test the accuracy of the levels, and report whether the scheme as proposed by Mr. Gant, the local Surveyor, can be amended or not; and to advise the Council as to the best mode of carrying the plans into execution” Coun. Williams regretted the long delay. They had been three years in office next August, and they had done nothing in draining the town. Coun. Ginner considered the Board had erred by putting too much upon their Surveyor, while at the same time a prejudice had arisen against Mr. Gant, which had been fostered by some members of the Council. They ought to be careful not to affect Mr. Gant’s reputation. Ald. Rock said that when Mr. Putland was their surveyor, he (Ald, R) expressed an opinion that too much had also been put upon him, by expecting him to plan and superintend the drainage, while engaged in the general work of the borough. [He might have said the enormous additional work of the borough] The Mayor (Ald. Clift) put in a disclaimer respecting Coun. Ginner’s remarks about a prejudice against Mr. Gant. Persons, however, who had witnessed previous discussions were convinced that the Mayor had a prejudice against Mr. Gant.
Town Council Meetings - The Drainage Question
Finance, Water and Drainage. Ald. Scrivens explained the financial condition of the Local Board, and hoped their embarrassment would act as a warning not to order expensive works without first considering where the money was to come from. This advice or suggestion by a Liberal Alderman was precisely that of Conservative Councillor (H. N. Williams) who at a previous meeting declaimed against what he believed a useless expense in the several propositions to engage engineers to examine and report on Mr. Gant’s drainage plans after they had been passed by the General -
