Town Board.

Opunake Times, Volume VII, Issue 323, 12 October 1897, Page 2

Town Board.

The ordinary monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Monday, October 11th. Present—-Messrs G. W. Rogers (chairman), J. M. Hickey, and Christie. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. POUND. The Clerk stated the poundkeeper informed him that he had procured new lettering for the pound-board, and was waiting to get a man to put it on; CONTRACTS. The Clerk said it was the exception now to get contractors to sign agreements in connection with contracts, the contractors objeoting to find the stamps. Resolved, That in future the contractor be required to comply with the general conditions by providing necessary stamps, failing which the Clerk procure same at their cost, and that no contract be commenced until duly signed for. (Rogers-Hickey.) GENERAL CONDITIONS. Resolved, That before obtaining a new supply of printed conditions and agreements, that forms be submitted to the Board's solicitor for revision, (Rogers-Christie). HALL ROOF. Mr Christie stated he had examined the hall roof at the request of the Chairman, and found that it wanted attention. Resolved, That the Clerk get ceiling and roof attended to. (Rogers-Hickey.) LAYARD STREET, Mr Hickey drew attention to the need for repairs to Layard Street. Resolved, That the Clerk get necessary patohing done, (Rogers-Hickey.) RESERVES. The Clerk reported there were several sections falling in which had been let on a yearly tenancy. Mr Christie considered now that they were fenced or partly fenced that they were worth more rent. Messrs Rogers and Hickey were of the same opinion. As some more would fall in in December, it was deemed advisable to wait till then and then advertise them all for three yaars. Resolved, That ocoupiers of section 6, block 14, 8 of bleok 24, and 1 of block 44 be offered the right to occupy the sections until 31st December at present rent. (RogersChristie.) FENCED ROADS. As those who had fences across roads and had received three months' notice to remove same had not done so, it was resolved, That all fences not removed in accordance with notices sent by the 20th October, will be removed by the Board at the cost of the parties who erected them. (Rogers-Hickey.) WAIAUA RIVER. Owing to cattle crossing the Waiaua River trespassing on native land, and being impounded, it was resolved that fencing as suggested by the Clerk be done on north side of bridge. DRAINAGE. Mr Christie drew attention to the nuisance created by offensive matter being allowed to drain into the channelling in front of Mr Bang Chong's premises. As the stench was very bad now, an idea could be formed of what it would be in the summer. The Chairman said it was time the whole matter was gone into, but thought it would be as well to defer consideration of it till there was a fuller Board. The drain on Beach Road was said to be as bad, and in dealing with the matter they should deal with both. The following accounts were passed for payment:— Taranaki County Council, £1 19s; Harbor Board, £1 Is 2d; J. Treweek, 7s 6d; W. D. Soott, 8s 9d; A. Olough, £1 15s; J. Peacock, 6s; J. Knobbs, £2 lis 3d. BREACH OF PRIVILEGE. The Clerk brought a question of privilege before the Board in connection with a report of an altercation which took place in the Board-room a month ago, and wished the Board to take some action to protect him. _ The Chairman saioVhe could not see in what way they had any power to bridle the prea3. Mr Christie thought they could control the press, and one means which suggested itself to him was to make the reporter remain outside until the Board started business. He quite agreed with Mr Moore. For himself he did not care because he did not take the slightest notice of what appeared in the paper about him. Resolved, That consideration of the matter be deferred until there was a fuller meeting. (Christie-Hickey.) HALL HIRE. Mr Moore stated that as Treasurer he had a matter to bring before the Board which was not satisfactory to him. On several occasions less than the amount as shown on the scale for the use of the ball had been handed to him, and in future some one might go through the books and seeing that the proper scale charges had not been credited might make all sorts of slanderous statements. The chairman had the letting of the hall and the custodian had the collection of the hire. The custodian sometimes handed the money to the chairman, who then gave it to him and he might put it in his pocket and some mistake might occur. He considered the custodian should bring the money to his office and that any reduction in the charge made by the chairman should be confirmed by a resolution of the Board. Tho Chairman explained that in certain circumstances reductions were made on the scale of charges, but such arrangements had been left in the hands of the chairman. If the Board was not satisfied with his action then he thought the best thing they could do was to pass a vote of oensure on him. It was decided that matters remain as at present and that if at any time, when less than scale charge was received by the Treasurer, he could bring the matter before the Board and get it dealt with, DOMAIN BOARD, Same members. Mr Christie chairman. Minutes read and confirmed. GRAZING. Mr Christie explained that as the Town Board sat so late at its last meeting, that he did not bother holding a meeting of the Domain Board. Mr O'Brien had spoken to him about the grazing of the Recreation Reserve, which he said, had good grass in it, and asked if the Board intended letting it. He (Mr Chrisfie) went and saw that there was good grass there. He then saw Messrs Rogers and D. McGregor, who were agreeable to let it, and that notices be posted up in in Newman's Pettigrew's, Christie's and Moore's windows. Only one tender was received, that of Mr O'Brien at 22s 6d. He saw Messrs Rogers and D. McGregor, and they were agreeable to accept the tender, and it was let to Mr O'Brien. Resolved, that the action of the chairman be confirmed. (Rogers-Hickey.) Mr Rogers said he would suggest that in future it be advertised. He was under the impression when he agreed to the posting up of notices that when it was let before to Mr Clare that was the course pursued, but he found he was wrong, as it was duly advertised on that occasion. Publicly advertising it, if only onee, did away with any complaintß, and would free them from the imputation of any hole and corner business. Mr Christie said there might have been another tender from Mr M. Carroll, who intendended putting in 30s for it, but he was away in New Plymouth and forgot to wire Mr Scott to put in tender. Mr Hickey did not object to the Chairman's action but it would be better to advertise it, which would save a lot of talk.