Town Board.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 47, 11 December 1894, Page 3

Town Board.

ordinary monthly meeting was ■field on Monday, December 10th. Pre-Ff-nt— Messrs H. Seccombe, D. McGregor, A. O'Brien, and G. W. Rogers. The clerk read Mr W. Middleton's resignation of chairmanship and membership of the Board. Mr McGregor suggested that they should appoint a temporary chairman, and as soon as the vacancy was filled allow the full Board to elect the permanent chairman, as whoever would bo elected might be the most suitable man for the office. The other members agreed that it would be better to defer the matter. The Clerk read an opinion from Mr Caplen that it was necessary to appoint a permanent chairman. Mr McGregor moved, and Mr O'Brien seconded, that Mr Rogers be appointed chairman. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Mr McGregor moved, in accordance with notice given, that a rate of |d in the £ be struck. Seconded by Mr Seccombe and carried.

Resolved that the clerk be appointed collector. [Rogers-O'Brien. |

Resolved that Messrs O'Brien and Seccombe be appointed to sign ratebook. [Rogers-McGregor.] Correspondence from—Colonial Secretary requesting comparative return of cost of licensing elections for 1891 and 1894. Forwarded. From Walter Read, complaining of pouadkeeper running stock, and refusing to pay driving fees. Letter to be acknowledged, and he to be informed that the matter was outside the jurisdiction of the Board.

From W. Rennell, inquiring if the natives had yet taken any steps to grub the furze on Rimupiko. From the Commissioner of Crown Lands, notifying that the Land Board had decided to lease all unsold sections in the township. Voluminous cor respon deuce was read from Messrs Syrnes and Styles with reference to the pound board. Outward correspondence wa? read and approved. Resolved that the time for receiving applications for offices of pjundkeeper or ranger, or both combined, be extended for one week. [Rogers-Mc-Gregor.] It was moved that a copying press be oltaincd. [Rogers-O'Brien.]

Mr McGregor moved, as an amendment, that one be procured, the clerk to pay half the cost. He moved the amendment as he considered the clerk would have the use of it, and he thought the clerk was responsible for clear copies of corrcsondence. i The clerk declined to bear'auy of the cost. The motion was carried, Mr McGregor disseuting. Resolved that applications be called for the office of Registrar of Dogs. [Seccombe-Rogors j Resolved that the chairman be authorised to sign cheques. In answer to enquiries made at a previous meeting by Mr McGregor, the clerk laid on the table a return of all the Government sections iu the town district. Resolved that the Minister of Lauds be applied to and requested to vest all unsold lands within the town district iu the Board. [McGregor-Rogers.]

Resolved that the Commissioner of Crown Lands be requested to put up the reserves for lease in the Town Hall, Opunakc. [Rogers-McGregor.] Permission was granted to Mr H. H. Seccombe to erect two hitching posts in front of his shop. Resolved that kerbiug be fixed in front of Mr Knowles' premises.

Mr O'Brien drew attentiou to the necessity of a porch in front of the Town Hall, which could be used as' a ticket office as well. That and several other matters were held over for the Board to inspect and consider at a future meeting.

A rebate of 10s in hire of hall was allowed on account of an entertainment held on the 24th May, as the proceeds were to be devoted towards a school children's picnic.