BOROUGH COUNCIL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3788, 28 May 1885, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The Council last evening held a special and an adjourned ordinary meeting. Present at both —His Worship the Mayor, end Crs Sherratt, Bower, Bush, Delaney, W. Jones, Gobites, Sutter, Hill, and W. H. Jones. SPECIAL MEETING.

The motion standing in Cr Sutter’s name, seconded by Cr Bush was carried without discussion, as follows : "That an annual general rate of fourpence in the pound sterling be made on the raises of the rateable properties, as appearing on the valuation roll for the Borough, now ia force for the year 1885 ; that the following water rates be made—in respect of the ordinary supply upon all lauds and buildings to which water is supplied whose rateable value cn the valuation roll does not exceed £l2 10s, a rate of ton shillings per annum ; exceeds £l2 10s bat does not exceed £IOO a rato of 7 per eent on such value ; exceeds £IOO, but does not exceed £2OO, a rate of 6 per cent on such value ; exceeds £2OO, but does not exceed £3OO, a rate of 5 per cent on such value. Upon all lend and buildings to which water can be, but is not supplied, situate within one hundred yards from any part of the waterworks, a rate of one-half of the rates above-mentioned. Upon all buildings used as stores or warehouses, or for any purpose other than a dwelling-house, a rate of 2£ per cent on the rateable value. Provided that any dwelliog-honae remaining actually unoccupied for not lesa than six months in any year if the owner or occupier give notice iu writing to the Council of the dates on which the same becomes vacant and on which it is again occupied, a rate at only one-half the amount otherwise payable. The foregoing rates to apply and be for the period commencing on the Ist day of January, 1885, and ending on the Slat day of December, 1885.- The rate* above mentioned, together with the Annual Becnrring Special Bate for interest on Waterworks Loan of one shilling in the pound, to be payable in each case in two half-yearly instalments on the first day of June, 1885, and on the Ist day of December, 1885, to Edwin Henry Lough, the appointed Bate Collector, or to sueh other officer of the Council as may from time to time be appointed to recover the same,” His Worship the Mayor and Cts Bush and Sutter were appointed to sign the rate roll.

Cr Bush moved, Cr Jones seconded, and it was carried—“ That the audited annual statement of accounts be adopted and that His Worship the Mayor be requested to sign the same.”

THE ORDINARY MEETING was then opened.

COBBESPOSDBNCH

was read— From the Postmaater-G-eneral informing the Council that Government had jnat arranged to establish regular steam communication between New Zealand and Tonga, Samoa and Tahiti with the express object of fostering and extending the trade of New Zealand with the islands. The service would be once every two months, and was to commence from Dunedin on the Ist proximo. The steamer (Janet Niooll) to be used was of 763 tons, had large cargo space, arranged with special regard to the tropical trade of the islands. The route was to be from Dunedin by way of Lyttelton, Wellington, Napier and Auckland to Tonga, Samoa and Tahiti, or Tahiti, Samoa and Tonga, back to Auckland, thence to Dunedin, vi£ Napier, Wellington or Lyttelton. A similar letter bad been sent to all Borough Councils and Chambers of Commerce in the colony. From Mr A. Wilson, asking the Council to sanction the transfer of his license for the Borongh night cart to Mr Jai. Gliddon. Granted. From Mr Jas. Gliddon stating that Mr Blanchett was infringing upon bis (Mr Gliddoa’s) scavenging contract. Referred to Works Committee, From Mr Thomas Scott, requesting the issue of a driver’s license. Granted. From Mr D. M. Boss, stating that he was negotiating with the “ Timarn Herald” Company for the sale of a piece of land fronting on Sophia street, and to give to them a right of way from Sophia street to Main South Botd (known as “ Boss’s Arcade,’’) such way to be 18 feet wide fronting Sophia street, and 12 feet (with right to build ever) fronting Main Road. Before concluding the treaty, Mr Ross desired to ask the Council for the right to build offices and shops on the said way (without dwellings), inch buildings to be according to the approval of the Council’s 1 Surveyor. Mr Boss said be would covenant to prevent any nuisances and not to construct dwelling bouses in the Areade. A resolution of the Council, passed some time ago, was prohibitory to his scheme, but Mr Boss trusted the Council would see its way clear to grant his request, ae it must be admitted that such right-of-way would be a public convenience, and if Mr Ross eould not bnild as requested the way would be closed at great loss to him and to others interested. Mr Ross forwarded a tracing of the right-of-way required. The Town Clerk read the resolution referred to. After some discussion Cr Bower moved, Cr Gabites seconded, and it was carried —“ That in view of the great importance of this matter it be referred to the Borongh Solicitor for an opinion on it for the guidance of the Council.”

REPORTS. The Foreman reported on the works in hand, and in reference to the drainage on the Melville Hotel property a letter was read from Mr Mullin. The Foreman of Works reported that the concrete sewer which would answer to the purpose of carrying off the water from the whole of that block would cost £350, but a temporary abatement of the nui. sance might be effected for le6s. Cr Sutter said he should certainly vote against any private drainage. A complete system for the Borough was wanted, and if they constructed private drains here, there, and everywhere, a general system would never be insti* toted,

Gr Hill suggested that the matter should be referred to the Works Committee. This was agreed to, the Mayor remarking that “ that Committee was a very handy thing just now." (Laughter). The reservoir caretaker reported that there was a good bead of water coming down, and that the depth of water in the reservoir was IBft 13in.

The Inspector of Waterworks reported that the leakage from the pipes round Mount Horrible had been stopped. He added that several persons (naming them) were in the habit of wrongfully taking water from certain taps on ceN

tain sections, and he asked the Council to direct him what to do with the offender*. One of these was a milkman and thelnspector reported that he had observed him partly filling his cans at a neighbor’* tap. The reading of this caused a good deal of amusement. Referred to the Works Committee. THE GAS QUESTION.

His Worship said he and a councillor intended waiting on the Gas Directors, but the Directors bad met and the interview could not come off.

One or two councillors proposed letting the matter stand over to next meeting of the Council. Cr. Sutter explained that the directors were now in correspondence with the various companies ia New Zealand as to price* charged, and no doubt as soon as replies had beeen received, the Company would be prepared to meet the Council according to the information then in their possession. He would advocate the bringing in of a Bill for a forced sale, at a valuation, of the whole plant. Cr Delaney could not for the life of him understand why the Council should be waiting on the Company in this way and paying £8 10s per lamp per annum when they might have lamps at a cost of £6 10s eaob. After a discussion the matter was allowed to stand over pending further information. THE LIGHT IN THE CLOCK. Cr Bush moved as be had given notice of his intention to do—“ That the resolution passed re lighting the town •lock one night per week be rescinded.” Cr Sutter seconded the motion. In speaking to the motion Cr Bush said the price charged was exorbitant, and the light was no boon to the public ; for the time could never be distinguished by that clock unless one mounted to the roof of a building to look. (A laugh.) He was of opinion that the Council coaid not afford the expense, and the money had better be spent on putting np two lamps in the Borough where most needed. (A voice: “Brown street.” A laugh.) Ho did not care whether it was Brown or any other street, if the light were needed. Or Sutter characterised the expenditure as a piece of gross extravagance. Or Jones objected to having the clock stopped. His Worship remarked that it wouldn’t stop the clock. Cr Jones, continuing, said it woold be rather inconvenient to the public to have the clock darkened, for on Saturday night people set their watches for the next week. Cr Bower made a statement as to the lighting of the clock. Cr Delaney did not wish to be personal but he would say they saw at that table a little too much of the anxiety of gas shareholder*. No douit in these depressed times everybody wanted to put by something for themselves, but the Council had not to consider the Gas Company, It was moved as an amendment hy Cr Sherratt, seconded by Cr Jones “That the Mayor and Councillor appointed to see the Gas Company re street lighting, bring this matter of clock lighting before the Company at the same interview.” The Mayor expressed his conviction that if the Gas Company were approached they would make a concession both as to the lamp* and the clock. Cr Bush in a highly humorous speech said they had had experience of the Gas Company’s tender mercies. Yes, no doubt the Company would grant a great reduction. Oh yes, no doubt. They bad often been asked to make a reduction before, but they bad never done it, and he thought it a simple waste of time to go on approaching the directors in this way. (Laughter). He believed in Cr Sutter’s plan of a forced sale.

His Worship was about to put the amendment, when Cr Delaney suggested that Cr Bush should form one of the deputation. (Laughter.) He was sure the majority of the Connell would be in favor of his going down there. (Renewed laughter.) The amendment, on being put, was lost.

Cr Bower moved as a further amendment—“ That the clock be lighted up from 7.30 to 12 o’clock on Saturday nights only. This amendment was also lost, on which His Worship remarked tearfully •—“We’re going to have a benighted town.” The motion was then pnt. The voting being equal on both sides His Worship exclaimed, “Well! I shall vote for the light.” (Loud applause from the light party, and subdued groans from the other side.) MILES, AECHHE & cols OLD STORE,

Cr Bash asked whether any steps ha ) been taken, concerning Messrs Miles Archers old building. The public were alarmed at it, and if the Council did not proceed in the matter, other people would act contrary to the regulations by also putting up unsafe buildings. Cr Hall-Jones also said he should like to know something about the affair. Nothing had been mentioned and it gave rise to unpleasant remarks among the public, for the Council to be so reticent on the subject. He would like to bear something. The Tovn Clerk explained that the matter was now in the hands of the Borough solicitors who had written a letter, which it was not deemed expedient to read openly at this stage. Cr Hall Jones appearing still dissatisfied, The Mayor said the matter had not dropped and Crs might see, in faet most of them had seen, the letter, but really it was unwise to publish it. The letter was then handed to Cr Jones, who having read it, said he knew that much a week ago. He bad heard from an outsider all about that letter.

The matter then dropped, Hii Worship again assuring the unbelieving Or that the matter bad not dropped. THE TOWN BELT. Cr Sutter reported that Bis Worship and himself had waited upon the levels Road Board re the Town Belt and bad been received by them in a most courteous spirit and the question of the Town Belt bad been fully discussed. A HEW LIGHT IN THE SOOTH. Cr Hill, who had watched his opportunity, now adroitly slipped up to the Mayor's desk the following motion—- “ That the Works Committee be instructed to get a lamp erected on the corner of South and High streets.” The movement, however, did not escape the eagle eye of a Councillor opposite, who immediately reminded Cr Hill that he must at this stage, give notice of the motion. This Cr. Hill, with charming innocence, professed his readiness to do and the motion was then tabled. FINANCE. The Borough fund was stated to be as fellowsDr.—-General account, £690 9s ; maintenance account, £3O 6s lid, Cr.—Special rate account, £ll. Accounts were passed for payment as follows:—On general accounts, £79 9s; on maintenance account, £BO. The Council then rose.