Opunake Town Board.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 13, 14 August 1894, Page 3

Opunake Town Board.

AUGUST 18tu. Present —Messrs Rogers (chairman), Middleton, C. McGregor, and J. M. Hickey. Mr E. H. Secombe tendered his resignation as pouudkeeper and ranger until the Board put the pound in a state of repair. Mr Middleton moved Mr McGregor seconded, that the clerk inspect the pound and make an estimate of the cost of putting it in repair, an'l report to a committee, consisting of the chairman, Mr McGregor, and the mover; ■with a view to calling for tenders, returnable at next meeting. The Chairman asked the opinion of members as to whether or not it would be advisable to move the pound into a more central position in the town, in which case, he thought there would be less trouble in getting some : one to look after it, and it would possibly be more revenue-producing. Mr Hickey strongly favored this idea, as it would give people a much better chance of seeing when any stock belonging to them happened to be in pound. ' Mr McGregor thought it was right enough where it was, and thought that it might be considered a nuisance if it were erected in the town. Mr Middleton said that it might be as well to wait and see the clerk’s report. If it would cost too much to repair the present one, then they could consider the erection of a new one. If, on the other band, the cost of repairs would not be great, they could go on with the tenders.

* The motion was carried. Eesolved that the chairman interview Mr Seccombe and request him to act as poundkeeper and ranger till further notice, failing that, to make the best temporary arrangement possible. [Middleton-McGregor.] • George Jones applied to lease section 1, Block 44, for 21 years. Resolved, That he be informed, that he can have it for three years at the upset rental of 4s. The Board had not the necessary power to lease for 21 years without advertising same and putting it up to public competition. [Middleton-Hickey.] The solicitor to the School Commissioners wrote, asking for advice regarding school reserves, and if the Board thought that lowering the upset rental would cause them to be taken up. Messrs J. J. Cummins and J. Stewart, on behalf of the Opunake Brass Band, vested certain instruments, to the value of £3l, in the Resolved, That the trust be accepted with thanks.— [Rogers-Middleton.] Mr R. Smith, Manaia, wrote, offering to contract with the Board for tree-planting, such contract to be subject to a guarantee that the trees would grow. Mr Middleton considered that it was the most sensible way they could spend a few pounds. Mr Hickey was also of the same opinion. The Chairman thought that it would be the cheapest way to get planting done to contract with Mr Smith, as it would not cost more than at present, and they would have the guarantee. Resolved, That Mr Smith be informed that the Board did not contemplate planting any more this present season.— [Middleton-Rogers.] Resolved, That the charge for the ball for the jetty concert be reduced from £1 to 7s 6d, and that any concerts in future for the same object be charged the same amount.—RogersMiddleton. Bank balance—Cr., £lOl 16s. The following accounts were passed for payment:—J. S. Knobbs, £3 4s 7d ; Taranaki County Council, £1 8s 6d; A. H. Moore, 7s 9d ; King, £2 5s 6d ; 0. Humphries, £6 8s 4d ; D. McSweeney, £2 Is 2d; Christie and Co., 118. OPUNAKE DOMAIN BOARD. Same members present. Major Tuke offered to take unleased sections in Government paddock, on certain conditions, at upset rental. The Board not having power to lease for a term of three years without all the conditions being complied with, it was resolved, That Major Tuke be granted the use of them, on the terms offered by him, as a yearly tenant.