WHAT OF THE WATCHMAN?

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3364, 2 November 1911, Page 3

WHAT OF THE WATCHMAN?

WHO WILL PAY HIM

At the meeting of the Gisborne Borough Council on Tuesday a letter was received from the Gisborne Fire Board, informing the Council that they could not undertake the supervision and control of the nightwatchman. It was also stated that a survey of that portion of section 375 Palmerston Road, required for a fire brigade site, had been made. The'allotment required by Board had a frontage to Palmerston Road of 124 ft 9in, and included the reclaimed land at the back, the area in all being 39 perches. They trusted the Council would agree to the transfer of the land to the Board, so that a modern fire station might be constructed. The Mayor said that until negotiations with the Harbor Board regarding certain land were completed lie thought the matter should stand over. This was agreed to. Regarding the nightwatchman, . the Mayor said that in the past the nightwatchman collected the fees for his. salary. There were so many subscribers dropping out that it was now becoming a great tax on the Council. Cr. Bright said that he thought the Council should not continue the engagement. The Fire Board, in his opinion, should undertake the supervision, and he moved that failing property owners coming to some arrangement the nightwatchman be given notice that his services would be discontinued. This would put the matter on the right shoulders. Cr. Brown seconded the motion, an u pointed out that Inspector Hugo had advised the Board that they veie not liable. He did not know a single Board in the Dominion who undertook the supervision of the nightwatchman. ■ The Mayor said that if some arrangement was come to by the property miners wherebv they would contribute a fair amount, then the service might be continued.’ The motion was carried.