BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 5306, 12 March 1884, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Borough Council was held in the Council Chambers last evening. There were present His Worship the Mayor, Crs Nathan, Manson, Laird, Murray, Richards, Spurdle, and Ward.

Minutes. — The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Bye- laws Regarding Vehicles.— The consideration of the bye-laws were held over till a full meeting was obtained. Correspondence.— A letter was received from Mr C. Burnett substituting Borough Valuer for the words Town Clerk, used in his last application to the Council to reconsider the question of his objection. Mr Burnett further pointed out that in official correspondence he was entitled to the affix ".esquire " as a barrister acting as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. By ancient custom a barrister is entitled to the title of "esquire," and he claimed this courtesy from any public body in New Zealand.— lt was resolved that a reply be sent Btating, that with Mr Brooking as Valuator, the Council could not interfere, but the Council regretted the neglect of the Town Clerk in not giving Mr Burnett his proper address. Hospital Endowments. — A circular letter was read from Mr Martin Pearce, Town Clerk of Caversham, bringing under the Council's notice the desirability of requesting the local M.H.R. to urge upon the Government the necessity existing for making substantial endowments from the waste lands of the Crown to support hospitals and other charitable institutionsthroughoutthe colony. —Consideration held over. Temporary Water Supply.— A letter from Messrs Graham and Purnell, requesting to have a temporary 1-in pipe laid down until the mains are laid down, was referred to the Foreman of Works. Smoke Nuisance.— Mr D. Harding wrote, complaining of the smoke and cinders from the smithy adjoining his premises. The nuisance, it was urged, was one noxious to health.— Matter referred to the Borough solicitor for advice as to the Council's power to compel the raising of chimneys. Harrison Street.— Letter from Mr Warwick relative to the formation of a certain portion of Harrison Street, the order for which had been passed some time ago. " Racecourse Rates.— Mr F. R. Jackson wrote, asking the Board to refund the rateß paid by the Jockey Club on the racecourse. — An animated discussion took place as to the advisability of making a remission. — The Mayor considered the ground as a sort of public reserve. — Cr Spurdle thought that if they had the power of rating the property it should be rated, as it would be unfair and unjust to compel a number of the ratepayers, who derived no benefit, to support the reserve. The Council had been to a lot of expense in laying on the water for the Club.— Cr Ward considered that the question should be looked at from a broad point of view, if any of the various denominations in town were desirous of using the course for a picnic, they could always have it, so that it was as much a public reserve as any other. He thought it would be unfair to tax the Club, as they had spent large sums in improving the place, making a waste piece of land a splendid reserve. Cr Manson moved that a refund of one year s rates be granted, and that in future the racecourse be exempted from rates.— The Mayor thought that as it took them all their time to look after their own reserves, they should not endeavour to handicap the body which looked after the racecourse.— The motion was then put and carried, Crs Manson, Ward, Richards, Laird, and Carson voting in favor of it, and Crs Nathan, Spurdle, and Murray against the motion. Accounts— Accounts for the Hospital amounting to £86, and for general account £215 6d, were then passed for payment. , Sydney Place.— A letter was received from Mr J. James drawing attention to the state of Sydney Place. The Foreman of Works was ordered to give prompt attention. „, . , , Crossings.— The question of laying drain crossings at the Rutland and Hallenstein s corners was raised, andafter some discussion, it was resolved' to have the crossings laid down. v The meeting then adjourned.