DEVONPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11433, 25 July 1900, Page 7

DEVONPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly mooting of the Doyonport Borough Council was hold in the Chambers last night, the Mayor (Mr. J. C. Maoky) presiding. Thero were also present: Messrs. Mays, Dueler, Hundley, Creeth, Entrioan, Niccol, and Dunning.

Fire Brigade: A letter from tlio secretary of the Dovonport Volunteer Fire Brigade, reminding the Council of the matter of medals duo to them through the association, was, on the recommendation of the Finance and Legal Committee,' decided to bo given attention.

Compensation: E. J. Young wrote ro compensation for alleged damage to his property in Oiarence-streot by drainage, and threatening legal proceedings. The Mayor said it had been decided to tnlco no responsibility in the matter. The- letter was received.

Control of Domains : A letter was read from Mr. J. Bollard, M.H.R., reporting that the Government wcro in favour of the Council having control of the Domain, as this was in accordance with their policy. The writer went on to say that it now appeared to rest with tho public of Dovonport to record their wishes, and to suggest that a petition lie sent from residents to the Minister for Lands. Tho ! Mayor said ho had every reason to boliove i that Mr. Mueller's report was likely to be favourable to tho Council having control of the domains. With regard to Mr. Bollard's veferenco to a petition being sent to the Minister for Lands, ho might say that before that gontleman left for Wellington ho had strongly advised that a petition bo sent to tho House, in which caso ho could have all pnpors produced. However, ho now gavo a different opinion. Ho (tho Mayor) thought that a petition from tho Council might suffice. Mr. Entrican suggested that it was disgraceful th.it a copy of tho letter referred to could not be obtained. Mr. Niccol said that ho had had a line from Mr, Scddon, indicating that it was intended to give tho Council the control of the domains. Mr. Duder thought from what he had heard that Mr. Mueller's report favoured tho Domain Board. The Mayor said ho thought not. However, that would be seen later. Tho matter thon droppod, no action being taken. Alison Avenue: A letter from Mr. A, Jaoksoii, requesting repairs to Alison Avenue, was referred to the Streets and Works Committee.

Raiigitoto: A lottor from Mr. E. Harrow, asking the Council to placo a rain gaugo upon the top of Rangitoto, and suggesting that Mr. Chposeman, of tho Museum, might ho willing to placo ono at their disposal, was received.

Loan: Mr. P. A. Edmiston wrote on behalf of tho New Zealand Accident Insuranco Company, offering to pay off tho balaneo of tho borough loan of £17,500 (viz., £2500). The offer was .accepted. Council Workmen: A letter was receive J from Mr. S. O. Mnoky, stating that it was currently reported that a member of tho Council had employed men working for tho borough to shell tho paths around his house. If this was correct, whether ho had paid tho men or not for their services, ho (the writor) respectfully submitted that no councillor had any right to employ borough worlcmon, as doing so might load to great abuso. The Mayor said a Icttor liko that ought to bo woll founded beforo being written. Mr. Handley asked whether tho letter stated where this work had boon done. Mr. Niccol said no, it was a sort of " omnibus," and included them all Mr. Entrican thought no notice could he taken of tho lcttor. Tho Mayor asked tho foreman of works wbother ho knew of such work having been done, the latter stating that ho did not know of such a ease for a long lime past. Tho mattor thon dropped. Drainage Contracts: Mr. H. 11. Metcalfo submitted plans and specifications for drainago contracts Nos. 10 and 11, and after discussion of same it was dooided to call for tenders for No. 10, and defer consideration of No. 11 until next mooting. Building Permit: Mr. E. J. Roberts' application for a building permit was granted. Finance: Tho town clerk reported that bank balances were as follows : —Dr. : General account, £1353 16s 7d. Or. : Drainage loan account, £557; waterworks account, £808 15s; interest account, No. 1, £28 2s lOd ; interest account, No. 2, £120 16s; deposits' account, £243; Rangitoto Island Domain Board account, £2 10s. Accounts totalling £286 14s 3d wore passed for payment. Victoria Road: Mr. Mays withdrew his notice of motion ro expenses of cutting down, planting, fencing, etc., of Victoria Road, tho Mayor having anticipated samo by stating that tho town clerk would produco estimate at next meeting, if possiblo.