Councit meeting of 18th January, 1875. Present:—Messra. John G. Purdon (Chairman), Geo. J. W. Cowie, F. E. Heyden, 'W. Kidner, F. W. Lemarchand, R. Mac-Kenzie, E. Seligwann, S. D. Webb, and the Secretary.
The cash state for the week ending 16th inst. was laid on the table for inspection.
Staf—Onthe recommendation of the Finance Committee it was decideil to engage Mr. B.A. Fabris in the room of Mr. J. MI Fabris, on a probationary term of three months, at the end of which time, the question of " permanent con mendation of the Watch Coumittee, it was resolved that no permit for burial in the Municipal Cemetery be granted until Certificate of the cause or probable cause of death from some competent authority be granted to the Sexton for the satisfaction of the Council. Any case in which it was not forthcoming being immediately reported to the Secretary.
Land Ofice.—Trausters of land in H.B.M's Consular Registers. Duplicate plans for nicipal archives.—Letter read from H.B.M's. Consul stating that the arrangement ao to forwarding duplicate plans to the Council has not been strictly carried out, owing to the difficulty in inducing applicants to hand in plans at the time of registry, but in cases where the quisition is complied with, the Council might depend on his furthering their views so far as lies in his power.
Police-—Cases of assault upon the person having become frequent during the past six months, and there appearing to e usual amount of crime in the Settlement, it was decided to call on Mr. Stripling, the Acting Superintendent of Police, for a report as to what may in his opinion be the cause, and more especially whether the strength of the Police Force at the present time is auficiont for the requirements of the place, Report or THe Frsaxce, Rare, axp Arreat, Cosnurrrex FoR Drceatpen asp JANUARY, Books.—The Books have been examined, ud the Cash Balances shown in the Municipal Ledger compared and agreed with the Bankers' Pass Book and certificate.
Statements showing the expenditure of the Works' and Watch Departments up to end of December ultimo, as compared with the Budget have been investigated.
The Committee are glad to state that as far as practicable so far the expenditure has been kept within the Budget figures, Weetly Returns froma the Local Post Office have been examined.
The Returns called for by. Mr, J.P. Bi (vide Resolution No. VI.) at_the Ratepayers necting held on Sth Jane, 1874, have bet nite up, and forwarded to that gentleman, in order that the Committee might be satisfied that they contain the information required before proceeding to publish th Assessments.—Several applications have been made on the part of Householders, for reduction in the assessments of their respective premises.
The Council having no authority whatever to make any alterations in the assessment of 1873, on which they have been instructed by the Ratepayers to collect ti pal rate the applications have not been granted.
At the without expressing any opinion as to the assessed. valuation of property in the Settlem t existing, the means of adjusting the assessment of atiofactory, cott the Committee would recotaproperty for purpose' of taxation are un-mend that'at the forthcoming Meeting of Ratepayers, the Finance Committee shall be empowered to deal with special cases—their decision being considered as final und hi fr. S. Reynell has been placed in charge of the Dues office.
YP. C. Kemball has been allowed Tls. 5 a month in addition to his pay as Constable, whilst performing the duties of Clerk at the Dues office.
Interest to 3st December last on Municipal Loan of June, 1873, has been paid.
The Cash Balance on evening of 31st January, was Ju Compradore's hands Tis, 1,971.65 InBank Deposit 18,000 00 Current 9,120.07
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.