BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XX, Issue 5744, 14 October 1885, Page 2

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Ordinary fortnightly meeting Tuesday, October 13. Present— Hi3 V\ orship the Mayor, Crs Manson, Tod, Powell, Jackson, Neill, and Austin.

Minutes. — The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Foreman's Report. — The Foreman reported that works had been carried out m Campbell, Glasgow, and London Streets, besides which certain drains, crossings, furze, street-cleaning, etc. had been attended to. The works in progress were, besides certain small jobs, the Ko. 2 contract at Halswcll Street drain and repairing the footpaths in Queen's Park. The foreman gave an estimate for laying the water on to Mr Ruge's property, and then went on to refer to the water pipes at Westmere. These he thought it would be advisable to lower to the proper distance and level immediately, as the lake was low. It was difficult at present to keep the pipes clear of vegetable matter in windy weather as they were close to the edge on the lee side of the lake. The water guage had been tested the night previous to his report w hen it registered 70,000 gallons. The following taps were shut off — Boys', Infants', and Collegiate schools,' Hospital and W.C. at the Bridge. This return he considered showed a waate of 40,000 gallons for the 12 hours in the 5 places men. tioned. Brides these places there were 49 W.O.s, 19 urinals, 126 shallow and 84 shower baths. The l'eport concluded as follows: "When a f inch pipe will run through about 640 gallons per hour, I think if the Council will consider the namber of taps used for the above purposes they will see where the water is wasted. If these taps are only allowed to run half open they will even then waste a large quantity of water." — The report was adopted.

Valuation.— The Clerk asked the Council what it was intended should be done in the matter of valuation this year. His Worship pointed out that when the Government had written them on the matter, they had decided to give the question careful conRidei ation when it came up at the due time. The Clerk read the letter forwarded to the Government signifying the Council's general approval of the principle of accepting the Property Tax Valuation, but stating that they would like to see what position they would be placed in if this were adopted. The Mayor suggested that another committee Bhould be appointed to again consider the matter, and report. He believed Mr Notman would give all information required. The question was hold over till next meeting.

Hospital anb Charitable Institutions Act. — The Colonel .Secretary forwarded a circular relative to the election of a member to represent the Council on the District Board. The Mayor said that the first question was whether they should as a Council apply to the Government to be incorporated to have the management of the town Hospital. A great deal of discussion took place on the provisious of the Act. These the Crs were not exactly acquainted with, more especially as to whether the election of a member to the district Board would interfere with right of the Council to petition if it choose. It was resolved that Cr Jackson be nominated on Thursday, at a special meeting, and that Crs. Jackson, Tod, and Powell, with the Mayor, should be a committee to meet and go into the Act. Harbison and Bell Streets It was resolved that the Foreman should call tenders for the clearing of Harrison and Bell streets.

Watering the Streets. — Cr Powell moved that the streets be watered from Ist September to the 3lst March. — His Worship the Mayor asked that notice of motion should be given as large expenditure was involved. He would accept a resolution to the effect that the Foreman be requested to pay greater attention to watering the streets, and if this had not the desired effect, Cr Powell could then move.— The mover accepted this, and the resolution as amended was carried.— With reference to a remark by Cr Powell that if it were considered that too much water would be required to water the streets, ho would move that a ram be placed in the river.— Cr Austin said that it would take more water to work a ram from the pipes than they would get out of the river for street watering. — A resolution was carried authorising the purchase of a street* sweeping machine. Destructive Youngsters.— Cr Jackson drew attention to the damage done by youngsters on Cook's Gardens, and it was resolved that the police should be instructed to keep a look out.

Argyle Street,— Cr Austin mentioned the state of a portion of Argyle Street, which needed cutting and cleaning to put it in such a state that residents could get the use of it. — Reßolved that the Foreman be instructed to attend to it in due order.

Hospital.— Crs Bennie and Austin reported having visited the hospital, where they found everything in good order. They recommended an extra bath for the use of such patients as may be suffering from skin diseases.— Cr Austin meationed^the necessity which existed for the erection of baths for such patients, and also for families. Reßolved that two extra baths be erected. Accounts.— Accounts amounting to £175 general account, and £124 hospital account were passed for payment,— On the motion of Cr Jackson, seconded by Cr Tod, it was re. solved that unless accounts were forwarded to the clerk by the Saturday before the ordinary meeting they should be held over till the next meeting.— Thiß concluded the business, and the meeting adjourned.