Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/97

 The Citizens ADELAIDE AND VICINITY 7' ordinary expenditure was set down at ^500 for each quarter. The Common Council was precluded from contracting loans for public works without the approval of the Governor in Council. Work exceeding ^400 in price must be done by contract after tenders had been called for in the Government Gazette. The Corporation was " empowered to levy tolls on the principal thoroughfares leading to and from the city," and was required to so far contribute to the cost of the prosecution of criminals, and also to the maintenance of gaols, as arose from felonies or misdemeanors committed within the limits of the city. It will be seen that this Act contained unusual provisions, especially in regard to quorum voting. Mr. Thomas Worsnop, in his " History of the City of Adelaide," considered that, although it was not particularly liberal, it gave promise of some improvement to the city. He regarded it as an ex- much to learn, and some- municipal institutions root in South Australia, held October 31, 1840, or by quorum voting records. The pioneer constituted of James Hailes, Abraham Brown, Charles Mann, John Hallett, William Lambert, Henry Wat- Edward Rowlands, Andrews, Matthew William Henry Neale, Sanders, and John the same day the South Australian Club to elect the Mayor and A. H. Davis, M. Smillie, perimental Act, leaving thing to suffer, before could take permanent The first election was but whether by a poll does not appear in the Municipal Council was Hurtle Eisher, Nathaniel Hopkins Davis, John George Stevenson, Blyth, William Gilchrist son, Thomas W^ilson, Edward William Smillie, James Frew, Samuel East, William Yatesby Wakeham. On Councillors met at the House, Hindley Street, Aldermen. Messrs. James Huktle Fisher and George Stevenson were chosen as Aldermen, and Mr. Fisher as Mayor. The ex- Resident Commissioner was respected 'by the citizens, and during his term of office proved himself an enlightened chief magistrate. Among the Aldermen and Common Councilmen were several who, like the Mayor, attained considerable fame in the Province. The Colonial Treasurer, as provided by the Act, bore the expense of the election, which amounted to over £i']2)- On November 4, the first regular meeting of the Council was held. The inaugural act of members was to adopt an address to the Governor, thanking him for the prompt and liberal manner in which he had carried out "this satisfactory measure." After assuring him of their loyalty, the Councilmen declared " that in the exercise of the duties devolving upon us in our adopted country we shall exert ourselves to the utmost for the advancement of the prosperity of this city, the maintenance of peace and good order, the preservation of