Page:Item 9 1861.pdf/96

under discussion; but the present movement arose from the report of Capt. Willis, the Government Inspector. From among the Watch Committee a sub-committee was formed. They took into consideration some sites of ground, plans of which were before them. One of the pieces was in Norman ​road​ west, next to Mr. Pain’s [then at the top of Norman ​road​ on the south side], another was near Mr. Beaney’s in Western ​road​, and a third was the spot now recommended. The committee were unanimous in the opinion that this last was the best. Not only so, but the owners of the other two plots declined to sell, and there was no other piece that was at all eligible. Mr. Burton wanted £350 for it, but ultimately consented to take £315. This land had two frontages, and it would afford several advantages as to the number of cells which could be put up. The great consideration had been to adopt that which would meet the requirements set forth in a report drawn up by the Superintendent of Police. It would be of considerable convenience as well as a saving to have apartments for two or three men (who would pay a rental) in connection with the new ​building​. The site had no fewer than four ​road​s running into it, and the Committee could with confidence recommend it. The present proposal would give to the gentlemen who had professed so much readiness to assist the West, an excellent opportunity of showing their feeling, as the ground happened to be in the St. Leonards township. He could say that the St. Leonards Commissioners would put a rating upon it which would be nominal, and place their fire-engine at the new station, and pay the same rent for standing-room as they were now paying. The leading inhabitants of St. Leonards were willing to meet the Council with a good feeling – of which he thought they had already given ample proof, especially in reference to the waterworks, while giving the authorities all the assistance they could [Hear, hear!] It was best that both parties should work harmoniously together; and, no doubt, they would do so. The question was a municipal one, and there was no necessity for the new station to be within the district of the Local Board. He believed the Committee had acted impartially, and he had much pleasure in moving the adoption of the report. Coun. Putland seconded. – Mr. Glenister’s report was then read, which pointed out the advantages which would arise from a new station-house in saving the time of the men, who would be on duty during the time it now took them to walk a mile and a half before arriving at their beats; in preventing the disturbances frequently made by prisoners who were drunk and disorderly in the middle of the night, in being taken from the west to the station-house; in enabling the constables to return to their beats -