BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume X, Issue 2730, 15 March 1876, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

A special meeting of this body was held last (Tuesday) night, when the following Councillors attended : — The Mayor, (in the chair), Crs Nathan, Laird, Hurley, Bamber, and Henderson. The Mayor intimated that the meeting had been convened to consider the special rate for meeting the interest of the loan. They could have made the rate 6d instead of Is, but by so doing 3d of the rate only could be collected at a time. Or Bamber argued that if a 6d rate was levied, the Act did not provide against them collecting the whole of it at a time. The Clerk said that the rate must be collected in two amounts, and read a Clause o£ the Act to that effect.

Cr Nathan wished to know if they could still levy a special and then a water rate. He failed to see why the water rate should not be levied first, and then if there was any deficiency levy the special one. The Clekk read the following opinion from the Solicitor regarding the levying of the rate : —

" I think the special rate for payment of principal and interest moneys in respect of the Waterworks Loan, should be made under the " Municipal Corporations Act, 1872," and in a manner indicated by " The Municipal Corporations Act, 1867," and the Amendment Act of 1875. Special notice must be given of the meeting at which it is intended to pass the resolution imposing the rate. Such resolution must be confirmed in a

subsequent meeting held not sooner than twenty-six days after the proceeding meeting ; and special notice must be given of such subsequent meeting. The general provisions of " The Municipal Corporations Act, 1867," relative to the making of rates, are applicable to the making of this special rate. The rate must not exceed Is 3d in the £. It can, I think, be made from the 20th March next, as suggested, and when made ifc will be an annually recurring iate, payable half- yearly. The resolution must fix the dates of payment. A valuation must be made in every successive period of twelve months, after the date of tho resolution, but if within any year a valuation has already been made for general rates, such valuation maybe adopted for the special rate."

Cr Bamheh thought that the Solicitor should be more explicit when giving an opinion on any matter. To begin a letter with " I think " was certainly very unprofessional.

The Mayoji wished it to be understood that a shilling rate was levied in order to obtain a sixpence within six months, but if a Gel rate was levied it would take a whole year to got that 6d. Cr Bam her understood that those who pay the water rate need not pay the special. They could not compel the ratepayers to pay both, but they could compel them to pay the larger of the two.

The Muyor — You can levy them both. Cr Bamber — Yes, but they are not compelled, to pay both. I think we should have the Act clearly before us when rates are levied.

Cr Nathan suggested the advisability of adjourning the consideration of the question, and allow it to be discussed before a full Council.

Cr Laird fai'ed to see how the new members could affect the matter, and proposed — That the rate of one shilling in the pound be imposed ; to be paid in two half yearly instalments, the first on April Bth, aud the second on October Bth. This motion was seconded by Cr Hurley. Cr Nathan moved an amendment — That a sixpenny rate instead of a shilling rate be levied, which was seconded by Cr Henderson.

Or Bajiber thought it would be as well to allow the matter to drop for a, while. It appeared to him that they were levying a rate that must be lifted at once, which, together with the general rate coining upon the ratepayers together, would fall very heavily oil them. He fully believed that the nionay was likely to be required, and contended that; at all events, a rate of a sixpence would be amply sufficient for the present. They did not know what the shilling rate would realise, and he thought it unwise to proceed farther in the matter at present. Besides there were only five members of the Council present, and if the money was required immediately, it could, as on former occasions, be taken from another account to meet the interest. Or Laird said that the Bank authorities would not allow them to take money from another account. The Mayor, in reply to Cr Nathan, said that a water rate could not be levied if only half of the people had got it. The amendment was put to the meeting, Crs Nathan, Henderson, and JBamber voting in favor of it, the Mayor, Crs Hurl ey, and Laird~ voting for the original motion. The Mayor gave his casting vote in favor of the motion, which was carried. At the conclusion of the special meeting the ordinary fortnightly meeting was held. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. Letter from John McGregor, relative 1 to a ditch in front of his house in Ball street, which he' wished' to fill in. Referred to the Foreman of Works. Requisition from A. D. Willis ,and others, requesting the Council ,to .take steps for the formation of a footpath in front of their residences. Cr Laird moved and Cr Henderson seoonded. "That the Council adhere to the terms of its resolution, relative to the payment of half tUft cost." . . Carried. A. letter from Mr P. A. Cliavannes was ordered to lie on the table. HOSPITAL. Cr. Bamber moved a resolution standing in his name " That the hospital surgeon's salary be increased from £100 ' to £150 per annum." At a meeting of the Hospital committee held afewweeks since, an application from Dr Earle was laid before them, requesting that owing to a considerable increase of patients, which necessitated much of Ms -time, being occupied in the hospital, his salary-, be raised £100. Although considering the claim a just one, the committee was not prepared to increase the surgeon's salary to such an extent, but were unanimous ' in increasing it to Ll5O. The Cr. moved that the increase be made. Seconded by Cr. Hurley. Remarks Trere made by Crs. Nathan and Watt, who paid high compliments .. to the surgeon's attention and care, when the motion was put and carried. FOREMAN OF WORK'S REPORT. Mr Gilmour's regular report was read. With regard to Bett's Wharf he estimated the cost of re-building at £210 and recommended the advisability of raising the wharf eighteen inches. Reference was made to the drains on the Foreshore at the foot of Wicksteed Place, but the consideration of this matter, was postponed till, the next meeting.' It was resolved that the tile' drain in Plymouth Street, which was choked' up lasc winter, be attended to. Since the last flood the Commercial Wharf had sunk some inches, and the recommendation of the Foreman of Works that piles and new stringers be put in to repair it. was agreed to. , WATER PIPES. The Mayor informed the Council ( that while he was in Wellington he. made enquiries about water pipes, and found that he could not obtain them either in Wellington or Dunedin. He read a letter from Mr J. C. George, stating that if ;water pipes were required immediately ■he could get them in a veiy short time from a Glasgow firm. - It was resolved — That the Mayor be authorised to arrange with Mr George to send for the required pipes ,