BOROUGH COUNCILS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8886, 24 May 1892, Page 6

BOROUGH COUNCILS.

PARNELL. The ordinary meeting of the Parnell Borough Council was held last night. Present : Mr. S. T. George (Mayor), Messrs. Gay, Thornes, Augur, Fowler, and Briggs. Avon-street.—Messrs. H. Worthington and seven other residents and ratepayers, petitioned, calling attention to the condition of the footpaths and waterways in Avon-street, which wore greatly in want of attention. They suggested that the footpaths might be tarred and sanded, and the waterways cleared from obstructions. On the motion of Mr. Gay it was resolved to have the watercourses cleaned out at once, and to have the footpaths at both sides tarred and sanded at the proper season. Municipal Association ok. New Zealand.—The secretary, Mr. J. E. Page, intimated that Tuesday, the sth of July, had been appointed by the president as tho date for the meeting of the Association. Tho placo of meeting is the same as last year—the City Council Chambers, Wellington. lie asked that the names of tho Council's representatives, and a list of the matters which the Council wished considered, might bo sent to him by the middle of Juno. On the mcifcion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr. Farter, it was agreed to request Mr. F. Lawry, M.H.R., to represent the borough at the Conference. Borough Stage Carriages.—A written

opinion was received from Messrs. liesketh and Richmond, solicitors, on a question referred to them as to the liabilities of the proprietors of borough stars carriages. It arose out of a complaint m'i.'.'.o of neglect of keeping up tho usual time-table on holidays. Counsel quoted clause 422, Municipal Corporations Act, 1386, " but a license taken out by the licensee in the borough in which his vehicles mostly ply shall suffice for a district comprised within five miles therefrom," and they considered it operated in tho matter of making any by-law for tho licensing of carriages.- The whole question was docided by tho words "mostly ply," and that should be ascertained before tho owner could bo held liable under the borough by-law. The Mayor explained that the meaning was that if people chose to take out their licenses in the city they need not take out a license in the borough. It was agreed to defer tho consideration of the matter for the present. Accounts.—Accounts amounting to £90 Gs 6d were passed for payment. In'si'kctor ok Nuisances.—Tho inspector reported that the slaughterhouses were in a cleanly condition, and he was in hopes, now rain had set in, they should not hear of any more cases of fever. Ho suggested that tho Council frame by-laws for tho greater prevention of nuisances, and for the prevention of keeping pigs in the borough. The matter of a by-law regarding keeping swine was referred to the committee to bring up a report at next meeting. Finances of the Borough.Estimate of proposed expenditure in the general account for tho borough for the year ending 30th June, 1893, £1606. Amount already available from licenses, arrears of general rates, subsidy, Ac., £553 2s Id. Additional amount required, £1102 17s lid. Total ratable value of the borough, £22,987. Rate required to raise the above amount, Is in the £. The Mayor pointed out that the estimate for maintenance of all roads was only £700, a very small amount considering that the main road required metal. Then there were arrears of rates to a considerable amount, £280. It was agreed to at once sue for all rates overdue. Mr. Jay gave notice that ho would move, at next meeting, "That a general rate of Is in the £ be levied on all rateable property in the borough."

ONE HUNG A. The ordinal- fortnightly meeting of the Onehungu Borough Council was held in the Council Chamber last night. There were present : Messrs. Keehan, Hills, Barr, Mooney, Bray, and J. Shaldrick. In the absence of His Worship the Mayor (Dr. W. 11. Erson), Mr. Barr was voted to the chair.

Biajk Metal.—An application was received from .1. Caldicutt for leave to break 50 yards metal. It was resolved to inform the applicant that the Council does not require more metal at, present. Action' for Damage.—Messrs. Russell and Campbell wrote with reference to an action pending against the Council by K. Austin, which comes on at the next Svpreme Court sessions. They recommended that the case be tried by special jury. It was resolved that Messrs. Russell and Campbell deal with the case as directed by the Mayor. One -trek Hi Water Supply. —A communication was received from Mr. Anderson, C.E., with reference to the proposed water supply for One-tree Hill, requesting information as to whether the Council's plant would bo capable of forcing the water to their reservoir, and if so, at what price would they supply it. Tho matter was referred to the Water Committee to consider and report. Street Rki-airs.—A petition was received from the residents of Victoria-street, urging tho Council to improve the stnto of the street.

Financial Statkmknt.—The Town Clerk reported that the credit balance of tho general fund stood at £S9 7s 4d, while the waterworks account (credit) was £125 los lOd.

Recreation' Reserve.—lt was resolved to call in tenders for the lease of the Recreation Reserve.

Municipal Boildi.vo. — Mr. Kcehan moved, " That tenders be called for the erection of a Municipal building at a cost of £300." Mr. Bray seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was further resolved to instruct Mr. A. Jones, architect, to prepare plans and specifications, and invite tenders for the erection of the building, returnable on the 6th June. At eight, o'clock the Council adjourned.