Invercargill Borough Council.

Southland Times, Issue 15016, 9 August 1901, Page 2

Invercargill Borough Council.

Thursday, Stk Al<-. Tht- ordinaiy meeting was Attended liy the mayor (Mr C. S. Longuet) ami Conncillors 1). Roche, G. Froggatt, A. MeKdlur, W. A. Ott, John F. Lillierap, W. B. Scandrett, \V. Macalistcr, J. Stead, W. Stead, W. Manson and \V. N. Stirling. Messrs T. M. Macdoimld and Sons wrote stating that the lea-tes of W. I. Wilrox nn<] C. H. Mcllish in the Seaward Bush endowment had been taken over. — The Mayor said it was a pity these people should have put the Coumil to this expense, nevertheless it was neeeK-nrv. L. L. McDermott wrote that should the Council think the cost of introducing the sealed pan system too expensive, he was prepared to undertake tho whole of the work at£l per pan yearly, and provide the plant free of cost to the householders. --Referred to the Sanitary Committee. Four residents in Northencl asked the Council to cut an open drain on the western side of Kelvin road, from the Park drain, about 5 chains in all. — Referred to the Works Committee. The Premie wired asking for lea*, o o! absence to be granted to Major Hawkins tor the purpose of attending a military board ot enquiry in Wellington. — The Mayor said this was one of those things that occurred sometimes. The telegram was urgent and he had no opportunity of calling them together. It was true that there had been a ginxl deal of this* kind of tiling, but he considered he could only let the gas manager yi; under the circumstances and he tru^U'd his action would be approved. — Councillor Froggatt moved that the mayor's action bt approved, still he thought it wat a serious matter. If tho g.is manage i had to give so much time to his military cfuties, ire could not be doing hi> duty to tho Council and the ratepayers, and they would have to take tho question into their consideration. — Councillor Scandrett seconded the motion and said the Mayor could not have done anything else under the circumstances, still there was a good deal in what Councillor Froggatt had said. It was a pity that some otherotiicer in a more independent position could not have been #ot to rill this position. — The Mayor said the first telegram that came was a command to Major Hawkins to report himself in Wellington. He replied that he must lirst get leave, and the Premier's wire was the result. — Councillor Stead said it was a compliment to Major Hawkins to be given a place on thin Board, and the enquiry affected the very life of volunteering. Ho diil not think that anything else- could have been dime by the Mayor. — Councillor doc ho thought the matter deserved greater consideration from tho Council. He wanted to know who was in charge of the works.— The Mayor said the gas manager had made the best arrangements with the men at the works to carry on in his absence. — Councillor Roche said he did not think this was sufficient. It was a serious responsibility and a delicate matter for the Council to consider, and he thought no oth'cer should put the Council in such a delicate position. The time had arrived when the true position inufit be defined, and he hoped tho lias Committee would look into the matter. — The motion was carried. Tho Mayor stated than Inspector Cameron had also left with the Pipe Band, to take part in the funeral of the late Sir John McKeuzie. — The Mayor's action was approved, Councillors Roche and Froggiitt saying the two positions were on a very dilf'ereut footing. The gaa manager forwarded a sample length of black iron service pipe, removed from Ksk street, showing the effect of some soil on uncoated pipes, and pointed out that there would be more or less leakage according to the kind of soil in which the pipe was laid. He recommended tests to be made so that eßCaping yaa might be located. — Referral to the Gas Committee. Councillor Macaliator wanted to know why lliree of tho officers did not send in reports. — The Mayor said two of them were kid up, and ho did not understand why the other had not reported. The clause in the Finance report of 9th July, held over from a previous meeting, came up for consideration. The clause was as follows; — "Upon consideration of tho question of the erection of a building for fire brigado purposes, and in view of the absolute necessity for suitable accommodation being provided for the fire brigade, that a proposal be submitted to the ratepayers for borrowing a sum sufficient to erect a Town Hall on the Tay street site, with ft fire brigado station include-d. " — Councillor Macali.iter moved that tin- clause bo adopted and thought many people were in favour of such a scheme. — Councillor Scandrett seconded and said he thought the town had reached that position when a town hall was necessary, and it was within their means. He thought the hall would be suitable for a theatre or any gathering. — Councillor Lillicrap moved as an amendment—that the Council invite tho architects of ItiVdrc-argill and Dunedin to send in competitive designs at a premium of £2o for the first prize for the erection of a town hall and tire brigade station combined on the Tny 9treet land, and that the erection of the fire brigade station be proceeded with at once out of the money now in hand. Councillor Ott seconded the amendment and said a station was absolutely necessary. If they had their brigade properly concentrated they could demand a reduction in tho insurance rates. —Councillor Roche said Councillor Scandrett was dreaming. The Council had no money and it was no use talking. Did they want to drive the people into tho suburbs ? They were afraid to meet their banker. They must study the question and let the town get into a clearer position before they undertook the expenditure of such an amount. He noticed that young councillors were «lwny a g^i^g \, Q ce t the town right and beautify it, but when they had had an interview with the banker they were apt to change their minds. — Councillors MacaUster and Scandrett said Councillor Roche had exaggerated the financial position of tho town, which waa on a sound footing and in as good a position as any other boruugh in the colony. — The motion was carried, Councillors Froggatt, J. Stead, .Scandrett, W. .Stead, Muculistcr, Manson and .Stirling voting for it, and Councillors Roclu. 1 , Lillicrap and Ott against it. The Public Works Committee- recommended that the solicitors' opinion be obtained us to the liability of the Council in case of accident to any of the workmen connected with the quarry contract, also as to the Council's liability in respect of workmen's wayes ; (2) in accoi dance with the report ul the niavur and Councillor Stilling

that. No. 3 reserve, Gala street, bo withdrawn trom letting, and be ploughed and a hedge planted on the western boundary ; (3) that the engineer be instructed to preparo plans and specifications for a bridge in Ythan street, full width, witli the view of tenders being called for the work ; (4) Uiat the Railway Department be informed that the Council have the question of Puni Creek under consideration and hope to have the matter attended to shortly ; (5) that the Railway Dcputment be informed thut iist-Bimii ji-i the weather will permit tin- Hjj(iroa<-1i..-.s tv the station will be put in ord.;r : (Oi upon further consideration of the clause in tliU commit en's report of 15th Juno on the subject of the sealed pan system for nightsoil, and also considering the existing agreement with the owner of the present depot, that, tho present system ho continued ; (7) that the. present system <>t removal of nightsoil he continued and that a direct charge l><? made for the service :u rordint; to a scale to be submitted to the Council ii. itd next meeting ; (S) that Inspector Cameron be appointed inspector of buildings under the Municipal Corporations Act. 1900 ; (!)) The Committee reported : that they cannot recommend the purchase of the road roller offered by tho Christ church Council. In regnrd to clause 7, Councillor Scandrott moved as an amendment that instead of a direct chirge a rato of 2d be struck. He thought this would be a fair way of doing it ai everyone was interested in the sanitary condition of the town. — Councillor Roche defended tho direct charge, saying .it was i t lie only equitable and proper way of raising the monoy — Councillor Macalister said he was in favour n|' tho amendment, which ap peiirwl t > liim to be the mothod contemplated by the Act. — The amendment was not seconded. Mr Macali.ster having neglected t-o take the right opportunity to do so. —Councillor Stead therefore moved as an amendment that the clause be referred back to the committee, which was seconded and caiiiod, and tho report, as amended, adopted. The riiianci- Committee recommended: — ilj that the harbourmaster he instructed to ■supervise tho removal of gravel from the river ; (H) that applications be invited for the position of cadet in the office : (4) The committee reported having again considered clause 4 of last report and still think it desirable that the rates in question be remitted on tins occasion ; (o) having examined accounts for £4')2 2s lid and have passed same for payment — Public Workß £135 11s 6d, abattoir £13 10s 6d, reserves £•2:? lb's harbour £47 12s 6d, cemetery £8 '.is w.i t rworks £21 18s Bd, sanitary £35 2s, ya -works £80 17s !*d. municipal £33 15s. In regard to Clause 3 Councillor Roche thought the salary should commence at £26 and inm-;i«e correspondingly. — Councillor Man.so-i thought it would ne well if applicants had suine, knowledge of typewriting. — Councillor Macalister wa.s of tho same opinion. It might not be a necessary qualiticUiou but the information would be valuable. The report was adopted. The euuiicd then adjourned.