CITY COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2754, 14 December 1871, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

Yesterday. There -was a special meeting of the Council last night. Present—The Mayor, and all the Councillors, except Mr Thoneman. The Finance Committee’s report, recommending the issue of L10,t)00 ■worth of debentures to cover the same amount falling due on June 1872, Avas agreed to ; as Avas also a recommendation by the Markets’ Committee, that in order to establish the Corporation cattle sale yards, it Avas advisable to alloAV Messrs Driver, Stewart, and Co.; Wright, Stephenson, and P. PoAver, to enjoy the exclusive right to the yards on a given day (Wednesday) in each Aveek, for a period of three years, at L7d a year -those linns to cease using private cattle sales forthwith. The Mayor explained that the Markets Committee Avished it to be understood that they objected to the principle of iriyintr any body of men the exclusive right to use the yards, and he individually hold a strong opinion on the subject, but looking at the circumstances of the case, the committee had adopted the present course as a kind of compromise, as they could not see how the yards Avcre otherwise to be brought into general use. TIIK GARGILL M.OL-MKNT, The following tenders Avere received for removing the monument and erecting it in front of the Custom House : —G, Muuro, L 610; Jas. Gore, L 438 ; Wra. Davidson, L 940 ; Fraser and Aitken, LII2O 10s ; Alex. Campbell, L 540 ; D. Hunter, LG6B. In answer to Mr Livingston, the Mayor said the cost had been estimated at LiioO. Mr Cargill thought the Avork proposed to be done, Avas of too expensive a character, and beyond the present means of the Council, unless some mollifications in the design were made. There Avas another point Avhicli required attention. Would it be right to place the monument on the proposed site. The removal of it Avas a very difficult work, and tfie work itself was unequalled in its kind in the Colonies; and that being so, it Avas a question whether by putting it on such a base they Avere not eommitiiug a sLice/sm. To put it on a base 12 feet high might bo violating the character of the original design, and whatever Avas done should be done in keeping with that. Mr Barnes said the ornamental Avork on the base avas too rich, and in that respect a saving might be ellected. Ihe price tendered Avas very loav indeed ; and if they had the money, lie Avould have been inclined to accept it ai ojacc. Mr Fikill thought it Avould be a disgrace to the City if for the sak.; fff LSI) they refused to carry out this desirable work. Mr Cargill thought it Avould be Avell to refer tbe Avliole matter back to the Works Committee. Ho had been informed by competent authority that the work of removal Avas difficult, and the greatest care should be that no injury was done it.

The Mayor pointed out that the expenditure of LSI) should not be allowed to stand in the way of the completion of a work that was intended to last for ages. After further discussion, the matter was referred to the Works Committee, with power to act. NEW GAS WORKS, The following report from Mr S. Hutchison was read ; “1. The old works are on leasehold property, at a rental, whereas the city is possessed of land of its own in a more eligible position for Gas Works. “2. That the rental of the GasWorks laud for the net term of 21 years is uncertain. “3. There is every reason to suppose that in ten years from the present date, when the rental of the land for the next twenty-one years will have to be assessed, that the amount will be so increased as to compel a removal of the works, as provided for under the lease, and which may reasonably be anticipated, seeing the present great value of the Kensington property only 400 yards distant. “4. The removal of the plant and station to another position would entail incalcuable loss and inconvenience, as the whole ramification of street mains would require alteration, for the trunk mains must start from the manufactory. “5. The old Gas Works land is subject to periodical inundations, the foundations are bad and costly, and the position is so exposed to the south-west and north-east gales, as always to render the works liable to accidents—one of which happened a few years since of a very costly character, leaving the city in darkness for six nights during repairs. “ (i. That in the face of these several contingencies, it would be improvident and unbusinesslike to invest a large sum on land under such a tenure, especially as between this and the next ten years further sums wil have to be expended from time to time in necessary extensions of the works. “ 7. That the meters having been in wear nearly nine years must shortly renewing throughout, which would be a s rious item for the Council to meet, if they purchased the works. “8. That a new works, with every improvement, and a much greater length of larger mains, can be procured for less money than would purchase the old partially constructed ivories ; therefore, if the Corporation were to purchase the old works, they would be compelled to tax the city for all time, with a larger price per 1000 cubic feet of gas than would bo necessary if the work* were cheaper, of better construction, and more suitably located for the economic manufacture and distribution of gas. “9. There is no fresh water supply, without a pressure of which making can never he efficiently or economically carried on. “In conclusion, I can only trust that the great importance of the subject will be received as a sufficient apology for my tres passing so long on your time and attention. —I am, &c., “ Stephen Hutchison, ‘ ‘ Consulting Gas Engineer. Mr Cargill then moved, “ That the plans and specifications be laid upon the table, and that Mr Hutchison be thanked for the trouble ho has taken in procuring the information supplied. That the Lighting Committee be instructed to give further consideration to the question of future j contracts for lighting, or the purchase of the present gas works, and to report at a future meeting.” The resolution was carried unanimously, and the Council then adjourned nine die.