SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5700, 20 October 1896, Page 4

SYDENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL.

«] A meeting of the Sydenhain Borough Council was held last evening ; present— The Mayor (Mr J. Brown), Councillors Murray, M'Millan, Halley, Muffett, Large, Hadfield, Caygill, Lafferty, Hirtzell, Bell, Manhire and Cutler. It was decided to let by public tendei-, • for grazing at night time and on Sundays, the recreation reserve at Addington. Mr J. B. Sim wrote, drawing the Council's attention to a statement made by Mr T. E. Taylor at a public meeting, partly composed of ratepayers, to the effect that "the Town Clerk had never earned his salary." If there was any ground for such an accusation, the Council's sense of duty to the ratepayers would suggest the course they should take. If the accusation was groundless, he was sure they would not allow the Town Clerk to lie under it, but in justice to him, would publicly contradict it. For himself, he believed that the impeachment was unwarrantable and unjust. If he was right in that belief, then he thought that Mr Allison should be protected from such an unwarrantable attack. Councillor Caygill moved— " That the letter be received." He thought that the Council ought not to take notice of statements made outside. The statement referred to was a matter of opinion, and it was evident the Councillors were of a different opinion from exCouncillor Taylor, otherwise' they would not retain Mr Allison. Councillor Cutler seconded the motion. He thought they ought not to take notice of outside statements. The position of tlfe officers had been considered when the estimates were under discussion. After Councillors M'3lillan and Lafferty had spoken, Councillor Muffett moved, and Councillor M'MQlan seconded as an amendment — "That respecting the statement that 'the Town Clerk had never earned his salary,' this Council desires to say emphatically that there is not the least ground to warrant such a statement; further, that this Council is of opinion that Mr C. Allison has been, and still is, a most capable and efficient officer." Councillor Manhire said he was somewhat puzzled as to how to vote. He thought, however, that the less notice they took of such statements the better. Councillor Large said he was in a sonie*what similar position. That they kept Mr Allison in office was proof that they had confidence in him. The amendment on being put was lost by nine to four. Councillor Hadfield moved a further amendment — " That the letter from Mr J. B. Sim be received; but the fact of this Council retaining Mr Allison's services as Town Clerk is a sufficient reply to any statement that has been made as to his inability to perform his duties." Councillor M'Millan seconded this amendment, which, on being put, was lost by eight to four. The original motion was then put and carried. The Works and Reserves Committee reported that as the present lease of Reserve No. 2379 expired in April next, it recommended that tenders should be invited for leasing it for ten years under certain conditions. The Committee could not recommend compliance with Mr M'Fedries' request for asphalt to be laid in front of Ids vacant sections in King Street until the erection of houses in this locality rendered the work necessary. The report was adopted. The Finance Committee reported that during the last fortnight the receipts had been .£298 14s lid. Accounts amounting to £284: 5s 4d were recommended for payment. The report was adopted. The By-laws and Rolls Revision Committee recommended that a number of applications for alterations to the valuation roll and burgess roll should be made. With regard to the by-laws, which would be considered by the Council, the amendments considered necessary by the Committee included further provisions respecting the licensing of music and dancinghalls, the keeping of poultry, and the heavy traffic. The report was adopted. Councillor Caygill moved, according to notice, that the ordinary meetings, of the Council should commence at 7.30 p.m., instead of 7 p.m. Councillor M'Millan seconded the motion, which was carried by nine to four. After consideration of the proposed bylaws, the meeting terminated.