MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

Southland Times, Issue 1557, 29 March 1872, Page 2

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

♦ The Council met last night, when the Mayor aud all the Councillors were present. An application from David Elliot to lake sand from the municipal property was granted. Mr J. T. Martin applied to lease a municipal section, which the Council decided it had no power in the meantime to deal with. A report from the Captain of the Fire Brigade was read, which stated that the street wells had been tested and found to contain an average of 8 feet of water. Certain repairs were also suggested. Salaries t> the amount of £73 6s 4d were passed for payment. The clerk reported that £351 had been received as town rates to date. An account from G-eo. Clark, for 550 yards of gravel, amounting to £67 5s 6d, was pissed for payment. An application from the engineer, asking for an advance of salary, was postponed for a fortnight. A letter from Mr J. T. Martin relative to' the Spey-street drain was referred to i the Public Works Committee.

■ . The following report of the Public "Works Committee was read and held over for consideration : — The Public Works Committee reported that having considered the following matters, they agree to recommend — Ist. That the carting of gravel, formation, ierbing and spreading of gravel on south footpalh of Gala-street, be executed by contract, and that the owners of property fronting or abutting on this footpath be charged with the cost of kerbin?. in accordance with the 12th clause of the " Municipal Corporations Empowering Act." 2nd. That the cost of kerbina Don-street footpath, from Kelvin-street to Deveron-street, be charged to the owners of property abutting thereon. 3rd. After consultation with the surveyor, recommend that the east path of Dee-street be repaired by contract. 4th. That tenders should be rolled for gravelling a width of 15 feet of Jed-street from Tay to Esk-street, the estimated cost being £25. sth. That the clerk be authorised to incur the necessary expense for cartage of any material that may be available from the foundation of the Grammar School to the Esk-street roadway. 6th. That the Council purchase the heavy iron roller offered for sale by Mr Garthwaite, and that the block of stone required for survey adjustments be obtained at once. 7th. Tbat an expenditure of about 15s be authorised for frosting the four windows of the hall, and writing " Town Clerk's Office" on wne window. Bth. That the words " Town Hall" be inserted on the front of the hall in place of the motto of the square and compasses. After a lengthened discussion, it was agreed tbat the receipt of the letter be acknowledged, and its further consideration postponed. The following communication from the Mayor of Dunedin, dated 21st instant, was read and considered : — Sir, — The necessity which exists in order to ensure the permanent and proper working of the various municipalities throughout the Province, that the provincial authorities should in some way permanently endow or subsidise the various corporations, has for some time past forced itself upon my attention, as doubtless it bas upon yours. It iB I think quite evident that many, if not all the municipalities, cannot carry on their functions much longer in a satisfactory manner without some assistance from tbe Government, and seeing that Road Boards are liberally endowed, there exists, in my opinion, no valid reason why municipalities should not be similarly assisted. In order to force this matter effectively upon the attention of the Provincial Council at its next sittings, I would propose that a conference of all the Majors in the Province should be held, when the subject could be thoroughly diecussed. I would suggest the conference should take place in Dunedin, as the most central. I shall be glad to learn as early as possible if my proposal meets with your approval. Sbculd the replies from tbe various Mayors, or a majority oi them, be favorable, I would at once convene the meeting, as no time should be lost. I am thoroughly convinced much good will result from the conference, and shall be glad to hear the idea meets with your concurrence. Awaiting the favor of an early reply. — I am, &c, H. S. Fish, Jun. The Council adjourned at 11.30 p.m.