LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 447, 20 October 1869, Page 2

LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

♦ Monday, Oct. JB. The Council met at the usual hour. Present — Councillors Chalmers, Cummins, Stout, Young, Bunker, Allwright, England ; his Worship the Mayor presiding. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk informed the Council that he had received during the past week — rates, £95 15s ld. The following correspondence was read : — From his Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, enclosing copy of the Christchurch Council's Bye laws. ***-Fr6ni the Provincial Secretary, respecting tne water supply, and statiug that the Government would let the Council have the water pipes on payment of cash for same, the price to be £12 per ton ; also, that they would allow the pipes to be laid across the reclaimed land, and permit the water tanks to be erected on a spot to be decided upon, at a peppercorn rentTjv His Worship saldttwould take about six tons of pipes, from the spring to the mouth of the tunnel, and that to complete No. 1 Plau with pipes, would cost £360. It was resolved to defer consideration of the subject until a later hour of the evening. 1 he Foreman of Works' report was read. It called the Council's attention to the drain from the prison running down Oxford street, which was choked up, and suggested that a moveable grating be put down. Councillor Cummins asked for information respecting the drain, and said as part of it was on private property, he contended that the Council ought not to do the work. He moved that the Works' Committee report on the subject at their next meeting. Councillor Allwright moved an amendment to the effect that the Works' Committee do the necessary work. Councillor Young seconded thi3 motion, and it was carried. His Worship said the Inspector of Weights and Measures had spoken to him respecting the weighbridge, which he, the Inspector, said was out of order and required ingIt was resolved to leave the matter to the Foreman of Works to test the accuracy of the 1 weighbridge, and the Clerk to inquire of the Inspector the charge for putting it in repair and stamping it. The Inspector of Nuisances' report was read. It stated that several no' ices had been served on several persons, and that they had been attended to. S^Fhe Scavenger Committee's report was read. It recommended that tenders be invited for the work, and that all the inhabitants be compelled to employ the contractor to empty their closets, &c. The old specificatjpa&Jtgre readt\ asked if the committee meant that everyone was bound to employ the contractor whether they wished it or nofo —His Worship replied in the affirmative, but

stated that those persons who did not wish to employ him could get ther-Council's leave to do their own scavengcringj His Worship moved the'adoption of the committee's report. Councillor Chalmers seconded the motion, and it was carried. An addition was made to the effect that the contractor keen the night soil road, from the main road to the shoot, in repair to his own satisfaction. The discussion on the water supply was resumed. Councillor England said he felt very much dissatisfied with the reply from the Government, and he would move the following motion, " That the question of gratuitous use of the 4-inch pipes in the tunnel be referred to the members of the Provincial Council, with the fullest information, in order that they may apply to the Council on our behalf in the best way they may thiuk fit." jCQiuuailor*-AUwrigljJ)seconded the motion. Hefsaid the depuration liad told the Superintehaent and Provincial Secretary, that the Council could not pay at presenJJ The motion was put and carried. The following accounts were passed for payment : — Weekly pay-sheet, £4 ; J. Childs, £1 15s. Councillor Chalmers asked if the police had been informed respecting the new bylaws. He also called the Council's attention to the Carriage and Cab Licenses, and thought tbe Borough was entitled to a share/ of those imposed by the Christchurcb Council, on the ground that it was within the radius. After a short discussion, the matter dropped. Councillor Allwright moved the mot : on standing in his name, of which notice had been given — " That the Council's Solicitor be informed that his retaining fee will be discontinued from the expiration of 1869." In proposing this resolution, Councillor Allwright said be did not mean (as it had been stated) that the Solicitor's services would be dispensed with. It was simply a matter of economy. The Council could not afford to pay a retaining fee. There was no hostility onhis part, or auy wish to employ another solicitor. Councillor Cummins seconded the resolution, whicli was carried. His Worship /asked leave to amend the | motion relative to Webb v. Borough Council, of which he had given notice. Leave was granted. He stated his reason for brinuing forward such a motion. A decision had been j given against the Council. Before, however, they erected a toll gate, they would have to find out whether they could do so. The Councillors were, no doubt, aware that a memorial respecting the reclaimed land had been sent to His Excellency the Governor. Peacock's wharf had not been mentioned, as it was always considered to be within the Borough. A reply to their memorial was expected shortly. He would move, " That a case be drawn up for the opinion of the Solicitor, whether the Council can erect a toll gate and collect tolls outside of Peacock's wbarf." Councillor Allwright seconded the motion. He thought there ought to be a strong opinion expressed by Councillors respecting the allowance of costs in the appeal. Councillor Chalmers coincided with Councillor Allwright's remarks, but said he thought tolls were a mistake. It would be a difficult thing for them to do ; for the Provincial Council's and the Superintendent's consent would have to be obtained first. The motion was carried. Councillor England moved, Councillor Allwright seconded, and it was resolved, " That, iv reference to the case Webb v. Borough Council, a case be drawn up and submitted to the Attorney-General for bis opinion whether the decision of the Resident Magistrate is in accordance with the boundary, as defined in schedule 1 of the Corporations Act, 1867, which was acknowledged aud passed by the General Assembly since the erection of the wjiarf and building rated." The Council Iheu adjourned.