Commissioner, Wellington Town Board and Board of Works

Descriptive Data

Date Range1863-1870DescriptionThe Wellington Town Board was administered by nine Commissioners, one of which was Chairman.

Commissioners were elected annually, with elections held on the first Monday of September. To be eligible for election candidates had to be qualified to vote; this required owning property and paying rates. The City was divided into three Wards (Te Aro, Thorndon and Lambton), and electors voted in the Ward in which they paid rates. Each Ward was represented by three Commissioners. Once all the Commissioners were elected the Board selected one as Chairman.

It was possible for a Commissioner to lose their position prior to the next election if they refused to carry out their duties; were absent from the Province for four months or more; become bankrupt, an insvolent debtor, public defaulter, or were convicted of felony "or any infamous crime."

The Board was responsible for building and keeping in repair streets and roading; making and cleaning drains, sewers and watercourses, and executing "other works of public utility". They were also able to make regulations against fire under the Town Protection Act Session 4 No 19 (1857). To carry out this work the Board could enter into contracts for work, and employ staff. Rates could be levied against property to pay for the work carried out.

All business of the Board was transacted at regular meetings. Any decisions had to be made by a majority of the Board (a quorum was five Commissioners), with minutes kept as a record of resolutions.

Commissioners were given more powers in 1865 when a further Act turned the Town Board into a Board of Works. In 1870 the Board of Works morphed into the Wellington Borough Council, and the role of Commissioner was replaced by Councillor.

Related People

Person in RoleJohn PlimmerDates in Role1863-1865

Relationships

Related OrganisationWellington Board of WorksWellington Town Board

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Commissioner, Wellington Town Board and Board of Works