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BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETINGS.

PARNELL.

The regular meeting of the Parnell Borough Council was held last evening. Present: Mr. S. T. George (Mayor), Messrs. McKenzie, Lyell, Gay, McConnell, Gilmour, Savage.

St. Stephen's Cemetery.—Mr. W. S. Cochrane, secretary of the Diocesan General Trust Fund, wrote in reply to a letter from the Council, re petition on enlarging and re-opening St. Stephen's Cemetery, that the trustees are not agreed as to the advisability of extending the cemetery. The letter was received.

Russell Lank.—Mr. 'Keals wrote, complaining of the state of the drainage in Russell Lane, which destroyed his garden, and property, and he also complained of tho etate of the drainage in Bradford-street, which injured his orchard. The foreman of works explained that the property was so much under the road level that it was almost impossible to drain it. The matter was referred to the Streets Committee.

Stbkets Committek.—There not being a quorum of the Streets Committee present ht their meeting, a report sent in by Mr. McLachlan was deferred. Lkavk of Absence.—Mr. Savage apologised for the absence of Mr. McLachlan, and Mr. McKenzie apologised for the absence of Mr. Dewes through illness, and on his motion leave of absence was granted to Mr. Dewes for a month.

Foukman of Wouks. —This officer reKjrted that Mr. Slater, St. George's Bay oad, complained of the ground giving way on tho pipe track in his garden. There was a great flow of water from the church property, and no way provided for it to get into the sower. A small cesspit at the top would, he believed, stop most of the ovorilow. He also reported that the steps had not boen replaoed in Domain Terrace as ordered by the Council. He also drew attention w the asphalt path near tho convent, as it was being torn up' by the roots of tho trees in the convent grounds. Tho first portion of the report was reform! to the Stroots Committee. As to tho second portion, it was agreed to request Mr. Gilbert to replace the steps, and as to the third, it waa agreed to call the attention of the Catholic Church authorities to the matter.

Fire Brigade.--Mr. Thomas Judge, captain of the Fire Brigade, reported that ft fire occurred at Brighton Road on the 29th May, by which a four-roomed unoccupied house, owned by Mr. Gerald Grace, was destroyed. The letter was received.

Accounts.—Accounts to the amount of £15 12s were passed for payment, and it was agreed to pay £37 out of £87 to tho Hospital account. It was also agreed that a sum of £1(59 be paid to the City Council for water supply.

NEWTON. The regular meeting of the Newton Borough Council whs held last evening at the Council office. Present: Tho Mayor, Mr. S. J. Ambury (in tho chair), Messrs. Laing, Cox, Fauldor, Brown, English, Donald, Boyd, and Riggs. Mayoralty.—A letter was received from the Colonial Secretary, acknowledging receipt of the roturn of the election of Mr, Stephen James Ambury as mayor of the borough. The letter was received. Gas. —A letter from the secretary of the Gas Company, re request for reduction of tho price of gas, and saying it would be laid before the directors at the first meeting, was road. The letter was rccoived. VVatkrworks.—A letter was received from Mesurs. Boylan and Lundon, relative to tho question of meters and connections needed for waterworks, and asking that they be instructed to attend to the matter. A letter was also read from Messrs. Wingate, Burns and Co., re water meters, and stating that they had cabled to their London agents on tho matter, and that the agents had replied that they had placed the order for delivery, and that the meters had been cent on tho lonic, which was expected to arrive about the 9th proximo. They also sent invoice showing cost about £27 10s ench. In referenco to the letter of Messrs. Boylan and Lunddn, the Mayor said he had always understood from the engineers that there would be no extras whabover, and lie thought it was an omission on the part of the engineers that the meters were not in the contract. The members of the Council were not supposed to bo engineers, and it had been left with the engineer to say what was necessary. The Town Clerk had inquired as to prices. Morrin and Co. had quoted £42 10s; another firm made it £2 10s loss; others thought it would be even loss. Mr. Brown asked if it was understood all along that the meters would have been included in the original specifications and tenders? There seemed to be something beyond oven this?—valves and other things. A representative of the firm said it had usually been the custom of the City Council to supply the meters. They furnished the water at the boundary, and doing so would put in tho meters. It was only in May the hrni found out the City Council would not supply tho moters, and they had notified the Council. As to valves it would depend on the arrangement of the meters. If only one meter is required, there would be valves enough. If two meters were wanted there would have to bo special valves. The object of two meters was to cut off one while it was being cleaned, and the other would then act. Otherwise, when a meter got out of order or wanted cleaning, the supply would be cut off. The City Council supplied meters to Pnrnell, and the firm thought they should do so here. The Mayor said the Eden Terrace people had to import the meters. Mr. Brown thought it was a reflection on the City Council to talk of supplying meters and then not do so. But lie know the City Council were very peculiar in their ways. The letter from Messrs Wingatc, Burns, and Co. was here read. Mr. Faulder thought it a little strange that tho matter only came before theCouncilwhon tho meters were on the way. He desired to know who gave the order ? Tho Mayor said that it was understood the meters would be supplied, but the Town Clerk finding they would not do so, had to tako tho necessary steps to complete the mutter, and Wingftte, Burns, and Co. had instructions to order them. Mr. Boyd thought thore had boon a misunderstanding, and they had boon led astray by the City Council's refusal to supply meters. At the same timo ho thought the ordering of meters was imperative, as it was no use having water supply and pipes unless they had meter.-*. Mr. Brown thought that as soon as it was found they would have to get their own meters the engineers should have been consulted as it was their business to advise them. He feared they would find the valves they had would not fit the meters. At tho same time they ought to congratulate themselves on getting the motors so cheap. They had got them about 33 per cent, cheaper than they could had they given the order to an Auckland firm. Mr. English thought the valves could be got in town, and it would bo a small matter. Mr. Brown said the point was that they should have consulted the engineers, as it was their business to advise tho Council. In reply to a question, the clerk said he had notified the engineers that they could not get the metors from the Town Council. The clerk stated also that when the order was given the plant was on the way, and to save them from the same predicament that the Eden Terrace Road Board were in, the moters wore ordered, but not before consultation with the then acting-Mayor, Mr. Ambury, and Mr. Boyd, who agreed that it was right to order them. It was agreed to reply to Messrs. Boylan and Lundon that the question of valves would be deferred till tho meters arrived, when they would be consulted. The letter of Wingate, Burns, and Co. was received.

Stbkets Committke.— The Streets Committee reported relative to tho drain through Wright's property, that it be carried through and that cesspits be provided ; relative to gas lamps for Surrey Crescent, between Richmond Avenue and Great North Road, they had no recommendations to make till a reply was received from the Gas Company as to their request for a seven per cent, reduction. Mr. Faulder thought the Richmond Road people were not being treated fairly. Mr. Riggs thought it was wise to wait till they had got. the repairs they wanted. Mr. Faulder took exception to a cesspit for the drain, asking the cost of the whole thing, and saying it should cost but a few shillings. The fall was one in nine, and the cesspit was not needed. As a representative of Richmond he objected to unnecessary expense. Messrs.. English and Cox said the thing had been done at Mr. Faulder'a suggestion. The report was then adopted,

Accounts.—Accounts were passed for payment to the amount of £179 17s Bd. Slaughterhouse Act.—The Mayor said, seeing that an amendment was being proposed to the Slaughterhouse Act, he had wired to their member to oppose it, a$ under it the fees, &c, would not pay ; ai present the license was £10, and the fees 3d for large cattle, and £d for small ones. Where they now received £75, if the amendment was passed they would only get £25. He would not have so much objection if the animals were grown in the district, but they were imported. A nuisance was created, and he thought £25 too little. Mr. Withy had asked the Council to suggest a limit. He thought that the license should remain at £10, as at present, and the limit be made £50. At present they got £75 from Messrs. Hellaby, and till recently, £40 from the Tallow Company. A reduction had been made to £35. Mr. Brown thought it iniquitous that the Council could stick their abattoirs in the place without a compensation. Mr. Currie said he always got the rates from the City Council when he went. Mr. Boyd thought they should hesitate about being willing to accept any reduction. The abattoirs were a nuisance to the borough, the cattle cut up the roads, and the revenue did not pay for the wear and tear. He would move that Mr. Withy be instructed to do his utmost to keep the limit from being lowered under £100." Mr. Riggs seconded Mr. Boyd's motion. He believed the borough would be better without the nuisances, but so long as they were there he thought the Council should get all they could. Mr. Faulder thought the motion would kill local industries, and so long as they had a slaughterhouse they could not touch they should let other local men have theirs. Mr. Brown said Mr. Faulder called slaughterhouses "local industries," but he (Mr. Brown) thought they were local nuisances. The argument of Mr. Faulder amounted to this : That because they had one big nuisance they should encourage several smaller ones. Mr. Brown thought Mr. Withy should be instructed to oppose the amendment. But he thought that' 'it was an iniquity that the City Council should force a nuisance on the borough, and the borough get no revenue. Mr. Laing thought the present fees light enough. Mr. Boyd, in reply, stated the whole move was to favour the big Freezing Company. At present the annual license was £10 and as fees 3d for large cattle and for small. What was proposed was to reduce the limit of license and foes to £25. This would not help small people, but it would the big company. If they tried to have the present Bill retained, they would lose it, but they stood a good chance of getting the limit fixed at £100. This ho thought little enough. Also it did not follow that they should always insist upon the £]00. On the suggestion of the Mayor, Mr. Boyd said he was willing to reduce his motion from £100 to £75 (license to bo £10, fee 3 not to be less than £65). Mr. Faulder thought a number of small slaughterhouses spread about the district would be no greater nuisance than one big slaughterhouse. Tho motion was then adopted. It was agreed to hold a special meeting to consider the matter on Friday evening, the 29th instant, at seven o'clock. It was also decided to get counsel's opinion as to their position in reference to the Council abattoirs, and that the Legal Committee get this opinion by Friday.

ONEHUNGA. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council was held in the Council Chamber last night. There were present: His Worship the Mayor (Dr. W. R. Erson, in the chair) Messrs Goldsbury, Hills, Burden, Jackson, Shaldrick, Clarke, Rowe, Tapp, and Hill. Nuisances.—The Inspector of Nuisances reported that the premises recently occupied by Mr. Quecnan were in a very bad state through the rotten vegetable matter lying about. The Town Clerk was instructed to call on Mr. Hughes, the owner, to remove the nuisance.

Loan Commissioners.—A communication was received from Mr. Pierce, of the New Zealand Insurance Company, calling on the Council to nominate two commissioners in connection with the loan of £5000 for ■waterworks, in accordance with law. The Mayor stated that the loan agents, Messrs. Connell and Brookfield, had been spoken of as suitablo persons. On the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr. Clark, it was agreed to nominate Messrs. Brookfield and Connell for the appointment of commissioners for the sinking fund of £5000 loan, subject to their requiring no fee. Reservoir Site.—Dr. Campbell wrote requesting that the waterworks contractor be instructed to immediately fill in the open trenches cut to lay tho water pipes, and that the fence be erected at once around the resorvoir. Letter received.

Arrears.—Messrs. Brookfield and Son wrote stating that they had heard nothing from Messrs. Adams and Webb about the amount due for tho Recreation Reserve, and requested that they be informed of the amount of arrears due and the date they ceasod to occupy tho reserve. The Town Clerk was instructed to supply the information.

Financial, Statement.—The town clerk reported that at last meeting the balance to tho credit of tho borough fund was £404 19s 2d ; paid away during the term, £25 13s 8d ; paid in, £287 13s; leaving a credit balance of £Gt)G 18s Gd. The balance to tho credit of the waterworks account was stated to be £7f>. r > 9s sd.

Bad Roads. —A communication was received from the manager of tho skating rink, asking , the Council to repair a portion of Upper Queen-street, which was in a disgraceful state. It was resolved that the Council cannot undertake the repairs, but if the Rink Company require an improvement, permission be given to make the repairs. Accounts.— J. Hewetfc, wage?, £4 4s ; G Barry, £'2 '2s : \V. Brierly, metal, £41 5s 5d ; VV. Bray, £22 3s 4d;"Manukau Gazette, £5 18s; P. Lynds, blue metal, £14; W. Pringle, £5 ; D. Foster, £1 7s 6d. The Borough Finances.—Tho Mayor intimated that at a meeting of the burgesses, held last week, the matter of the Borough finances was placed before them clearly, and he was of opinion that the matter was favourably received. By a large majority present it was resolved that instead of levying a high rate, that a sum of £2000 should be borrowed, to extend ovor twenty years. The better course for borrowing wad by special rate, and by striking that special rate of 3Jd in the £, it would pay the interest and sinking fund at the expiration of a term of 20 years, and allow an amount for depreciation of property. He would therefore move, "That the necessary steps be taken to borrow a further sum of £2000 to complete the waterworks, and the borough solicitors be instructed to draw the notices required, a special rate of not more than 3£d in the £ to be pledged as security for the amount of tho loan. Mr. Clark seconded the motion. Mr. Jackson move'd that the words "for a term not exceeding twenty years "bo added. The addition, with the consent of the Mayor, was made. After a lengthy discussion, the motion was put and carried on a division.

Genkbal Rate.—The Mayor said that at last meeting notice was given that a rate of Iβ 9d in the £ would be struck, but as the council had placed the matter before the burgesses, and they seemed to understand thoir position, he would move that the levying of the rate which was given notice of at last meeting bo adjourned pending the result of the approaching poll. Mr. Goldsbury seconded the motion. Mr. Jackson objected to the course the Mayor proposed to pursue, as he had an objection to threats, and it appeared to him the motion for adjournment of striking the rate was to intimidate the burgesses into voting for a special rate. He had no doubt the burgesses would vote in favour of a special rate in order to get out of the difficulty. He would move as an amendment that a rate of 9d in the £ be struck. Mr. Burden seconded. The motion for adjournment was carried. At half-past ten p.m. the Council adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, the 3rd prox., to consider the borough accounts.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18880626.2.48

Bibliographic details

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9090, 26 June 1888, Page 6

Word Count
2,903

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETINGS. New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9090, 26 June 1888, Page 6

BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETINGS. New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9090, 26 June 1888, Page 6