THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 6690, 20 August 1919, Page 3

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Lawrence Borough Council was held on Monday night. Present-The Mayor (Mr J. Edie), Org. Christie. Mclnorney, Simpson, Winn, Arthur, Andorson, and McKinlay. Apologies wore received for the absence of Crs. Finlayeon and Thompson. SYMPATHY AND (X)NDOLENiOE. Before proceeding with' the business the Mayor feelingly referred to Aie death of Mr John Thompson and Mr William Sutherland, which had occurred since their previous meeting. Both these gentlemen had been residents of long standing in their town and had taken part in their civic affairs. The late Mr Thompson had not only been for many years a councillor, but had also filled the mayoral office and during his long business career had taken a keen interest in everything tanding to the advancement of the town and district. The late Mr Sutherland had not been quite so prominent in their public affairs, but had been a very worthy citizen. ,He moved that the Council place on record its appreciation of their services and that a letter of condolence be forwarded to the respective families. The motion was carried in silence, the members standing. COBBEBSPONDENCE.

Fro the manager Bank of New Zealand, Lawrence, advising that he hud referred the Council's request for a reduction of interest rate to 5} per cent to head-quarters.—Beeeived.

From acting-town clerk, Milton, stat ing that they could not supply Lawrence Borough with half a ton of caibide in the meantime, but could let them have a couple of drums to go on with from a consignment just landing. —Received.

From D. Finlayson, S. Fleteher and B. C. Moore, notifying the Conneil of the sale and transfer of various properties in the town.—Contents to be noted.

From secretary N.Z. Automobile Union, forwarding, and asking Council's support of, two resolutions passed by that body with a view to minimising the risk of accidents, vi«—"That the approaches to all bridges be painted white, and that where necessary mards painted white be ereeted oa each bridge; and that similar precautions be taken in regard to "rabbit gates," and, "This Union urges that local authorities should have power to order the trimming, removal, or lowering of trees, fences or hedges on corners of roads where such trees, fences or hedges, by obstructing the view, are calculated to cause accidents on highways ; reserving to the owner the right to appeal to a magistrate. "—The Council endorsed the resolutions

From the town elork, Woolston,' forwarding the following resolution passed by that body, and asking the Council's support thereof:—"That this Council declares that the only solut'on of the coal problem is the public ownership of mining, transportation, and distribution of coal with adequata representation of the workers on the board or boards of control, and therefore condemns the proposal of semi-private control of the mining industry with State guarantee of dividends to private shareholders as embodied, in the Board of Trade report."—Received, members | remarking that the subject was ono best loft alone.

From the secretary National' Service League, forwarding copy of letter written by General Sir Andrew Russell in appreciation of the children's services during the war period, and suggesting that it should be as widely circulated as possible.—lt was resolved to hand it over to the chairman of the School Committee. MEMORIAL TREE PLANTING.

The Mayor mentioned that it had been notified that next of kin and relatives of fallen soldiers would have an opportunity of planting memorial trees in the "Peace Garden" on Saturday, but owing to the great amount of rain which had fallen during the past few days he was afraid the conditions would not be suitable and he suggested postponement for a week. Councillors agreed and it was decided to notify the change of dat;. An informal talk then followed as to the procedure to be followed. Cr. McEinlay said he had had inquiries as to whether friends would be allowed to plant a tree in memory of lads who had enlisted from this district, but had no kin resident in the town, and he had assurnd enquirers that they eortainlv would be allowed tho privilege As their space was limited they would have to provide that only one tree was planted in memory of a fallen soldier, and his idea was that mothers should be given preference, then relatives and friends. REPORTS. Cr. Simpston (lighting) reportod that the carbide supply was down to one drum, and he was authorised to take advantage of the offer of tho Milton Borough Council to supply a couple of drums to keep them going till further supplies were procured. The Reserve Committee recommended that Mr H. T. Thompson's offer for removal of tree opposite his residence in Whitehaven street be accepted.—Approved. Cr Christie (Works Committee) reported that the Committee had inspected the drainage complained of by Mr Frasor, and recommended that the drain passing through the borough's section be opened up and cleaned so as to provide a better outlet. Owing to the wot weather the committee had been unable to inspect the other works referred to it.—Report approved. GENERAL. Cr. Anderson drew attention to the frail condition of the handrail of bridge near the.hospital, and the matter was referred to the Works Committee with power to aet. Cr. Mclnerney drew "Mention to the danger to traffic eaused by the willows at the Hospital corner. They obstructed the view of vehicles approaching from either direction and should, he thought, be cut down.—Referred to Reserves Committee. The Registrar of Dogs reported that several residents had failed to pay the registration fee, and he was authorised to take immediate poeeedings for recovery. The question of providing a piano for use of Town Hall was mentioned, but the Council decided it had no funds in the meantime to invest in this direction.