THAMES DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY.

Thames Advertiser, Volume IX, Issue 2464, 7 November 1876, Page 3

THAMES DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY.

The first meeting of the Thames Domestic Water Supply ; Committee, under the provisions of the new Act, was held at the Borough Council Chambers. There were present—Mr A. Brodio (in the chair), Messrs J. B. Macdonald, R. Scott, J. Gibbons, and J. Wilson. ■ , Election of Chaibman.—The Chairman said the meeting was called in consequence of a telegram whieh had been received from Major Campbell, Clerk of Parliament, by Mr Dean, stating that the Governor had assented to the Water Supply Bill. It was quite in order for them now to start as a corporate body, and he presumed that the first thing they had to do was to elect a chairman.-Mr Macdonald said it would be rather a fluke if they found that after all the Act had not become law; but, at all events, they

would have tho oxoule that they did not want to waste time.-Mr Dean said that he had been informed that the bill had not been altered.—The Chairman said that his Worship the Mayor, or rather, he should say, Mr J. B. Macdonald, was father of the bill, and it would not be out of order for him to propose that he should bo elected chairman for the first twelve months.-Mr Scott seconded the motion.-Dr Kilgour asked what provision was made for the term of office of the chairman. Upon consulting the Act it was found that no provision of this sort was made, but as the term of office of tho whole committee expired in February next, it was determined that the election should be up to that dato, and with this understanding the motion was put to the meeting and agreed to.Mr Macdonald then took tho chair, which

(vagvacutodbyMrßrodio. Taking oyer the Business.—The Chairman Baid that as this was tho firßt meoting under the 'now Act of the committee, and as with little exception, namely, tho substitution of Mr Danes for MrMacnab, thoy were the flame committee, ho presumed that the first thing 4iev had to do was to hand over every'him? connected with tho water supply to ho now corporation, tho corporation at

the same time taking over the liabilities of the committee with the assets. Hitherto they bad been dealing on their own responsibility, and the individual members of the committee were personally liable, but now the corporation relieved them of this personal liability. Ho read extracts from the Act regarding the water, plant, etc., and said that they would now get rid of all difficulty, excepting tho burden of an arrangement which had been made with Mr Spencer.—The suggestions of tho Chairman were assented to. Appointment of Officers. -Mr Brodie moved "That the Corporation confirm the appointment of secretary and collector and turncock, made by_ tho previous committee."—The Chairman said that he thought they had better leave the previous committee out of the question, and procoed to appoint officers of their own.-Upon the motion of Mr Brodie, seconded by Dr Rigour, Mr Dean was then appointed secretary and collector, at a salary to be afterwards •fixed, and Mr Laurie as turncock, at a salary of £614s 7d per fortnight. . Buius.-Dr Kilgour proposed, " That the Chairman, Mr Brodie, and the mover, bo appointed a committee to draw up rules, and to report to next meeting." —Mr Wilson seconded thi3 motion, which was carried.—The sub-committee was instructed to bring up a report on the salary of tho clerk, Woeks CoMMifiEE.-Mr Brodio proposed " That the Chairman and Messrs Uibboas and Scott be appointed a Works Committee.'' After some discussion, it was decided that the Chairman should be always a member of the Works Committee, and that the other members should retire monthly in rotation. Tho motion was then agreed to. A CoMPiAim.-A letter was read from Mr D. Tookey, proprietor of the Tramway battery, complaining of the irregularity of the water supply, endangering life and property, and causing loss by the stoppage of crushing.—The Turncock explained that there were only two stoppages recently. One of those, of which due notice had been given, was when he was making some connections, and the other was from a breakage which occurred on a Saturday night, of which nothing was known until Sunday morning. ' Bank Accorai.-Mr Gibbons proposed that the Bank of New Zealand be bankers to the committee.—Mr Wilson

seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. Corporation SEAt.-Five designs for a seal for the Corporation were submitted, but neither was considered satisfactory, and, on the motion of Mr Wilson, it was agreed to advertise a reward of £2 2s for the *desigu which would be accepted. Proposed Loan.—Tho Chairman said that in regard to the £2,000 loan which it was proposed to raise to carry out the projected works, Mr Murray, manager of the Bank of New Zealand, had been speaking to him, and said that if they were appointed agents they would act at 1 per cent., but what they had to do ho did not know.—Mr Brodie said he presumed they, would havo to take all responsibility and pay interest on the money .—Dt Eilgour said if they wanted £2,000 they should consult the bank and aseertain what they could get it for. He thought thoy could raise the sum by mortgage.—The Chairman said if they appointed the Bank of New Zealand agent for the debentures or mortgage it would be easier managed. He suggested that they appoint a sub-committee to consult the corporation manager and bring up a report.—lt was finally agreed to instruct the committee already appointed ro the rules to inquire and report on this subject. _ . , Supply of Matbbiai.-Ih regard to the contract for the supply of materials, it was suggested by the Chairman to defer the consideration of the subject until next meeting, and instruct the turncock in the meantime to procure such materials as he required from Mr McCaul as usual, but after somo discussion it was proposed by Mr Gibbons, seconded by Mr Wilson, and carried, that the committee take over Mr McCaul's tender. Mount Pleasant.—A letter was read from Mr Tizard, referring to the proposal which was discussed at last meeting for

conveying tko water supply up to Mount Pleasant, asking the committee to lay on the best supply possible under present circumstances. A discussion ensued, and it was finally agreed, on the motion of Mr Brodie, to reply to Mr Tizard that some of tlio committee wore of opinion that the water could not bo conveyed to Mount Pleasant, but that if the residents took tho risk the pipes would be laid down. BAiANCK.-The Olerk reported'that the balance to credit of the committee was £240, and there was £120 due to them. Cobbespondence.-A letter was read from Mr H. A. Severn, stating that the water supply to his house was growing less, and at present only three or four buckets of water could be procured in the oourseofa day. The matter was referred to the Works Committee.-A letter was read from Mr J. Thompson, offering to dispose of some three-quarter inch pipes to the committee. Referred to the Works Committee. Accounts.—Mr McOaul's account for material, £-270 13s lid, which was not presented in time for examination and approval, was referred to the Works Committee to be paid if approved by them, and other accounts which were certified, were passed for payment. After some further routine business the meeting terminated.