BOROUGH COUNCILS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12000, 24 June 1902, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCILS.

GREY LYNN.

The ordinary meeting of the Grey Lynn Borough Council was held at the Council Chamber last evening, Mr. R. T. Warnock (Mayor) in the chair. There were also present: Messrs. A. Donald, J. Farrell, W. White, R. C. Foster, W. Brinsden, and T. Booth. *

By-law: The by-law introducing the pan system for nightsoil removal was confirmed, and will come into force as from July 1. Special Kate: A resolution, confirming the striking of a special rate on the ratepayers of the Surrey and .Sussex Wards, to cover the loau for the completion of the drainage schemes in the wards specified, was adopted. The rate will be a recurring one, remaining in force until such time as the loan is paid otf. Sanitary Inspector: A letter was received from the district health officer, Dr. Makgill, expressing regret at the fact that the Council had decided not to fall in with the adjoining bdroughs in the scheme to 'secure the services of a sanitary .inspector. The writer pointed out that while the sanitary conditions might be satisfactory at present, the services of an expert would be valuable with the extension of the district, and under the proposed scheme would be available at a small cost. It was decided to inform the health officer that the present inspector was capable of meeting all local requirements for the time being, and to adhere to the decision not to enter into the scheme. Tarring and Sanding : Mr. F. C. Williamson wrote urging the Council to tar and sand certain portions of Williamson's Avenue before the wet season finally sets in. It was decided to inform' the writer that the mattei would claim attention at the proper time for carrying out such works. Municipal Conference: Mr. flpo. Fowlds, M.H.R., wrote accepting- appointment as the borough's representative at the municipal conference, to be held in Wellington. Finance : The Finance Committee's report, recommending the payment of accounts amounting to £14- 14s 7d, was adopted. Tramway Extension: The Streets Committee reported having interviewed Mr. P. M. Hansen with regard to the extension of the tramways to Richmond Avenue corner, and stated that Mr. Hansen had promised to lay the matter before the directors, but held out no hope of the work being done at present. The report was adopted. Cox's Creek Bridge: The Mayor moved, "That- the engineer report on the condition of Cox's Creek bridge." He pointed out that the life of the bridge was short, and that it was in a bad condition at present. The City Council should be asked to give the matter attention. The motion was adopted, and the suggestion to apply to the City Council was agreed to. Keeping Poultry: The sanitary inspector reported having visited 187 yards in the borough in which poultry was kept, and found that, with the exception of four, the fowlhouses were in a very bad state, poorly built, and dirty inside. He had requested all persons intending to keep fowls to build proper houses, with concrete or cement floors, the same to be cleaned at least once a day. The report was received, and the inspector thanked for what he had done, PARNELL. The ordinary meeting of the am ell Borough Council was held last evening, there being present: The Mayor (Mr. Fitt), Messrs. Briggs, Gilmour, Slater, Leonard, Lundon, Wood, and Petford. Interest on Overdraft: On the motion of (Mr. Wood it was decided to ask the Bank of New Zealand to reduce the interest on the Council's overdraft from 6 to 5 per cent. Infectious Diseases: Dr. Makgill, district health officer, reported cases of infectious diseases as follows:—A case of scarlet fever in Dilworth Ten-ace, a case of diphtheria in St. George's Bay Road, and cases of typhoid and pneumonia in Manukau Road. Maintenance of Fire Brigades: Mr. A. Stewart, secretary of the Parnell Volunteer Fire Brigade, forwarded a copy of a petition originating from the United Fire Brigades' Association, praying the Government to introduce a measure early in the coming session providing for the upkeep of fire brigades, in equal proportions of one-third each, by the local governing bodies, the fire insurance companies, and the Government. The Council was asked to give its approval to the petition. Mr. Lundon moved, "That the Council endorse the petition." The Mayor seconded the motion, saying that the petition was a step in til© right direction, and ; that it was the insurance companies which reaped the benefit of the fire brigade, especially in Parnell. The motion was carried.

The Refuse Service: Mr. G. Lewis wrote, complaining of the manner in which the collection of refuse was carried out, alleging that proper care was not taken of the boxes after being emptied. It was decided to bring the complaint under the notice of the contractor. The Punakifcere Settlement: Mr. J. Gordon Jones wrote on behalf of the settlers in the Punakitere Special Settlement, asking the Council to endeavour to remove the disabilities under which these settlers are now labouring. After discussion it was re-, solved that the letter be received, and that the settlers be informed that the Council cannot see its way to accede to the request made therein. Scenery Conservation Society: The Auckland Scenery Conservation Society wrote, desiring to add the following clause to their report dated May 12 last:"lt having been ascertained that a road 100 ft wide has been dedicated from Mechanics' Bay to the foot of St. George's Bay Road, and the littoral rights extinguished, the committee recommend that the construction of this road be added to the general scheme indicated in former report." On the motion of the Mayor the letter was referred to the Streets Committee.

Manukau Road : Messrs. A. Macdonald and M. J. (Jay, churchwardens of St. Mary's, wrote giving consent to a proposal to raise the level of the Manukau Road footway in front of St. Mary's Cathedral and Parish Hall, provided that the fence was raised, that a good batter and entrance be provided, and that the bank be grassed. The Mayor said that by raising the fence the Council would be relieved from the expense of carrying out its previous proposal to build a stone retaining wall on the church side of the footpath. He explained an arrangement which ho had made with the church, authorities, and it was resolved that his action be approved. It was also resolved to ask tlie consent of the property-owners concerned for a continuation of the work, and that in the event of the consent being obtained the Streets Committor report on the matter. Reports: The reports from the foreman of works, the inspector of nuisances, and the turncock, were read and adopted. A question of the unevenness oT crossings in Manukau Road, referred to by the foreman of works, was referred to the Streets Committee. The inspector of nuisances reported on ft' number of cases in which drains needed attention, and it was resolved to give the persons interested seven days' notice to do the necessary work. Drainage: On the motion of Mr. Briggs it. wns resolved to give the owners of all properties not connected with the public drain and within the prescribed distance of such drain, 14 days' notice to connect, failing which the Council will take action as provided in its by-laws.

The Council concluded its ordinary business shortly after eleven o'clock, and afterwards considered other matters in committee.

NEWMARKET. The Newmarket Borough Council met last evening. Present: Messrs. John McColl (the Mayor), F. Bennett, J. Caston, J. M. Laxon, W. Edgerley, J. Angus, and A. O. Shipherd. The Mayor apologised for the absence of Mr. Davis. Correspondence : Complaints were received with regard to the nightsoil contract. It was resolved to ask Messrs. Burke and Co. for an explanation. Mr. Leo Myers wrote asking that the entrance to the Domain gates, in Park Road, he metalled. The matter was referred to the Streets Committee, with power to aot. Tramway Poles: Mr. P. M. Hansen forwarded tracings of tops for the wooden poles for the span wires, to be used in the electric tramway" construction. Members of the Council objected to wooden poles being used within the borough, and demanded that iron poles be used. The Mayor said that the plans submitted to the Council provided for iron poles, and he would insist on their being used. It was decided to communicate with the Electric Tramways Company to this effect.

Street Crossings: Mr. Bennett said that the Streets Committee had considered the question of laying down crossings in the main street of the borough. He quoted estimates as follows:Carlton Club crossing, in cubes (46ft). £21 Ha, in rough pitches, £15 10s; Town Hall crossing (48ft), in cubes, £22 Bs, in pitches, £16; Cawkwell's crossing (40yds), in cubes, £28, in pitches, £20. Mr. Bennett thought that the work could be done for a much less sum in asphalt, with a concrete base. It was decided to defer consideration of the matter till next meeting.

ONEHUNGA. The usual fortnightly meeting) of the Onehunga Borough Council was held last night, when there were present: His Worship the Mayor (Mr. D. A. Sutherland), Messrs. Colledge, McLeod, Stoupe, • Rishwortb, Rowe, ShaJxirick. KpLsaU., and yause.

District Inspector: On the invitation of Dr. Makgill it was resolved to join the other local bodies in employing a district inspector. Tenders: Tenders were received for carting scoria from T. G. Bray, H. and H. Bray, McCarter Brothers, and J. J. Russell. The last-named ■ tender was accepted, being a-s follows:—Carting scoria to east side of Queen-street, Is 4|d per yard: west side. Is 9d; pine, 2s 6d; single horse and dray, lis; dray and double team, 15s.