MORNINGTON COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1342, 18 August 1877, Page 10

MORNINGTON COUNCIL.

The usual meeting of this Council was held in the Hall, Mornington, on Wednesday. Present: — The Mayor, in the chair ; Messrs Fraser, Clayton, Matthews, Law, Simpson, Bathgate, Nicholson, Vine.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Messrs Stewart and Denniston wrote on be half of Mr James Hickey, who opposed Mr Bathgate's election, on the ground that at the time of his nomination and alleged election he was concerned in work to be done for the Council, within the meaning of sec. 61 of the Municipal Corporations Act of 1876, They were instructed to intimate that he would attend at the next meeting of the Council for the purpose of making the necessary declaration and taking his seat. In the event of his right to take part ia the proceedings of the Council being disputed, he would have to take further action in the Supreme Court.

Messrs Chapman and Strode wrote concerning the same subject, assuming that the case was correctly stated to them, they were of opinion that Mr Bathgate's election could not be upset

Mr Bathgate pointed out that under the Local Elections Act the time for protesting against an election was within 14 days. In this instance supposirg the election to have been invalid at the outset, it had now become valid through the lapse of time. He had taken the opinion of Mr Haggitt, and that geatleman was of the same opinion tLat the election couid not be upset.

On the motion of Mr Fraseb the correspondence was accepted as read There were seven applications for tho appointment of Engineer to the Council, and on the motion of Mr Simpson, seconded by Mr Clayton, Mr Hay was elected by five votes to four.

Mr Law reported that he and Mr Matthews had waited on the City Engineer respecting Serpentine Avenue, and the latter had promised to aeaci an Inspector to report upon it. The estimate of expenditure for the next nine months, L 909 1& l£d, was read. Mr Nicholson moved—" That the estimate now submitted be approved of, and that the Clerk be instructed to duly notify the same, in accordance with Bection 109 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876."— Seconded by Mr Matthews, and carried. Mr Vine moved—" That public notification be given of the intention of the Council, at the next meeting, on Wednesday, 29th August, to make a rate of Is in the £, for nine months ending March 31st, 1878."— Seconded by Mr Nicholson, and carried. Mr Fbaseb moved— "That Mr Stone be asked to take the position of honorary Returning Officer."— Seconded by Mr Vine, and carried.