BOROUGH COUNCILS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10968, 24 January 1899, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCILS.

PARNELL.

[ Tee ordinary meeting of the Parnell Borough Council was held last evening, when there were present The Mayor (Mr. Hugh Campbell), and Messrs. Briggs, McCabe, Tewsley, Gilmore, Fitts, and J. Mowbray. Consumption of Water: A letter was read from the chairman of the District School Committee, bringing before the notice of the Council the fact that the consumption of water for the last quarter, chargeable to the committee, was considerably greater than it had been before, the amount consumed being 119,000 gallons, for which £8 3s 6d had to bo paid. It was suggested that a leakage must occur somewhere, and the Council were asked to see into the matter. The turncock stated that the amount registered must be correct, and that perhaps the water was wasted. He had tested the meter, and found it correct. It was resolved that the committee be informed that the Council could not see its way to make a reduction, but that the turncock be instructed to see into the matter. A letter was also received from the manager of the Girls' Industrial School, complaining that the amount of water charged for was ill excess of previous quarters. Shop Hours Act: On the motion of the Mayor, Mr. Gilmnre was appointed to represent the Council at the meeting of delegates on the 30th hist., to consider the question of the weekly half-holiday. Private Drain A letter was read from Mr. H. Kavanagh, forwarding an account for £1 2s 6d, for repairs to the drain situated on the property occupied by Mr. Fraser, in Claybrook Road. It was resolved that the writer be informed that the drain is not a public drain, and that the Council disclaim any responsibility. A Complaint: Mr. John Roach wrote calling the attention of the Council to the state I of the foopath near his house in Cleveland ! Road. Tho letter was received.

Parnell Block: Mr. H. Young, Hokianga, wiote asking if sections on the Parnell block were open for selection, m he wished to tako up two sections. Mr. John W. Joseph wrote similarly. The letters were referred to the Legal and Financo Committee.

Legal and Finance Committee The Legal and Finance Committee recommended payment of accounts to the amount of £149 17s 4d, which were passed for payment. Foreman of Works' Report: The foreman of works reported that tarring had been carried out in several streets, and several culverts had been cleaned. The report was adopted. Turncock's Report: The turncock reported that a great waste of water had been taking place from the ball-cock on Mrs. D'A rev's property, the loss being about 6000 gallons daily for six or eight mouths. The question of extension of water pipes in Lower Hobson Hay Road, was deferred. With regard to the waste of water, Mr. Briggs said that it showed laxity on the part of somebody that the matter was not reported to the Council. The turncock said that he drew attention to the mater some time ago. The matter was referred to the Legal and Finance Committee. Tenders: Tenders for the supply of broken metal and scoria were read, that of Mr. J. J. Craig being accepted.

NEWMARKET. A special meeting of tho Newmarket Borough Council was held last evening in the Council Chambers, Manukau Road, to consider the question of supplying water to residents outside the borough. There were present: The Mayor (Mr. J. M. Laxou), and Messrs. McColl,' Whyman, Lee, Spooner, Angus, and Sinerdun. The Mayor, speaking on the business of the evening, said at present the Council was supplying water to 12 people outside the borough. It had been ascertained that the present rate charged to them— ls 9d, per 1000 gallons— not pay the borough. After soino little discussion, the Mayor moved, and Mr. McColl seconded, "That all water supplies to non-ratepayers be at the rate of 2s per 1000 gallons, the mintmum supnlv to be 10,000 gallons." Mi. Whyman said he would like to see the water supply run <»« paying lines. The rate proposed in the resolution was the SillllC as ratepayers paid. The Mayor considered that an all-round rate of 2s would pay the borough very well. Mr. Whvinan then moved as '.in amendment, "That the water rate fur non-rate-payers be raised to 2s 3d per 1000 gallons, with a minimum supply of 10,000 gallons." The. amendment, on 'being put to tho meeting, was carried by a majority of one vote, three voting for the resolution, and four for the amendment. This concluded the business of the meeting.

ONEHUNGA.

The fortnightly meeting of the Onehunga borough Council was held last night, when there «eiu present: His Worship me Mayor (Dr. W. r>. C. Krsuii), Messrs. Bradley, baking, Hill, SlialdrkK, Uuwe, McLcod, and Stuupe. lVtiliuiis; A petition, signed by several residents uf .Norman's Hill, was received, requesting the Council tu tollll 11 footpath on the west side uf Norman's Hill ftoad. The petitioners pointed out that through the iudiaa-uiuHuU) iciiiuval of earth from the load in question it was dangerous to travel on at liigut. 'the petition was referred w the Cuiiiicil-iii-eoniiiiittee to consider and report. . . j'ire Brigade: A letter was received ironi the local lire brigade, stating that they were guiug to take part in the to brigade competition at Uoroiiiandcl, and that during their absence Mr. W. Ball and several other men had consented to act as their substitutes. They asked for the Council's sanction to the proposal.' Tho Council agreed to the proposal on the motion of the Mayor. Water Extension: A letter was received from the Matiukau Water Supply Board re the question of supplying water to the adjoining districts, and on the motion of the Mayor, was referred to the Council-in-com-fflittce to deal with. A letter from Mr. it. D. Stewart, asking for the extension of the water from Syinonds-street to SuttieS Corner, was reicrred to the Water Committee. ... Railway Crossing: The Council-m-coni-niiiteo recommended that the railway authorities be requested to erect a gate across the cemetery road, near the railway line, to protect all funeral processions. The Mayor moved, "That Messrs. Bradley, Fleming, and tho mover wait upon the district railway engineer on the matter and report at the next meeting." The motion was carNational bank: The manager of the National Bank (Mr. McLean) wrote, offering to take a lease of the building now occupied by the local branch at Onehunga, if the Council would build a strong-room and erect sleeping accommodation for the clerk. Mr. McLean also stated that he would advise the general manager of the bank to contribute the sum of £40 towards the cost of the suggested improvements. On the motion of the Mayor tho letter was referred to the Council-iu-coinmittee. Messrs. Rowe and Stoupe to bring up an estimate of the cost of the work. _ . Cattle Licenses: The Council-m-com-mittee reported having considered an application from Mr. W. bray for the reduction in tho cost of licenses for grazing horses on the Mount Smart reserve, from £1 per annum to 12s, and stated that they had, no recommendation to make. The repirt was adopted. , , „„ „ ± . ""Approach to the Wharf: The Streets Committee recommended that the lower end of Queen-street be formed, and a footpath made on either side. Mr. Rowo moved the adoption of the report, which was supported by Messrs. Shaldricfc and Hill. The Mayor moved, as an amendment, "That the foreman of works be instructed to bring up a report." He said he was quite satisfied that the work was necessary, but the Council was not in a position, financially, to undertake any new works. The amendment was carried. '•' „, _ ... The Labour Question The Council-m----committee reported haying considered tie hours of labour of the Council employees, together with their several duties and remuneration, and reported that they had no recommendation to make. The report was received. „ • ~ Appointment of Sexton: Three applications were received for the office of sexton to the Waikaraka Cemetery, namely, John Neil, Garrett John. Barry, and John Colledge. Mr. Colledge was appointed. Another Officer: The General Purposes Committee reported that it would be neces- , sary to appoint an officer to procure the names of all persons entitled tp vote within • the borough, for the formation of the new, burgess roll. Mi. Laking moved, "That the borough inspector be instructed to do

the- work when making his annual house-to-house inspection." After discussion it was resolved to appoint Mr. Vance, at a salary of £5.

Notices of Motion: Mr. Rowe gave notice to move, "That the foreman of works be instructed that the whole of the reserves and property of the Council are under his charge, and that he bo required to report to the Council from time to time;" also, "That tenders for breaking blue metal, in lots of from 20yds to 100 yds, be called for." Finance: The treasurer read his financial statement as follows:—General account debit balance, £71 0s lid; waterworks account, credit balance, £24 0s lOd; recreation account, £38 8s Id; contractors' deposit account, £21; domain account, £3 7s 6d; due from the last-mentioned account, to the genera] fund, £74 2s 6d.