LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5859, 29 April 1897, Page 3

LYTTELTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the above Council was held last night ; present — Mr A. Chalmers (Mayor), and Councillors Grubb, Brown, Webb, Kadcliffe, Brico and Owen. Correspondence was read — From the Charitable Aid Board, stating that Lyttelton's contribution was .£lO7 15s sd. From the Hospital Board, stating that Lyttelton's contribution was .£lO3 18s. The Finance Committee reported receipts since last meeting— ,£26B lls 3d, and recommended payments amounting to .£152 8s 9d. The report of the Works Committee dealing with a few minor matters was adopted. The Medical Officer reported that since last meeting two cases of diphtheria had occurred, one clearly from a bad-smelling drain, and the other probably from a fowl run in the vicinity. The report also called the Council's attention to a bad-smelling drain in Dudley Road. The report was referred to the Sanitary Committee for consideration. A report from the WaterSupply Committee was referred back to the committee to report on the question of the charges made for water used for donkeyboilers, &c. The Medical Officer's report on the year's work was read. It reviewed the work of the Board of Health for the past twelve months, pointing out that a, year ago infectious disease was very prevalent. This had been met by the appointment of the Medical Officer, the inspection and a special report on the dairies and the passing of a by-law relating to keeping fowls. Very considerable improvement had been effected in the sanitary conditions of the schools, and by constant care and attention thediphtheria cases had gradually been reduced, so that in March last there were bub three cases, all of which were imported into the place. The number of official visits made by the doctor was 202. Much yet remained to be done. The report was adopted. Councillor Grubb moved the motion of which he had given notice — "That in view of the financial position of the town, the services of the health officer be dispensed with." Councillor Grubb said he had always opposed the appointment of a health officer. He was of opinion that they should endeavour to reduce the overdraft, more especially as they had increased the rates. Councillor Webb seconded the motion, being of opinion that the officers of the Council could do the work just as effectively as the medical officer. Councillor Brice opposed the motion and considered that for the health of the town the appointment was necessary. Councillor Hobden also opposed the motion as a retrograde step, and urged the Council to retain the medical officer's services. Councillors Eadclift'e and Owen opposed the motion, which was supported by Councillor Brown and Wie Mayor. The motion was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor, who explained that he acted with a view of forcing the Council to accept more of the responsibility in connection with the sanitary state of the town. Mr C. C. M'Carthy applied for the position of Borough valuer for a term of two years at a remuneration equal to 25 per cent below .the amount paid for last year's services. Councillor Brice gave notice to move at next meeting — " That Mr M'Carthy's offer be accepted." The meeting then terminated.