RICHMOND BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13419, 17 May 1912, Page 2

RICHMOND BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tho monthly meeting of the Richmond Borough Council was held on th< 14th inst. Present: Tho Mayor (Mr fames Hunt), Crs. Coleman, Croucher. Holland, Hart, and Chisnall.

The iMayor having made the statutory declaration, said this being the beginning of a now term of office, he naturally took :i glance back over tho past year, and ho folt that they had, notwithstanding differences, striven to work together and to do their best for the borough. He trusted that in the

year upon which they were entering they would do the same, and that good and useful work would be the result. He took tho opportunity of extending a hearty welcome to Cr. Cliisnall, who was a man of ability and experience of affairs, and he believed that Cr. Chisnall would prove a valuable addition to the Council.

Eadi of tho councillors congratulatec the Mayor on his re-election, and expressed their readiness to work with him and make the year one of th<?.most successful tlioy, had ever had. They also joined in heartily welcoming Cr. Chisnall amongst them.

Or. Cliisnall assured the Mayor :uid councillors that he heartily appreciated the kindly welcome extended to him, | and it would be his constant aim to promote in every way he could any measures for the advantage and progress of the place. i The sta,tomcnt of balajices was aF follows:— Cr. £ s. d. Water account 112 4 11 Cemetery account 48 19 11 General acocunt 337 12 9 Accounts were submitted as follows: — £ s. d. General account 57 9 3 ; Water account 68 5 3 The accounts, with one exception which was held over for inquiry, were passed for payment. Correspondence was received as follows :— From tho Undor-Sccretary for Internal Affairs, acknowledging the notifica-

tion of the election of Mayor. From the same, requesting particulars of any memorials to the late King Edward VII in the borough.

The Town Clork reported having replied to the effect that there v/ore no sue!) memorials in the borough.

From the Town Clork, Nelson, covering fin amended .account for tar supplied, and notifying that any future orders for tar could only be supplied at a higher price.—Received. >

From tbo secretary to the Palmorston .North. Chamber of Commerce, covering a it solution- of his chamber expressing appreciation of tho attitude of the Hon. Minister of Defence in connection with his expressed intention of enforcing the law relating to the compulsory provisions of tho Defence Act, and rcquosting the Council's endorsement. —After Eoni'3 difference of opinion had been expressed it was resolved that the Council cndorfrO the resolution.

From tho secretary to tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, notifying that the sum of £93 had been levied on the borough for tho current year, and requesting payment-of the'first instalment.—A ohoquo-was signed for this.

The Clerk of Awards wrote notifying the sitting of the Court of Arbitration in the matter of the dispute between the carpenters and joiners and H. Baigent and others

From the secretary of tho Richmond Institute, requesting tho Council to asphalt tho footpath in front of the public library.—The request was granted, and referred to the Works Committee with power to act.

From Mr. E. Robinson, objecting to the charge of half water rate on his property in Lower Quoon street on tho ground that tho property had been exempt from water rate for many years previous to him coming into occupation, and that tho water could not have been supplied to him without making an extension of the works. Mr. Robinson expressed his willingness to pay the rate now that an extension had been made, and he applied to have the water laid on to his house.—lt was resolved that in consideration of the special circumstances the half rate on his property bo remitted up to tho time tho extension was made.

Mr. H. J. Rose wroto drawing attention, to the state of tho ditch in front of his property on Salisbury road, stating that the planking behind tho filing of the bridge that crosses tho road at this point was in a state of decay, and that tho stuff was falling into tho ditch and damming tho water on his property.— The matter was referred to the Works Committee.

Mrs. M. Rose applied to have tho water laid on to section 81, Salisbury road. —Tho application was granted and left to tho Water Committee for attention in due course.

Mr. J. Cresswoll wroto requesting an increase of pay to 9s. per day, stating that he had been in the Council's service for nineteen years, and whon in tho North Island recently ho had been offered 10s per day for a similar job.— It was resolved that Mr. Cress well's application bo granted, on the understanding that he will be expected to devoto his whole time to the borough work.

Six applications wero received for tho position of borough, dayman. — The Council resolved itself into committee to consider theFX>, when a ballot was taken, which resulted in tho choice falling upon Mr. W. It. Andrews.

Tho Water and Cemetery Conrmiteto's report was received. The reservoir had been visited, when tho water was found to bo a foot below tho overflow. Further discussion took placo on the question of acquiring more land at the reservoir, and. it was resolved that Crs.

Croucher and Coleman interview thoowner to ascertain whether he is disposed to sell a portion of the land, and, if so, upon what terms.

The Town Clerk was instructod to obtain an offer from some of the tows plumbers for jointing up and laying the 4-inch cast-iron mains at Henley and that when these como to hand the Water Committee bo empowered to acoopt tho most favourable offer, and proceed with the work.

On tho motion of Cr. Clnsnall.it was resolved that a committee consisting of Crs. Holland, Coleman, and tho mover be sot up to ascertain from the several men who have installed acetylene gas on their promises whether, and upon what terms, they would bo prepared to give* the Council a supply pending the adoption of some permanent scheme by the Council. Tho Mayor remarked that very favourable representations had been made to him by Mr. Ellis in regard to a scheme of electric lighting, which that gentleman was promoting.

Tho Mayor read letters ho had received from tho Primo Minister and tho Minister of Railways, regretting their inability to comply with tho request to again place a stationmaster at Richmond. Cr. Chisnall was appointed a member of tho Water and Cemetery Committee, and also authorised to sign cheques on behalf of tho Council.

Severn] "-nor matters were discussed and the ('■•■■■'.• c!l rose.