The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1907-12-31

provement and extension would be
the first thing called for and de-
manded by citizens.
Alderman Wood saiG that b
commissioners had stated that if the
city buys the Clarendon plant and
they are left to operate 1t without
having money on hand they would
be forced to hand in their resigna-
tons, and they urged that the mat
ter be deferred.
Alderman Northrop said that Col.
Taylor, chairman of the water com
mission, had stated to him that IL
the city took over the plant he would
want, within 80 days, a force OF
men at work enlarging the mains
and making other improvements
which would result in better service,
but if there was no funds on hand
this could not be done and the COM
mission would be blamed. He sug-
gested to Mr.. Northrop that action
be deferred.
Alderman Wood moved that action
on the proposition of the Clarendon
Company be deferred until sufficient
bonds are sold TO make the purchase
and to inaugurate the desired i'm
provements. The motion was put
and unanimously carried.
CITY TO BORROW MONEY.
The mayor and board of audit and
finance, by unanimous consent, were
given authority to borrow not more
than 100000 to bridge over the pre-
sent time when the city treasury
needs money, at lowest rate Of in
terest payable in six months time.
The reason for the need Of money
was given as being the slow man
ner in which the taxes are coming
in and also that the expenditures
are more at this time than usual
at this period, this being due to pay
ments made for the new fire and
market buildings erected by the city.
Alderman O'Brien stated hat he
thought that the Southern National
Bank should be given the Opportu-
nifty to lend money to the city, in
stead of all the city's business being
done with the Murchison bank, and
hat the city's business should be
divided.
In reply it was stated that the
city treasurer placed the deposits
wherever he selected and it was
1 the opinion that if the aldermen des-
| ignated the depository, the treasur-
| er's bondsmen would probably be
| relieved from liability if anything
I occurred, and the chairman Of the
| sinking fund had the right to de-
| post that money wherever he pleas
| ed, he being responsible for that
| fund.
| In regard to the encampment
| grounds on Wrightsville Sound,
| which Mr.. Pembroke Jones desired
to lease, Alderman Bolles stated that
he thought the city had no right to
sell rent or lease the property, but
! the city has the right to appoint a
custodian Of the property, therefore
MIR. BOlles made a motion hat Mr..
Jones be appointed custodian of the
property, with full power and o n
troll at the discretion Of the Board
OF Aldermen.
After some discussion as to the
matter, it being stated hat Mr..
joins had expressed himself as will
ing to pay something for the use Of
the property, the matter was refer
red back to the finance committee,
with instructions to report at the
next meeting.
Alderman french made a motion
that $3.50 be diverted from the funds
for repairs to be used if necessary
in furnishing the new central fire
| station, which will be ready for &C.
cupancy next week. The motion was
unanimously carried.
On motion then the board adjourn
cd, having been in session slightly
more than an how.