The Removal of Beach formed the subject of a lengthy discussion at the March monthly - as it had many time done before and after that date - the purpose in this case being to rescind a Council order of February, 1858, which required the shingle to be paid by persons taking it at 1s. per cart-load and 2/6 per waggon load. The amount thus realized was about £50 a year. Coun. Putland said he bought the matter forward for the purpose of removing a stumbling-block in the way of those who had to repair the roads in the neighbourhood the said roads having been in a wretched condition for several winters. He proposed that so much of the order be rescinded as applied to the summer months. Ald Clement seconded. Coun. Vidler thought Mr. Putland had found a mare's nest, if he thought that paying half-a-crown a load for a waggon-load of beach was the reason why the country roads were not in better repair. His own opinion was that it would not make one iota of difference whether the money was paid or not. The farmers came for the beach at their own convenience, and as there was a considerable wear and tear of roads in the borough, he thought it woudl be wrong to let the farmers take the beach without paying for it. Mr. Ginner considered the proposed alteration would be admitting a wrong principle, and that if made free at one time, they ought to make it free altogether. Coun. Howell moved as an amendment, and Coun. Kenwood seconded that the beach be made free altogether. [As both these gentlemen were extensive builders and used a large quantity of beach in the formation of concrete, the £50 loss to the borough might by some "strange accident" be £50 gain to them]. Coun. Picknell couldn't see why country people could not keep their roads in repair as well as townspeople. Coun. Bromley was opposed to both the motion and amendment. They ought not to give up £50 a year to keep country roads in repair. Coun. Juke was constantly travelling in the outlying district and believed the roads were in a better condition than they were two years ago. On the amendment and motion being put to the vote, they were both negative, there being 6 for the former and 4 for the latter, and 14 against.
New Justices - On the 4th of April, Thomas Ross, Will Ginner, Jas. Rock, jun. and E. Hayles, Esquires were officially announced as having been added to the roll of magistrates.
Lady Webster's Munificence in presenting to the Corporation the great historical painting of the "Battle of Hastings" was officially announced by the Mayor and a unanimous vote of thanks given to her ladyship.
The Geological Discovery of a block of black Tilgate stone, with footprints of an immense extinct animal or bird was notified to the same meeting (April 4th) and a resolution taken thereon that its presentation be referred to the committee who had charge of the painting.
Increase of Salary. Also on the 4th of April, the Borough Treasurer (Mr. Bennetts) haing applied for an increase of salary, from £50 to £80, -
