LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 244, 23 February 1869, Page 2

LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Monday,; Feb. 22. , The Council metat the usual hour. Present; Councillors England, . Allwright, Woledge, Merson, Wanl, Chalmers, Hawkins, the Mayor presiding. The minutes of the former, meeting were read and confirmed. The amount collected durmg the week was rates £36 7s. .■■■.„■' The followiug correspondence was read : — From the Council to the Provincial Solicitor, expresting regret at the delay in preparing lease for section 35, and giving the reason. From his Honor the Superintendent, enclosing a letter from Mr Stafford respecting the expected arrival of bis Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. From the Council of the Borough of Kaiapoi, stating that they did not feel interested in the matter of the removal of the Custom-house. From Mr Wynn Williams, Provincial Solicitor, stating that on looking over the Ordinance, he found that their solicitor was perfectly right in objecting to prepare the lease. There had been a misprint . in the Ordinance, and had he been' applied to earlier, the delay might have been avoided. His Worship said ' that, according to the letter of the Provincial Solicitor, they could not give the land. He could not understand how a misprint had come forth from the Legislature, nor could he understand what Mr Williams meant by being applied to earlier! ! Councillor Ward said that what they had asked for in the Ordinance had not been done, and that the new Ordinance was only a copy of the old one. • Councillor Chalmers said the proceedings of the Provincial Solicitor was most extraordinary. Councillor Merson said their solicitor could only do one thing, he could not act against the Ordinance; but he knew that the solicitor was ready to receive instructions to prepare a lease, and he would move that Mr DOyly be instructed to prepare a lease of section 35, irrespective of the Ordinance. Councillor England seconded the resolution. Councillor Ward suggested that the Council should hold a sale of the land, and that no one should bid against the Government. The law at present did not give them any power to give the land. His Worship said they could not ignore the letter of instructions that had been sent to their solicitor.

Further discussion ensued as to" ffche""ijest> means .to get over the difficulty. £■' ; Councillor Chalmers mova'claa an am^ 110---ment, " That matfigfs Temaxn\;i)ista¥ 9«°! for ' a "week." ' ' '.-'i-'. "i-H i Councillor Ward seconded the amendment, which was put and carried with tw;o dissentients. - His Worship asked for instructions, as it was necessary to answer the Provincial Solicitor's letter. : It was resolved that he be informed that when -the lease from the Council to the Superintendent was ready, it would be forwarded.- • i .■.•■:- Councillor Chalmers stated that he had examined the fence on the Council's property leased to Mr Illingworth, and found that it was broken in some places, and was generally in bad repair. No care had been taken of the gorse planted, and it was nearly dead.- . It was resolved that Mr Illingworth be requested to carry out his, agreement. The Bye-law Committee presented an interim report. Councillor Ward moved, and Councillor England seconded, that it be received, and considered at the next meeting. — Carried. . Councillor Ward asked if there was not to be a monthly report from the Weighbridgekeeper. The Clerk read the agreement, which did not make any proviso. The report of the Reception Committee was read, showing tnat the following resolution was passed: — "That the Superintendent be informed that ihe Council intend to receive the Prince in a cordial manner, presenting him with an address, but that any demonstration would be contingent on the vote reciived from the Government." _ Councillor AUwright moved, Councillor Hawkins seconded,- and it was resold ed, that the report be received, with the alteration of the word " cordial " to " loyal." The following accounts were passed for payment: — Weekly pay-sheet, £6 2s ; Town Clerk's salary, £16 13s 4d. Councillor AUwright moved — " That the amount due be paid to the Solicitor, aud that he be informed that the retaining fee in future will be discontinued." In doing so, he said it was the duty of every Councillor to curtail expense. He could not understand why a retaining fee should be paid. Councillor Chalmers seconded the motion pro forma. He would like the mover to divide his motion into two parts. Councillor Allwright wished, before proceeding in the matter, to have the letters read appointing Mr ;B'OyJy solicitor on a retaining fee. ■ ■-.:> ■,'■■■•■:-•■:... ■ . -, ' v.'i ..-:-, The minutes of May, 1863,., were xead,.and also several letters. - jr..--';-. ,-■•;.•■ •;. .<• .■■■ - • ■ Councillor Allwright, "said: he ; was entirely led astray. He had always understood the amount paid was a retaining' fee to prevent Mr DOyly taking aciiori.agarnst the Council, /but he found it was a salary for rendered. He found Mmsetf> in a peculiar position. In fact,; che ; had ■- found a "mare's nest." ;t The: .reason, why he .• had „t aken action in: the matter: <was to keep down expenses. He had no idea that the solicitor gave' the Council, advice, without a further charge than the sum named. . He did not wish it to go forth that ■■■>, he was antagonistic to their solicitor, and he would, with the consent of ;the Council, withdraw his motion, . Leave was granted, and the Council adjourned. . I . !