NEW BRIGHTON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 438, 6 July 1915, Page 2

NEW BRIGHTON.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of the New Brighton Borough Council was held last evening when there were present: Messrs J. A. Flesher (Mayor), F. Kibhlewhite, F. Holland, J. Ainger, C. H. Winny, F. H. Christian, J. Ashley, A. M. Leaver, and J. Buxton.

A motion of condolence with the relaitves of Lance-Corporal H. L. Wyatt, who was killed in action at the Dardanelles on June 21, was passed.

An application from Mr A. Munns, secretary of the Library Committee, for the vote upon last year's estimate was received. As nothing had been paid on the 1914 estimates it was agreed that £lO be granted. The Lyttelton Borough Council wrote suggesting that as Sumner and Woolston were now separately represented on the Christchurch Domains Board, Lyttelton and New Brighton should combine and have one representative. The Lyttelton body were prepared to accept the nomination of Mr J. Ashley, the late representative of the New BrightonSumner district. The suggestion was agreed to and Mr Ashley was appointed. A letter from Mr F. W. Armstrong requesting the kerbing and channelling of the Esplanade adjacent to George and Hood Streets was received.

Mr G. E. Goodwin accepted the position of representative of the council on the Christchurch Technical College Board of Governors.

' 'A' resident of Bligh Street complained of having been kicked by a horse while walking through Richmond Terrace reserve. It was decided to inform the complainant that the horse was trespassing. A complaint in regard to the depredations of wandering cattle, from Mr A. P. Hopkins, Belfast, was received and several councillors voiced similar complaints. It was decided to prosecute the owners of wandering stock. H. Vale and Co. wrote in regard to a septic tank they had erected at North Brighton which did not conform to the specifications of the by-laws. It was in accord with the requirements of the Christchurch Drainage Board. The matter was referred to the committee.

Mr C. H. Opie drew attention to the necessity of strengthening the library building. Cr Ainger pointed out that the library account was in credit to the extent of £37, and it was agreed to refer the matter to the committee.

The report of the committee of the council recommended that Mr I. Lawry be. granted pennission to cut trees overhanging Mrs Lawry's property; that the tender of Mr P. Nelson for alterations to the council chamber be accepted; that a lamp be placed in the Domain between iNelspn Street gate and the scout house; that £lO be granted the Fire Brigade in addition to materials asked for; that the Automobile Association be. notified that their motor track to the hard sand is breaking up. The report was adopted.

The Treasurer's report stated that receipts amounted to £32 19/8 during the fortnight, and expenditure £303 1/9. General rates outstanding were: 1913-14, £22 10/2; 1914-15, £206 3/4. Building permits to the value of £GSS were issued. The council went into committee to consider the estimates for the ensuing year.

people in the gallery? The flames would rise. He was given to understand that the superintendent arranged with the city inspectors that they could attend to such matters as overcrowding, but he (the superintendent) was to have complete charge of fire prevention. That was onlv right. Cr H. J. Otley: Quite right. Cr Williams: If the position of an operating box does not come within that scope, I don't know what does. I've had a chat with the superintendent, and he denies that he made use of any such words as he is said to have used Several councillors: Aha! Cr Williams: The council has no business to interfere with the duties of inspectors appointed under another local body. The Mayor: It has a right to protect its own inspectors. LONG STANDING TROUBLE. Cr F. Burgoyne: This has been going on for some considerable time, and the sooner the clash comes the sooner the council and the board will know where they are. The superintendent has certain powers, but he has not absolute control over theatres. In this case the electrical engineer dared not put wires up to the gallery. As to the superintendent's denial of having used certain words, he has denied on previous occasions that he had made c.ertain statements. That, is why two inspectors were sent to see him this time. The sooner we know where we are the better. We cannot allow the superintendent to usurp both the council's power and the Fire Board's.

Cr McCullough said that the previous friction had not been merely between the superintendent and the council's present chief inspector, but between the superintendent and previous inspectors as well. The committee considered that the matter was one for the Council to settle and to settle as soon as possible. The Mayor* undertook to place before the Council the legal opinion he had referred to, as soon as possible. The committee's report was then adopted.