Richmond Hill be altered as proposed." .Some discussion took place as to the legality of proceeding with the work, while a motion carried at a former meeting of the Council remained unrescinded, and it was proposed, ' That the motion be rescinded." Mr. Hastings said that, unless this were done, there would bo a danger of having two levels, which would be impracticable. Mr. Laing said that the ratepayers had made no objections to the fixing .of the proposed levels, and this was in itself a satisfactory sign. In answer to Mr. Billington, the Town Clerk read a petition from a number of the ratepayers in favour of the redaotion of the levsls in Richmond Road. The olerk also read a number of letters bearing upon the subject, and recommending the Council to fix the levels. Aftor a good deal of irrelevant discussion. Mr. Laing proposed, and Mr. blastings seconded, " i hat the consideration of the mattor bo deferred until the next meeting of the Council." Carried. The Mayor then took the chair. The consideration of the levels of Rose Road was proceeded with. The Mayor moved, "That the proposed levels be adopted." The Town Clerk read a petition from ratepayers, objecting to the fixing the levels of Rose Road. A number of letters having reference to the proposed alteration were also read. Mr. Pooley, a ratepayer, addressed the Council, stating that the objections referred to had been collected from the property-owners by an interested party. Should the alterations be made, as shown on the engineer's plan, he would hold tho Council responsible for damage done to his property. Other ratepayers present also objected to the alterations. Mr. Laing proposed, "That the original advertised levels of Rose Road be adhered to." The motion was seconded by Mr. Billington, and carried. Mr. Hastings presented a petition, sicned by 112 ratepayers, in favour of the scheme for water and drainage works in the borough. The petitioners recommended that a rate of 9d in the £ be struck. The Mayor considered that if a 9d rate were adopted, instead of a Is rate as proposed, a considerable difference would have to be made in the proposal. The engineer estimated that £4000 would suffice to provide an efficient water and drainage scheme for the borough. As some doubt was expressed as to whether a sufficient number of ratepayers had signed the petition, the consideration of the matter was deferred, additional signatures to be gained to the petition in the meantime, tho result to be laid before a special meeting of the Council to be held on Monday, .Tuna 4.