BOROUGH COUNCILS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10415, 13 April 1897, Page 6

BOROUGH COUNCILS.

PARNELL. The fortnightly meeting of the Parnell Borough Council was held last night. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. Thornes) presided. There were also present: Mrs. Matson, Messrs. Hudson, Cozens, Wright, Briggs, Fitt,McConnell, and Thomas. The Fire Brigade.— Captain of the Borough Fire Brigade explained matters in connection with I complaint made by Mr. J. Chambers, who could not secure the aid of the Brigade on the occasion of a recent fire at his premises. The captain said the bell was not suitable for a fire alarm, not being loud enough. He suggested that it be shifted to St. Stephen's corner aud a larger one put in its place, It was agreed to inform Mr. Chambers the bell-ropes were jammed, aid that the same thing would not occur again. It was also decided to take steps to procure a suitable alarm bell. Parnell Rise.—The question of widening the Parnell Rise, which had been adjourned from last meeting, was again discussed. The matter was further deferred for three mouths. Rates on the Women's Home.—A letter was read from Mrs. Kinder, asking the Council to waive its claims for rates in respect of " May Cottage," Brighton Road, on the ground that it was a benevnleut institution. Mrs. Matson supported the request, aud felt sure if the Council knew of the work done by the Home the rates would be remitted, or the Council would show its sympathy in some way. The Mavor said the Home was subsidised by the Government, and therefore the Council could not under the Rating Aet remit the rates. It was resolved to point this out to Mrs. Kinder.

Telephone Communication.— Brings spoke of the increased charges for telephones, and did not think the Council should continue their two services. It was resolved to have the office telephone cut off, but to continue that at the Fire Brigade station. The Boboooii Wateb Sdppl?.—The turncock reported that ou two occasions within the past fortnight the water mains had been quite empty. Mr. Gilmer said several complaints had been received trom ratepayers unable to obtain water. His Worship the Mayor said it was a serious matter. Tim Council decided that a committee consisting of Messrs. Tnoinas, McConnell, and Cozens, should approach the Newmarket Borough Council with a view of getting water tor the higher levels of Parnell, through the Newmarket mains. Night Soil Service.— In accordance with notice Mr. Cozeus moved the resolution of the Council compelling ail burgesses to use the night soil service be rescinded, and that the provisions of section 300 of the Municipal Corporations Act be enforced. On bung put to the meeting this motion was negatived. Mr. Hudson moved, "That His Worship the Mayor, Mrs. Maiaon, and Messrs. Cozens and Pitt be nro3ecuteil for not employing the service." Mr. Wright, as an amendment, moved, " That a legal opinion be obtained before proceedings were' I taken," The amendment was carried.