THAMES BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Thames Star, Volume VI, Issue 1854, 11 December 1874, Page 2

THAMES BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Council was held last night. Present: His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Renshaw, Macnab, Butt, Brown.

MINUTES AND COBBESPONDENCE.

The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed, after which letters sent were read. Among these was one to the Caledonian Company, respecting the diversion of the Waiotahi Creek. The Town Clerk said the company had stated that with the Council's co-operation they might induce the Government to do it. The matter was left to the Mayor, who will take the first opportunity of seeing Mr Tothill with a view to getting the Government to do the work.

A number of letters standing over since the adjourned fortnightly meeting were then read.

One from Mr Philp entreated the consideration of the Council to a part of Mackay street, the water tables in which were damaged by traffic from the Willoughby street Reduction Works/ The Mayor stated that something had already been done to the tables in this street, and no further complaints had been made. Crs. Brown and Henshaw mentioned that the mullock from mines might be utilised for road-making

BEACH KOAD

A letter was received from the r«sidents of the Beach Road between 2Taraka Bridge and Amy street. They considered they should not be required to contribute anything more, as the.,, public used the footpath to as great an extent as the residents, The Mayor said they could not do anything in this matter until they saw Mr McLean.

Alt ACT TO SUPPLY BOBOUGHS WITH GAS

A letter was received from the Town Clerk of Auckland as follows :-^- v I have the honor to inform you that tble City Council purpose to apply at the next sitting of the General Assembly for an Act to supply this city with gas. The powers to he conveyed therein to be general to all corporate towns in the Colony. Also for permit to purchase existing companies. lam requested to to ask of your Council if you would be willing to co-operate in the action, and in the cost of such Act should it be necessary." The Mayor said the Act might prove useful, but it could not apply to this place at present. Some discussion took place regarding the existing relation of the Council to the public in reference to gas supply. The May&r said the Borough was at expense every time a pipe was laid, as the Borough Engineer was compelled to attend; otherwise the residents could break open the streets, and the Council could have no claim upon them. Cr. Butt moved, and it was carried, that the Foreman of Works should for the future superintend opening of streets. The Clerk was instructed to-acknow-ledge receipt of the letter from the Auckland City Council.

THE DIPHTHERIA CASES.

A communication was received from F. C. Dean, Town Clerk, submitting the authority of Dr. Lethbridge for cases of diphtheria- as reported by Mr B. H. Power. There were only certificates for three cases.

BOBOUGH WEIIS

The contractors for sinking a well in Abraham-street complained that they had met with unforseen difficulties in the work, aiid asked that the Council would not hold them responsible for its continuance.

The Mayor said the Council could not do anything in this matter. : ' :.■■■,; : Cr. Brown: The sooner that contractors knew they were determined to keep them to their contracts the sooner .would the Council receive satisfaction. They would never be done making allowances were they to taks notice of every cry raised by contractors. Cr. Butt said they ought to refer the men to the Engineer. The Foreman of Works, who was questioned, said they were 15 feet down, and not much water in.

Or. Renshaw proposed that the matter be left to the Mayor and Works Committee. . . :

Cr. Brown proposed an amendment, that the matter be left to the Engineer to report upon at next meeting. The amendment was carried. FOBEMA.N OV WOBKS.

The report of the Foreman of Works,

in which was related the amount of work done in connection with Borough Roads since last meeting, was read, ana adopted. The amount was carried. WBB BBIGADK COMMITTEE. The report of the above committee was read. The report recommended an addition of 2s 6d per week to the salary (now 55.) of the Engine Keeper at Shortland, and submitted certain accounts for payment. The report was adopted. INSPECTOB OF NUISANCES. ■.'

The report of Mr Mason was read. It stated that he had given directions for the removal of certain wooden chimneys; also that night soil had been deposited elsewhere than at the depot at Parawai; Also, with respect to certain inefficient culverts. '

WOBKS COMMITTEE

Tho report of the Works Committee was read and adopted.

BOEOUGH KATES

The collector of rates reported that he had collected £166 for rates during the month.

FINANCE.

The report of the Finance Committee was read, and the accounts contained therein, in all £160 10s, Were ordered to be paid.

Wages accounts certified to by the Borough Engineer were passed for payment.

Some discussion arose on the subject of stone-breaking, Cr. Brown suggesting that if the Council had nearly enough broken, they should curtail expenses by knocking the men off. It was stated by the Mayor that they could not choose their time—they could not always get the stone from the creeks.

CEMETEBY EXTENSION.

The Mayor stated he had information by telegram that Mr Sheehan had seen Mr Wilson respecting the sale of his paddock for the extension of the Cemetery.