LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 561, 8 March 1870, Page 2

LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Monday, March 7

The Council met at the usual hour. Present :— Councillors Allwright, Bunker, Young, Stout, Cummins, Chalmers. His Worship the Mayor presiding.

The minutes of the former meeting were read and confirmed.

The Clerk informed the Council that he had received during the week — Rates, £30 13s 9d.

A letter was read from Mr J. A. Bird, agent of the Liverpool and London Insurance Company, stating that he had authorised Mr G. Tayler to take charge of the engine belonging to the company.

The Clerk was directed to acknowledge receipt of the letter.

Accounts amounting to £15 18s Id; were passed for payment. Councillor Chalmers moved the resolution, of which he had given notice," That the last rate-book form the basis of the rate list of the present.year, and that ifc be revised by two members of the Council." He

said that if there were another valuation, it would not be well done, and would also involve them in considerable expense. He was of opinion that a sum for employing experts should be voted.

Councillor Allwright seconded the motion, which was carried.

Councillor Young moved, Councillor Chalmers seconded, and it was resoived, "That his Worship the Mayor aud Councillor Bunker form a committee for revising the rate list."

Councillor Chalmers moved, Councillor Young seconded, and it was resolved, " That the committee be authorised to expend a sum not exceeding _£10, for the purpose of obtaining experts in revising and valuing nroperty in the Borough."

fc Councillor Chalmers agaiu brought forward his motion respecting educational prizes in the various schools. He was surprised at the opposition displayed by one school lasfc year, but he did not think they would meet with it this season. He was doubtful whether the private schools might not be included in these prizes. He moved that a sum of .£5 be placed at his Worship's disposal for educational purposes. Councillor Young seconded the motion. Councillor Allwright said he was not opposed to the motion, and although he should nofc vote against it, yet he very much questioned whether the Council were using the ratepayers' money aright. With their overdraft (£250) he did nofc think the Council had the right to vote money for this purpose. He was in favour of the vote, if they were in a position to do so; but the ratepayers could ill afford to pay rates, even to carry on the legitimate work in the town.

Councillors Chalmers replied, and said he considered the Council had a perfect right to vote the money.

The motion was put and carried with two dissentients— Councillors Stout and Cummins.

The Council then adjourned