A YEAR'S WORK

THE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.

(April, 1904. March, 1905).

Annual meeting (April 20, 1904), Mr H. Sansom re-elected chairman ; Mr R. Lano, vice-Chairman.

AVALANCHE ROAD

October 19, Correspondence with landowners as to purchase of land for road widening sent to Committee. November 16, Matter left in abeyance, some owners not agreeing to the proposed terms. January 18, Mr Hetley pressed the Council to carry out the road widening. March, 1905, Mr White's terms for giving up land refused. Purchase of other frontages ordered to be completed.

ASSESSMENTS

Sept. 21, Mr W. Edwards moved a resolution in favour of the reassessment of the whole Island. Mr J. Lano stated that the overseers recommended the Union Assessment Committee to re-value the whole Island. (Mr S. S. Milledge was subsequently appointed by the Guardians to make the new Valuation.)

BOARD OF GUARDIANS

March 15, 1905. On the. proposition of Mr Allen the Clerk was directed to call the County Council's attention to the inadequate representation of Portland on the Board of Guardians.

BYE-LAWS AND BUILDINGS

April 13, Breaches of building bye-laws reported.

June 15, Supt. Ricketts (inspector of hackney carriages and pleasure boats) presented a report with recommendations which was adopted. Prosecutions authorised for breaches of the bye-laws. Supt. Ricketts re-appointed inspector.

August 17, Bye-law to be enforced requiring covered receptacles for household refuse. Proceedings ordered against carriage and boat owners who had not. taken out licenses under the bye-law.

October 19, Clerk reported result of proceedings against boatmen for breaches of the bye-laws.

November 16, Mr Patten's plan of Killicks Hill building estate disapproved.

January 18, Proceedings authorised in two cases of reported breaches of building bye-laws.

February 15, Mr Conway's plan of building estate disapproved.

March 15, Plan of Clarence Road building estate referred back to Committee.

COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATION

August 17, Representations to be made to Local Government Board expressing the Council's opinion that the Island is not adequately represented on the County Council

Nov. 16, The County Council replied that on the present basis statistics did not show that Portland was entitled to more County Councillors. A strong appeal was ordered: to be sent to the. Local Government Board.

Dec. 2l, Clerk reported that he had again written to the County Council and the Local Government Board with respect to Portland's representation on the County Council.

Jan. 18, Letter of explanation from Clerk to County Council as to basis of representation on the County Council. The Local Government Board stated that the matter was entirely in the hands of the County Council. Referred to General Purposes Committee with power to act.

Feb 15, Correspondence read between the Clerk and the Council's Parliamentary agents and the County Council. Resolution to bring the Matter before Parliament.

DRAINAGE

Oct. 19, Local Government Board prepared to sanction drainage loan of �1,346 without an enquiry.

Oct, 25, Special Council meeting considered Surveyor's report on the flooding of Chesil, Easton Square and Castleton. The Surveyor's plans were adopted.

Nov. 16, A deputation was appointed to discus the scheme for remedying flooding in Castelton with Mr Millard.

Jan. 18, Letter front Mr. J. Stone as to drainage of Church Hope road referred to Committee.

Feb. 15, Reply ordered that the Council cannot at present undertake the work.

EDUCATION.

May 2, Dr. O'Loughlin added to the Technical Education and School Attendance Committee. Mr B Comben resigned his position as Council Manager of the Easton School as a protest against receiving no notices of meetings. Letter ordered to be sent to the County Committee.

May 18, Mr F. J. Barnes re-elected chairman and Mr H. Sansom vice-chairman. Mr. Edward's resolution to add names of Rev. J. T. Davies and Rev. J. Page to the Committee defeated.

June 15, Mr B. Comben asked to continue as the Council's Manager of Easton School and the action of the old School Managers ordered to be reported to the District Auditor. Census of children of school age recommended.

July 20, Long discussion on Rev. J. T. Davies' letter calling attention to the dismissal of an assistant teacher by the S. John's Managers.

July 20, The Clerk asked to attend and inspect. the Easton School accounts when deposited for audit.

August 17, census of children of school age deferred. County Committee asked to pay cost of printing the Education Committee's reports.

September 21, arrangements made for French and shorthand classes, &c. Establishment charges and Clerk's salary to be considered.

October 19, County Committee refused to pay for printing of local committee's reports. Matter sent to Finance Committee with power to act. Clerk to write to the County Committee

October 19, Shorthand and other classes arranged. Attention called to insufficiency of School accommodation on the Island.

November 16, Sub-committee appointed to consider question of temporary additional class room for one of existing schools. Council declined to act as School Attendance Committee unless the County Committee agreed to pay the local expenses.

January 18, Reported that the lease of the County Education Committee dated from January 1. County Education Committee consented to pay local printing charges.

FINANCE

April 13, a 3s General District rate for the half year. There was a deficit of �300 on the previous half year

July 20, Joint Committee appointed to consider salary of collector. Committee also to consider payments to clerk for advocacy in the local courts.

September 21 Finance Committee recommended that the Clerk be paid �25 per year to cover all advocacy fees.

October 19, Bank allowed Council's overdraft of �2,000 to continue another year, the Treasurer's salary being �100. Rate of 3s in the � made for the half year. The actual expenditure of the previous year was �4,587 and the estimate �4,477.

March 15, a temporary loan (�600) was accepted from the bank repayable in 4 half yearly instalments.

FIRE BRIGADE

July 20, Surveyor reported there were 119 hydrants in the district. Additional ones were ordered.

October 19, three members of the Underhill brigade resigned. January 18, Mr Henshaw, Superintendent of the Fire-Brigade) presented a satisfactory annual report.

GARDENS.

May 18, �45 sanctioned for seats in Victoria Gardens (Victoria Gardens were publicly opened on May 25).

June 15, Mr G. H. Collins thanked for his gift of �100 for a shelter in Victoria. Gardens. The gardens to be marked out for games.

July 20, Council advised to transfer control of Church Hope approach and other open spaces to the Gardens Committee. Mr Collins' gift. to be spent. on a shelter as soon as possible ; site selected top terrace in Victoria Gardens, opposite Police-station, and a ladies lavatory to be added at the back. Surveyor's plan approved. Twenty seats purchased for Easton Gardens. Draft by-laws for gardens and walks approved.

August 10, Easton Square Gardens opened by the. Chairman of the Council.

September 21, Letter received as to Garden bye-laws from the Local Government Board. Arrangements made for greenhouses for the two gardens.

October 19, �180 asked for maintenance of Victoria Gardens and �90 for Easton Square Gardens.

January 18, Mr Bannerman, a visitor, complimented the Council on the new gardens. Messrs Baker & Jesty's tender accepted for new shelter and lavatory in Victoria Gardens.

February 15, Local Government Board required separate bye.-laws for the two gardens, based on their model bye-laws.

March 15, Directions were given for the improvement of the north-west, corner of Victoria Gardens. Bye-laws question referred to a Sub-Committee. The Amusements Committee's accounts showed receipts �55 and expenditure �68. The balance of fair money �8 7s 6d received from the Chairman was divided between the Uphill and Underhill Amusements Committee.

GAS WORKS

April 6, a special Council meeting discussed the new appointment the of gas manager, Mr Hansford having asked for a short extension of time before taking up his duties.

April 13, Mr Hansford reported that he could commence service on April 25, Mr Whittaker continuing to act on the interim.

May 18, Gas Committee arranged to meet once a month at the Gas Works. Mr Edwards' resolution for a special Visiting Committee was not carried. Consideration given by the committee to Mr Valon's report on Gas Works and various recommendations made. Negotiations for a loan of �3,500.

June 15, Messrs. Richmonds' account for interest accepted. Messrs. Renwick & Co.'s tender accepted to supply 4,000 tons of coal at 14s 1�d per ton. �70 to be charged for extra lighting of street lamps in summer time. Slot meters to be collected monthly and meters read quarterly ; Mr Attwooll to do this work with assistance and adjustment of salary. Net loss on the works for six months �118. The net loss on the whole year was �544 The accountant complimented on his admirable financial statements.

June 20, 544 prepayment meters yielded an average of 10s 11d per meter.

August 17, Negotiations with Macawa Bros. for a loan of �3,500 at 4 per cent.

Sept. 21, Sub-Committee appointed to consider manager's report. on the state of the Gas Works. Clerk reported that he could only obtain loan of �1,500 at 4 per cent. for four years. Mr Collins allowed to withdraw his contract for coal haulage to the Gas Works.

October 19, Bank refused loan of �2,000 for Gas Works.

October 19, Mr A. R. Comben's tender for haulage (1s 9d and 6d) was accepted. Complaint received of inadequate gas pressure at the Verne. The Treasurer stated that the Bank required the Parliamentary Gas Act costs (�958) to be paid within 18 months and the Finance Committee were asked to provide �320 (first instalment) in the half-year's estimate.

November 16, The Clerk directed attention to the fact. that Gas Revenue deficits have to be made good out of the rates. Extra labour granted for testing mains.

January 18, Gas Manager's recommendation adopted to renovate four beds of retorts at a cost. of �200. Mr Gale's tender for lighting and cleaning street lamps accepted.

February 15, Mr Woodall (Bournemouth) was called in to inspect the Works and advise the Committee. Keith's compressor to be fixed to the service to the Military prison. Average consumption of gas by street lamps to be tested. Mr J. Richard's tender accepted for lighting lamps in Easton District. 100 governors to be fixed to public lamps. Six shillings per quarter to be charged for meter and slot rents unless more than 1,000 cubic feet of gas consumed. The Council to acquire front the Admiralty, if possible, the freehold of the leasehold portion of the land on which the Gas Works are erected, upon the terms formerly offered by the Admiralty for the sale of the same.

March 15, Mr Valons was paid �50 in settlement of his account for 50 guineas (Gas Act services) and offered �100 in settlement of further accounts of �162. Price of coke was increased.

HIGHWAYS

April 13, Letter of Mr R. Cox suggesting a footpath between Castletown and the new railway station referred to Committee. Deputation to County Council on Main road matters presented a report.

May 18, Repairs of footpaths ordered in Fortunes Well.

June 15, Admiralty willing to give land for station footpaths provided the old cemetery is laid out as all open space. June 15, Mr H. A. Huxtable, on behalf of the Admiralty gave notice of intention to close a footpath in connection with the new rifle range, owing to the dangerous condition of the path.

July 20, Admiralty terms for giving up land for the Castleton to Railway Station footpath referred to Committee. These terms included transforming the old cemetery into an open space. Objections received to apportionments for making up Victoria Place. Co-operative Society's plan of new stores approved subject to New Street being left 24 feet, wide. Church Hope footpath improvement. cost �59. A number of seats were given by gentlemen.

August 17, Proposal for footpath from Castleton to new Railway Station abandoned. September 21, Surveyor to report on prevention of floods in Chesil during heavy rain.

September 28, Sanction was given to the Rev Canon Beazor to remove the Navvy Mission Hall, standing in Easton Lane, to the back. of S. George's Schools in Reforne.

October 19, Main roads account. (�3,535) passed by the County Council. Mr F. J. Barnes complained of the condition of Wide Street.

October 19, the Great Western Railway agreed to the Council's terms of �15 for the repair of the roadways of over the two bridges at Reforne and Wakeham.

October 19, Mr F. J. Barnes letter as to Wide Street, referred to the Council.

November 16, The Highways Committee promised to do all they could to keep Wide Street in repair, but. they could not go to a large expense. Outstanding Private Street Works accounts to be collected.

Feb 15, Surveyor to take temporary measures to put Victoria Square into repair and to formulate, permanent scheme.

March 15, Grove ratepayers petitioned the Council to retain the services of R. White, an old employee. Referred to Committee. Application to be made to County Council to "main" the road from Easton to Easton Station.

OFFICIALS

April 13, Mr G. H. Smith re-appointed Sanitary Inspector.

June 15, The clerk was congratulated on the result of the law suit Easton and Anderson against. the Council.

July 15, Supt, Ricketts appointed inspector of hackney carriages, omnibuses, pleasure boats and vessels at a salary of �10 per annum.

August, 17, Dr Howard was re-appointed Medical Officer.

September 21, Collectors salary increased to �130 (�85 General District Rate, �40 for gas and �5 for water)

March. The Medical Officer (Dr Howard) was heartily thanked for his annual report.

OVERSEERS

March 15, Messrs. A Attwooll and J. Lano were. appointed overseers.

POLICE

September 21, Mr Allen's resolution carried calling attention to need of a justices' room at Portland and a stronger police force.

November 16, Petition in favour of justices' room for Portland ordered to be printed and sent out for signatures.

January 18, Reported that the petition to make Portland a separate petty-sessional division had been signed by 2,630 residents. It had been favourably received by Quarter Sessions and referred to a Committee.

SCAVENGING

May 2, Council's tender for scavenging the Verne accepted.

SOUTHWELL DRAINAGE

April 13, Surveyor presented revised plans of Southwell drainage.

July 20, Scheme reported to be before the Local Government Board.

November 16, Correspondence with the Local Government Board and the late Surveyor presented. It was stated that �929 allocated to Southwell had been spent on the general drainage scheme. Matter referred back to Committee.

December 21, Mr Elford reported that he had inspected the. Southwell drainage plans at the Local Government Board.

March 15, Resolution carried, on the motion of Mr G. H. Smith, to take the necessary steps to carry out the Southwell drainage scheme.

STRAITS READING ROOM

February 15, Deputation appointed to wait upon trustees of Reading Room in Straits to come to some arrangement for its transference to the Council.

March 15, The Chairman reported on behalf of the deputation. The report was sent to the General Purposes Committee.

SECONDARY SCHOOL.

July, Education Committee's Secondary School scheme deferred. Dr O'Loughlin's resolution carried to consider merits of Higher Elementary School.

September 12, Special Committee considered Dr O'Loughlin's report. on a Higher Elementary School. Subject referred back to the Sub-Committee to report.

October 28. Special Education Committee meeting again discussed Dr O'Loughlin's report. Dr. O'Loughlin's amendment to refer the question to the County Council to decide what scheme was best was carried by 7 to 4 votes. Mr Pearce's resolution for a poll of the ratepayers was not. adopted.

January 18, The County Education Committee asked for the official opinion of the Urban Council as to a Secondary or Higher Elementary School scheme. At a subsequent special meeting of the Council it. was resolved to take a poll of the ratepayers on April 3rd on the question.

TRAMWAYS

June 15, The Town Clerk of Weymouth wrote with respect to a proposal for an electric tramway from Portland to Upwey, and the Clerk was instructed to consult the Council's parliamentary agents.

August 17, Clerk reported on his interview with Weymouth corporation with respect to Tramway proposals. Sub-Committee appointed to collect information on the subject.

TRAIN SERVICES.

July 20, Mr S Pearce called attention to the inconvenient train service front Easton to Portland.

September 28, Attention again called to Easton train service.

November 16, Question referred to Finance Committee

January 18, Two suggestions for alterations in the Easton train service were made by the Finance Committee.

February 15, Company urged to re-instate the 3.20 train from Easton.

WATER SUPPLY

May 18, Water charges to be revised by the Committee. Steam Laundry claimed to have special water charges deducted from the General District Rate.

June 15, Lower well at Upwey ordered to be fenced.

July 20, Recommendations of the Clerk as to special water charges for trade purposes considered. New scale approved.

August 17, Clerk instructed to oppose Easton and Anderson's application for a new trial of their action against the Council.

September 21, Magistrates dismissed summons against Mr-Collins for using water in trough in Easton Lane. Water supply to trough ordered to he cut off.

October 19, Admiralty called attention to exposed condition of water main to the Coastguard Station. Water main extensions authorised. Messrs Bird's tender for coal accepted.

November 16, Committee informed Mr Barnes they could not make any difference in the scale of water charges for trade purposes. Insurance of buildings at. Upwey left to Surveyor and Accountant.

November 16, Mr Henshaw urged the need of a dupluate (sic) reservoir at Yeates, holding two days supply. Extra three feet of water ordered to be let into the Yeates reservoir.

January 18, Complaint made by the War Department of the water supply to the Verne.

January 18, Discussion as to difficulties of water supply to various parts of the district.

February 15, Mr C. E. Hawkins presented preliminary report on the Upwey Water Works. Boiler to he hired for Upwey with option of purchase. It was stated that water supply was equivalent. to 23 gallons per head per day. Considerable discussion as to the Committee's report and the general question of water supply.

March 15, Mr Baldwin Lathom to be called as to advise the Committee as to the water supply at Upwey. Treasurer asked to extend period for repayment of overdraft at the bank for six months, and to allow a further �500 overdraft, making �4,500.

MISCELLANEOUS

May 2, Council meeting altered from 2nd to 3rd Wednesday in the month.

May 18, Mr Attwooll presented photograph of the old Easton pump to the Council.

July 20, Letter of sympathy ordered to be sent to Mr J. Lano (ex-chairman) in his serious illness.

September 21, Mr Lano congratulated on his recovery from illness.

December 21, No report of the discussion on the Committee's report appeared this month. The usual printed minutes were not supplied to the Press owing to a misunderstanding.

December 21, Council resolved that. Committees should mark as private paragraphs in their reports which they thought undesirable to publish in the Press.

February 15, Vote of condolence passed with the widow of the late Mr Richard White.

February 15, The chairman purchased a clock for the Council Chamber out of the fair money and divided the balance of �8 between the Easton and Victoria Garden funds.

March 15, Plans of new Wesleyan schools, Fortune's Well approved.

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