First Council Meeting

From The Orange Wiki

The first business meeting of the newly elected Council took place on 18 February 1860 and was held in the Court House. Crown Solicitor, George Colquhoun, was appointed Council Clerk and Messer’s James Dalton and Patrick Kenna were appointed as auditors.

The real work of the Council began in April 1860 when it was decided to call tenders for clearing Lords Place from Summer Street to Byng Street and making a road 12 yards wide by filling holes with stone and gravel.

A transcript of the first meeting is included below:

The Meeting of the Municipal Council of Orange held in the Court House Orange on Saturday the 18th February 1860.

Present: John Peisley Esq Chairman Mr Councillor Woodward, Mr Councillor Dale, Mr Councillor McKay, Mr Councillor Hanrahan, Mr Councillor Evans

Moved by Mr Councillor Dale – seconded by Mr Councillor Hanrahan that Mr George Colquhoun be appointed to the Office of Council Clerk. Carried

Moved by Mr Councillor Evans – seconded by Mr Councillor Woodward That the Corporation Seal for stamping be simply the words ‘Orange Municipality” with a Crown in the centre surrounded by a Garter. Carried

Moved by Mr Councillor Evans seconded by Mr Councillor McKay – That a letter be addressed to the Bench of Magistrates Orange for permission to use the Court House Orange for the Meetings of the Council until other arrangements are made Carried

Moved by Mr Councillor Woodward and seconded by Mr Councillor McKay – That Mr Councillor Evans and Mr Councillor Dale be appointed a Sub-Committee to draw up the By Laws. Carried

Moved by Mr Councillor Evans and seconded by Mr Councillor McKay – That Mr Councillor Woodward be constituted a Committee to provide the Stationary (sic) for the Municipality. Carried

Meeting adjourned until Saturday next at 11 o’clock.

Mr Peisley Chairman