ROSLYN BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13544, 17 March 1906, Page 4

ROSLYN BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Eoslyti Borough Council was held last evening, when there were present—The Mayor (Mr A. Washer), Crs Matheson, Ctdder, Dawson, M'Carthy, J. A. M'Millon, Hamel, Tothl, Bell, and A. Jl'Millan. Cr Matheson apologised for tho absence of Cr Wilkinson.

COKRKSrONDENCK. Messrs Morton and Son, Kailtorai, wrote asking that a crossing be placed in front of their.shop, part cost of which they were prepared to defray.—Work to be done, and an asphalt crossing laid down on the terms staled.

George Brown, Cramuore, wrote- again requesting that n, lamp be placed at the foot of Waverley street, when the extension of street lighting was considered.—Received;

The secretary of the Dunediu Drainage and Sewerage Board wrote making aplication for the payment, of all moneys collected for drainage rate on behalf nf the hoard, as required by (lie net.—lt waa suggested that- commission be at the rate of 25 per cent, as before, though the drainage rate had been doubled.—Letter received, (lie hoard to he informed that (lie council cannot, accept 2J per cent/

J. Boss wrote claiming a rebate ot one half rate on account of his property not having been occupied.—Referred to the Finance Committee. George T. Bain wrote asking that the inspector be instructed to examine the drainage through his properly.—Referred to tho inspector.

Wiu. Sharpe wrote calling attention to footpath in Broughton street, opposite Mr Fea's property, which was dangerous to foot passengers. One accident had already occurred.— Inspector instructed to attend to the matter; also that the Works Cominitteo be asked to bring down a report on the matter of top dressing. REPORTS. The Works Committee reported and recommended as follows:—"That an application from Mr Pringle Walker for permission to fence in a part of the embankment on Chester's road be granted during the- council's pleasure. That with regard to an account rendered by the City Council for £76 2s 3d, half cost of Belt road repairs, the work not having been carried out according to arrangement, tho inspector be instructed to ask the City engineer for on explanation. Your committee has no further recommendation to make in respect of Mr Moran's aplication for half cost of !iis concrete wall, considering that the council is not in any way liable legally. That Messrs Moody and Grey be usked if they will supply for Gamma street metal in terms of their offer of 21st November last, and in such caso that they submit security for the due performance of tho contract; failing Messrs Moody and Grey's acceptance, the tender of Messrs Purloii Bros, at 7s per yard be accepted. That tho tender of Mr AV. Dow for spreading metal and reforming roadways in Epsilon and Gamma streets be accepted R3 under: Spreading metal, 9d per yard; road work, £1 Is per chain. That the public drain be extended on the lower or western sido of Gamma street, cost of same to be debited to the Kaikorai drainage account,"— It was resolved that Mr Moran be paid £3 for the destruction of his hedge.—The report was adopted.

Tho Finance Committee recommended and reported on correspondence as follows: —

" From Mr G. S. Matheson, offering to collect the dog tax for 190G, at 12 per cent, commission. That the offer be declined, and that the dog tax be collected direct from the office. From Mr P. Smeatoii, protesting against his property being rated as sewered property on the grounds that the levels did not .permit him to use tho Drainage Board's pipe sewer in Pacific street. That the Drainage Board's attention be called to the matter, and that they bo requested to treat these properties on the northern side of Pacific street, which cannot be drained by way of Pacific street, as unseworcd properties. From the Drainage and Sewerage Board, giving notice that a special order would be made for power to, levy rates.—Letter received. From Messrs Haggitt, Brent, and Williams, submitting form of debenturo with conditions providing lepayinent. That the council approvo of debenture and conditions attached for repayment of tho loan of £1000 for lighting installation. Your committee recommends the appointment of Messrs John Roberts, C.M.G., and Robert Glendining as sinking fund comniisioners for the £1000 loan, providing theso gentlemen will consent to act. The estimates for the year 190G-7 are submitted herewith for your approval, and your committee recommends that the general rate be fixed at Is 4d, and the sanitation rate at 5d in the pound. Further, that a final notice be served on all persons owing accounts for korbing and channeling up to 31st December last, and that unless they are paid beforo the end of the present month legal proceedings will be taken for recovery. That a payment of £75 be made to tho Dunedin Draiuage and Sewerage Board."—The council recommended the payment of accounts amounting to £254 7s lid, and reported the bank overdraft at £5005, and revenue £898 Bs. —Cr Matheson asked how the amount outstanding for rates compared with previous years.—Tho Clerk stated that the council was a little better off in this respect as far as last year was concnied.—There was some discussion on the question of the sanitation rate, and it was stated that at present there was an annual loss of £66 per annum in this department. It was contended that those who benefited by tho sanitary service should pay for it, while those in the outer area should bo exempt altogether.—The Mayor was of opinion that the council had been collecting money from people which they had no right to do.—The estimates for the year wore read by the clerk.—Cr Matheson referred to the large amount being paid for hospital and charitable aid—£4oo odd. Ho thought the ratepayers should be made aware of this, and he thought a special and separate rate should bo charged. No one grudged it, of course, but it was on a different footing to ordinary rates.—Cr Dawson made some remarks -about the extravagant manner in which the Hospital was carried on, considering that Roslyn was called upon to contribute £230 for this department alone.—Cr Matheson said he was sorry to hear such a statementAfter further desultory disension the report wob adopted. ■ CIEKERMi. On the motion of Cr. Hamel a form of debenture for repayment of the lighting loan as submitted by Haggitt, Brent, and Williams was formally approved, five debentures of £200 each to be offered at 5 per cent. It was also resolved that a special meeting be held on April 20 for tho purpose of making a special order for a special rate to provide for interest and repayment of loan, and also that Messrs John Roberts and Eobert Glendining bo the loan commissioners.

Formal resolutions were passed as to the making of the following rates to be struck, on April 20:—General, Is 4d; sanitation, sd; lighting, 15(1. The Mayor gave notice of motion to move at next meeting—"That the council take steps to borrow £10,000, such sum to he spent on works." .The Mayor added that the winter was coming on, and the money would he required. Perhaps 'it would bo advisable for councillors to take a cruise round the borough, and see what was necessary in this respect.

It was. resolved to forward a letter to Cr Wilkinson, expressing the sympathy of the council in his illness.

Cr it'Carthy referred to the wont of a lamp ill Francis street, and the matter is to be attended to as speedily as possible.

Cr Matheson mentioned the fact that a newly-appointed councillor for Sunnyside had left the district, and ho-did not think the clerk could take any steps until the councillor formally resigned—rather an unfortunate thing for the ratepayers.—The Mayor stated that the council cou'.d take Bteps when the councillor had been absent for three successive meetings, and it was suggested that a, ratepayer might be asked to write to the councillor, asking him privately to send in his resignation.