BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 428, 27 October 1875, Page 3

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

LYTTELTON. The usual meeting was held on Monday, October 25th. Present—The Mayor, Crs Buist, Parkins, Hawkins, Allwright, F, Graham, P. Ouuningham, and W. Graham. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The clerk stated he had received during the week £52 Is. Correspondence was read— From the Public Works Office, calling attention to the necessity of moving a small house at the rear of tbe new Government Buildings, in order to let the work of asphalting and fencing in the yard proceed ; also asking that this should be at once settled, that the removal of the house might not be delayed. From Mr Wm Mitchell, asking to be allowed to keep his pigs, as his piggeries were 2% chains from the road, and he had the quantity of ground prescribed, A report of the inspector of nuisances was read as follows:—“ I report that I have given notice in writing to all those that are keeping pigs within the prescribed distance stated in the byelaw, to have them cleared away within seven days of date of notice. Several have complied, and others have promised to do so. In the event of parties not complying, I wish to know what action I am to take in the matter.” In reference to Mr Mitchell’s letter, the inspector reported the pigs were kept very clean. The sty had a concrete floor, and the pigs were no nuisance to anybody. The Mayor said he thought that Mr Mitchell might be allowed to keep them provided he d.d not let them stray, and be a nuisance to other people. Agreed to. The Mayor asked if there were any other cases calling for special notice. The inspector said that in most cases there was no excuse, Mr Hedgman, however, had complained, stating he wished much to keep his pigs. They were kept well back from the road, but he had only three acres of ground instead of twenty as 'required by the byelaw. Cr Hawkins brought up the report of the bathing committee, which ran as follows : “ The bathing committee beg to report that they see no other suitable site, and would recommend the present shed and approach thereto be put in repair, provided the cost of same does not exceed £5. We further recommend the hours for bathing be restricted to 8 a.m., and that the premises and approach thereto be daily locked at that hour, and that notice boards to that effect be placed on the premises. Anyone infringing beyond this notice to be liable to prosecution, Your committee also recommend that no charge be made, and would suggest that a committee of gentlemen who frequent these premises bo entrusted with the care of the establishment under the inspection cf the Council’s foreman of works,"

Cr Hawkins, in moving the reception of the report, said there were no other sites except the Sandy Bay by Officer’s Point, and another by Baker’s Bay, but neither of these would be safe to use for another year. They had therefore to return to the old site. A floating bath would cost £7OO or £BOO, and that was more than tbe town could afford for such a purpose. Cr Parsons seconded, and in doing so said the scheme was feasible, but a door must be put up, and a key could be kept by one of the gentlemen who usually bathed there. By keeping the place locked, the boys who made it in such a filthy mess would be excluded.

Cr Cunningham said he thought some more money should be asked for, and the gallery leading to the water covered in with rough boards, as it was much exposed ; and even before eight a m. he had noticed people going round the Dampier’s Bay road. He advocated a canvas awning, if that would be cheaper. Cr Chalmers advocated the use of battens, which he thought could be procured at a small cost, and yet answer the purpose.

The report was then unanimously adopted. With regard to Ripon street, the Mayor said that the foreman of works had used drays instead of a tramway. The inspector said the work would be completed in another day. The Mayor, in answer to a question from Cr Allwright, stated that it was only intended to remove sufficient clay to make the road passable. With regard to the summer water supplj, the inspector said that the assistant engineer had been in about the tanks, and would write to say when they could be fixed on the reclaimed land. He (the foreman) proposed to hollow out a road, so that the drays might go under the tanks and be filled from a large tap. Or Cunningham suggested that the clerk should telegraph at once, asking that the site should be at once pointed out, in order that immediate steps might be taken, as the matter was of grave importance. Agreed to. Accounts amounting to £ll 10s were passed for payment. Cr W. Graham said he had on a previous occasion pointed out that a deputy coroner was wanted in Lyttelton. He wished to cast not the smallest reflection upon the present coroner, but he thought that that gentleman was unable to afford the time to come in at the moment required. He himself had just come from a funeral which had taken place at that late hour through the coroner not being there in the morning. Cr Buist said that the matter had been spoken of that day by the coroner, who said that he could have been present on Saturday, but the police wished the inquest adjourned in order to make further enquiries. Cr Parsons said that he was one of the jury when Mr Hargreaves had called attention to the fact.

Cr F. Graham said it was necessary that they should have a resident coroner, as it being a seaport town many were drowned, and their bodies were frequently in a very decomposed state when recovered, and required speedy burial. Cr Allwright agreed with Cr Graham.

Cr Chalmers moved—“ That representation be made in the proper quarter, with regard to the necessity of appointing a coroner for Lyttelton.” Cr F. Graham seconded the resolution, which was carried.

Cr Cunningham moved the notice of motion standing in his name—“ That the hour of meeting for the Council be, in future, 7.30 p.m. every Monday.” He had spoken to most of the councillors on the subject, and they seemed all of the opinion that 7 30 p.m. was the most convenient hour. Cr Parsons seconded the motion.

Cr Chalmers pointed out that, according to the present Act, half an hour’s grace was allowed, and that if they called the meetings foi 7.30 a quorum could be formed any time before 8 p.m. The motion of Mr Cunningham was then put and carried. The Council then adjourned.