TOWN COUNCIL

Southland Times, Issue 18930, 2 May 1923, Page 6

TOWN COUNCIL

FIRST MEETING OF NEW BODY. The Town Council held its fortnightly meeting last evening—the first under the newly-elected Council—when there were present i:—the Mayor (Mr J. F. Lillicrap), the Mayor elect, Mr A. Bain, and Councillors W. H. Boyes, C. J. Brodrick, C. J. Broad, H. J. Farr ant, A. Glass, John Miller, S. M. Macalister, Hugh Ritchie, R. P. Meek, L. F. Webb and E. Sheehan. Prior to the commencement of the ordinary business the Mayor extended a hearty welcome to the new Counci and especially to those who had not sat at the Council table previously. The new Council had some very important works ahead of it during its term of office, but he did not think that they would have any greater difficulties than had faced the Council which had just gone out of office which had tackled the financial problems that came before them in a very satisfactory manner. In consequence the new Council would be able to start off on a very much better footing. During the past two years the Council had borrowed a very large sum of money and in not a single instance had it to pay more than 6 per cent., whereas in Auckland and Christchurch the Councils there had to pay as much as 64 per cent. Such a state of affairs was very satisfactory indeed and showed that the credit of Invercargill was remarkably good. As regards the Mayor elect, they would have an opportunity subsequently of extending an official welcome to him. His Worship concluded by expressing the hope that the present Council’s work at the expiration .of its term of office would be as satisfactory as had proved to be the case with regard to the old Council. The ratepayers’ decision, he thought, was an expression of confidence in the work of the Council. The Southland Hospital Board wrote, forwarding a statement of accounts and notice of 1/- levy tp be struck on contributory local authorities for the ensuing year —the approximate increase over the amount paid last year being £6O. —The communication was referred to the Accounts Committee. The secretary of the Southland Motor Association wrote, with reference to the question of certificates of competency being issued to drivers of motor cars in the town. —The matter was referred to the Works Committee. / The question of further action being taken with regard to the civil case of McKnight v. the Council, in which judgment was given for the plaintiff for £7O for damages caused by plaintiff’s motor cycle skidding on the tram rail, was referred to the Tramways Committee for further action as regards the question of appeal being made , against the Magistrate’s decision. An application from the Salvation Army Band for a donation, was referred to the Finance Committee for a report. The Council decided to write to the Southland Educational Institute acknowledging receipt of its letter in regard to Education week, and stating that it was sympathetic to the proposal and asking in what way the Council could assist on future occasions. An application from Andrew Purvis for a renewal of his license was referred to the Works Committee for a recommendation. The request of the Orepuki Domain Board for the Council to place the services of its head gardener (Mr Smith) at its disposal to advise on the lay-out of the new grounds, was approved. It was decided to refer all matters in connection with the proposed tepid baths to the Finance Committee. The Council decided to .make a recommendation to the Minister of Labour that the Wednesday half-holiday should be brought into force as from June 6. The reports of the various committees were adopted.