LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 463, 10 November 1869, Page 2

LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

. *, Monday, Nov. 8. Present — All the Councillors, his Worship the Mayor presiding. The minutes of the former meeting wer« read and confirmed. The Clerk informed the Council that he had received duriug the week — rates, £10 17s 9d ; rent bf Weighbridge office, £3 15s. The following correspondence was read :— From the Secretary of Public Works, stating that his Honor had caused the appointment of Mr W. Childs, as Poundkeeper, to be gazetted. To Messrs Tayler and Co., stating that the culvert timber under their store was in a

rotten state, ana as_ang tuem to put tne same in proper repair. From Mr Curtis, in reply, wishing to know if the Council would do the work, as the amount would be refunded to them. A memorial from the ratepayers, on the water question was read, and a reply thereto, naming Friday evening next for a public meeting in the Colonists' Hall, to discuss the question. A letter from Mr M'Donald, assistant under-secretary, stating that his Excellency the Governor, had been advised not to accede to the request of the Council to place the reclaimed land under their control, but it was with the distinct understanding that the Provincial Government would allow proper drainage of the town being carried on over the land. His Worship said that when the land was occupied with buildings, the Council could again make an application. A letter from the Rev. F. Knowles, asking that employment might be found for a -man named Rogers, whose family were badly off, and he was unable to pursue his usual employment. The Chairman of the Works Committee, said there was no work to be done at present, and that the staff already was too large. It was resolved that employment should be given when an opportunity offered. The Water Supply Committee's report waa read. The following resolution had been passed by thera for the Council's confirmation:—That if any plan be adopted, it should be Mr Thornton's — No. 2. His Worship said he had been labouring under a wrong impression respecting the water from the tunnel. He thought that the water which had been sent for analysis was from the main spring, but there were three springs in the tunnel — one, 16 chains in, the water from which was bad; there was another 36 chains in, the quality of which was better; and a third, 43 chains in, the water being very good. He had caused three samples to be obtained for the Councillors to taste. Councillor Chalmers said he hoped the Council would not listen to any outside clamour, but show a bold front, and go on with the work. If his Worship had moved the adoption of the report, he would have seconded it. His Worship said he was certain that the Council would not alter their decision through any noise or clamour, but it was only courteous to the ratepayers to hear any arguments against their scheme. Councillor Cummins protested against any money being spent on the tunnel water. He was willing to assist in helping to get good water, and such could be obtained from the hills above the town. There were springs sufficient to supply the place with good pure water, and he knew a locality where" an immense supply could be obtained. He had been returned to the Council to oppose the scheme, and he must say that it was not fair to the ratepayers to- tax them for water, and to put it on the reclaimed land, which waa out of the Council's jurisdiction, and would not benefit the townspeople. He was in a position to show the Council where a good supply of pure water could be obtained. . Councillor Chalmers said he knew the spot, and the supply was unreliable.. His Worship coincided with the statement, ahd said the spring was useless for a constant supply. After a Warm discussion, Councillor England moved, " That the report be received arid adopted. Councillor Chalmers seconded the resolution, which was carried with one dissentient, Councillor Cummins.

The sample of water was tasted by the 1 Councillors and pronounced good. The Pedlars and Hawkers Committee's report was read. The following scale of charges per annum were recommended : — Hawkers with carts, £1 Is; pedlars, 10s; flsh hawkers, free; vegetable hawkers, ss. Councillor Allwright moved, Councillor Bunker seconded, and it was resolved, after some discussion, that the report be received and adopted, and that the committee drew up rules and regulations. The following accounts were passed for payment: — Weekly pay-sheet, £6 2s ; street, for lighting, £8 13s 4d; England Bros, £5 12s IOd; Resident Magistrate's Court Appeal, £3 3s. The report of the weighbridge keeper was handed in, and it shewed that £1 9s 8d had been received during the year. The Council then adjourned.