CITY COUNCIL.

Evening Star, Issue 2830, 14 March 1872, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

At last night’s meeting the following business was transacted : vr Larnach wrote, suggesting that the new agreement to supply gas should date from the Ist inst., and a reconsideration of the proposed fines for non-lighting of City lamps, he thinking la 6d a lamp sufficient, considering the reduced price of gas. His letter concluded, “As I learn from you that three years is the limit for which the Council can bind the Corporation in any lighting contract, 1 presume I may look to a promise of renewal of the same at end of term, failing the Corporation not declaring to purchase meanwhile.” It was decided to reduce the fines to Is fid, and th?t the new contract should date from March 1 ; but the proposition for a renewal of the contract at the end of three years, was rejected, as being ultra vires. In a discussion as to the propriety of allowing the North Recreation Ground to be used exclusively by the Amateur Athletic Club, for their sports, or y any other Association, Mr Cargill protested against the reserve being placed at the disposal of any body of persons for their private profit, but Mr Barnes, while prepared to refuse the privilege to ab-olute strangers, as willing to accord it to the Athletic Club, who had spent between L2O and L3O in improving the ground provided they did not close the side

gates. After farther discussion the matted was referred to the Reserves Committee,' ' with power to act. The Finance Committee's report recommending that Mr Hutchison should be : offered LIOO, without prejudice, for the plans of gas works prepared by him, and that he should be allowed to take tracings of the same, led to a discussion. Messrs Barnes and Cargill admitted the Council had done wrong in sending the plans out of the office, but neither agreed as to the remuneration to which Mr utchisou was entitled —Mr Barnes thinking that the offer was not at all likely to be accepted, while Mr Cargill considered LIOO a very fair sum for what he merely regarded as drawings. The matter was referred to the Finance and Lighting Committees. Mr Barnes advocated the adoption of the short hours system by the Council in holding their meetings in the afternoon instead of at night; but the proposition was negatived by a small majority. Mr Barnes then gave notice of his intention to move at the next sitting of the Council, that the wages of Corporation employes be paid at noon on Thursdays, and of his intention to take such action as would enable the men to leave off work at noon on Saturdays, Among the miscellane us matters disposed of were theseLso was voted to effect repairs at the mirth end of Queen street; and LI 50 set apart for improving the Southern Cemetery.