CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 215, 16 February 1875, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, February 15, The usual weekly meeting was held in the Council Chamber, Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Hart, Ick, Raphael, Gapes, Jones and Calvert, The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Cr Jones apologised for the absence of Cr Farr that evening through illness. The town clerk reported receipts for the week to be as follows:—From rate collector, account G. 0. rates, 1874, £69 16s ; Waimakariri ditto, £ll 12s 8d; balance of quarter’s rent from Post Office, £7 5s ; fines from R. M. Court, £7 10s ; carriers’ licenses, £4 10s ; kerosene ditto, £3 ; asphalting Market place, £3 6s ; rent from market place, 7s. Total receipts, £lO7 6s Bd. Overdraft at bank on general account, £1223 3s 7d ; drainage account, cr, £7831 Os lid ; drainage rate account, cr, £1596 3s ; wages, Sea, to be paid on general account, £256 18s lOd j on drainage account, £217 lls3d. Cr Jones referred to the large amount now being paid in wages—about three times more than twelve months’ ago—and he thought that if a lot of the work was done by contract, it would save the surveyor a great deal of time in looking through the contracts, and the work would be more satisfactorily done. He instanced the work of a tank, to which he had referred, that would only have taken a man a short while to do, and had no doubt been unattended to through the multifarious duties the surveyor had to attend to.

The Mayor said that one portion of the amount passed that evening was for work done on the North town belt, which was then completed, and the Council would now be able to do their ordinary work with their own men. He would have something more to say on the subject of labor in the course of the evening. The remainder of the accounts were then passed. The Mayor here said that general complaints had been made to him that small works passed on a Monday evening remained undone for at times more than a week. He had made enquiries, and learnt that the works committee instructed the surveyor, who instructed his foreman, and he should like to know why this delay was occasioned. He had noticed the tank in High street that day, and saw that it was in a shameful state. He had spoken himself of the state of the fence in Latimer square, but no attention had been paid to this. A veterinary surgeon had informed him that the horse complained of as being broken-winded was made so through being fed improperly. If the present state of things were allowed to continue it would only bring the Council into disrepute. He would like the works committee to investigate these complaints, and would be glad to give them every assistance. With reference to the cab cases, he had been present in the court when the charge against Goodyer was heard. The case was very ably conducted by Dr Foster, and a fine was inflicted. The other charge against the same person had been withdrawn. With reference to M‘Taggart, the cabmen had repudiated any connection with his conduct, and taking into consideration other matters relating to this man, and as it would not try the merits of the case between the Council and the cabmen, it was, with the advice of some councillors and Dr Foster thought to be the better plan on the whole to withdraw the charge. About twenty summonses had been taken out against the cabmen for obstructing the thoroughfare, and thepolicehad about twenty more in hand, and some of these cases and the cases adjourned last week would be heard on next Thursday. Cr Ick, as a member of the works committee, acknowledged that some of the works ordered had not been carried out as expeditiously as they should have been, but this was not the fault of the works committee, as on several occasions they, after consulting with the surveyor, called in the foreman of the works and impressed upon him the necessity of carrying out these works quickly. The surveyor could not be blamed, as he, besides having a great deal of work on hand, had had a considerable quantity of back work to make up. He (Cr Ick) was aware that the tanks were in bad order and required attention, and their present state fully justified the remarks made that night. The surveyor had been spoken to of this, and he should like to have him called >in. With regard to what had been said about the horses, the works committee had taken upon themselves to call in Mr Hill, veterinary surgeon, who reported the one complained of to be broken winded through improper feeding. Instructions had been given to turn this horse out, and he was now recovering. From enquiries made by the works committee they learnt the horses were not sufficiently fed, and they had instructed the allowance of feed to be increased to two bushels. He would like again to say, before sitting down, that the surveyor might be called in The Mayor said that perhaps it would be as well for the works committee to make inquiries into these matters. If the Council desired themselves to investigate them, that would then be the proper time to call in the surveyor. Cr Gapes was glad the matter had been taken up by the Council, as he had threatened to tender his resignation as a member of the works committee through the laxity displayed in carrying out the instructions of that committee. On the motion of Cr Calvert the surveyor was called in. In reply to the Mayor the surveyor said he always transferred the orders to the foreman of works. It was his fault if they were not carried out. The foreman had complained that he had not sufficient men to carry out the works ordered to be done. He (the surueyor) did not overtax the foreman, and only left small works to him, and which he considered he should be able to look after, foreman had ten men under him. Cr Raphael moved—“ That a committee be formed to inquire into the method in which the works ordered by the Council are carried out, such committee to consist of his Worship the Mayor, Crs Hart, Jones, Calvert, and the mover, with power to call for persons and papers.” Cr Calvert seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Cr Raphael desired at that stage to make a few remarks on the cab case. It was the common topic throughout the town, and he objected to two or three councillors taking action outside the Council. He also objected to the remarks as appearing in

daj’s Press stating that the action taken against the cabmen was with the knowledge of the Council, as they as formingthe Council knew nothing whatever about it. Dr Foster had said that he did not advise councillors but the Council, yet he had done so in this instance. The Press had told them that they were not fit to sit as councillors if they could not carry out their own bye-laws. [The Mayor—That’s only one man’s opinion,] The Council was placed in a most humiliating position, and would, he believed, be glad to pay the defendant in the case the 20s to let them off. He objected to Dr Foster using the name of the City Council in the case, as he had not been authorished by the Council to act as he had done, but by the Mayor and individual councillors. The Mayor said what had been done was by the authority of and under a resolution of the Council, and the tactics that had been resorted to were under his direction and by the consent of the Council, acting with the advice of their solicitor, and until he knew whether Cr Raphael was taking his present course in the interests of the cabmen or those of the ratepayers, he should decline to take his (Cr Raphael’s advice outside the Council Chambers; He must say from what he had seen in Court when the case was being heard that all Cr Raphael’s sympathies lay with the cabmen, and he regretted to see this. Cr Raphael said he was acting in the interests of the ratepayers. Cr Jones would inform Cr Raphael that the action taken had been under a resolution passed by the majority of the Council. The subject then dropped. The city surveyor reported—“l. Mr Brightmore, the contractor for the Lichfield street water supply, has again made application to be released from his contract. His letter will be laid before you. “ 2. I am having a double action pump made, which I think will be powerful enough to overcome the water on the above work. “ 3. The asphalte footpath on the western side of the approach to Victoria bridge will be laid this week. “ 4. The work for widening Victoria bridge was commenced this morning.” On No. 1 paragraph being discussed, on the motion of Cr Ick, Mr Brightmore was released from his contiact.

The other paragraphs of the report were approved. Four tenders for carting stone were opened, and one accepted. Cr Ick entered a protest against the acceptance of this tender, on the ground of its being informal, and contrary to a resolution on the books of the Council. One tender for timber was opened, and referred to the works committee. A letter was read from D. Brightmore, giving notice of his wish to withdraw from the Lichfield street water supply contract, as he had met with unforeseen difficulties, and had not sufficient means to carry it out. This letter was settled earlier in the evening, and Brightmdre allowed to withdraw from his contract. A letter was read from the Heathcote Road Board, requesting the Council to be good enough to remove all obstructions—as per agreement—interfering with the Board’s having the full benefit of the use of the storm water drain, Cr Ick said the surveyor had had instructions to remove the obstructions complained of the very day after the Council had authorised this to be done. Ultimately the letter was referred to the surveyor. The conditions arrived at at a public meeting under which the three German bells would be handed over to the city, were read as follow: “ Ist. That the members of the German Church be asked to give a lease of the ground on which the bell tower stands to the Christchurch City Council for a term of fifty years, at a nominal rental of say 5s per annum, •• 2nd. That the management of the three bells already hung in the tower, and the balance of the peal (viz, five more bells to be subscribed for) shall be vested in a committee of eight gentlemen, five to be nominated by the City Council, and three by the trustees of the German Church, the Mayor of Christchurch to be chairman. “3rd. That the five bells now proposed to be subscribed for shall be vested in the Corporation of Christchurch, to remain the property of the city for ever. “4th. That the five bells shall on arrival be hung in the German bell tower, to be rung with the other three, as the committee of management may provide lor. “ sth. That the peal when complete shall be called the Christchurch Bells. “6th. Should the City Council decide at any future period to remove the peal to another tower, the written consent of the trustees of the German Church (for the time being) must be first obtained before removing the three bells belonging to the German congregation—viz, the Kaiser, the Kron Prinz, and Bismarck. “ 7th. That the peal of bells shall be considered to be unconnected with any religious denomination whatsoever, but that the committee of management shall be requested to make arrangements to have them rung at suitable hours for Divine services on Sundays. “ Bth, That the Christchurch City Council be invited to give their assent to the foregoing suggestions.” Cr Raphael thought this was a religious question, and not within the province of the Council. Cr Ick considered it was really a most liberal offer from their German friends, who had shown them a most worthy example. He sincerely hoped the Council would see their way to assent to the conditions. This matter had been carefully considered by some members of the Council and some citizens, and Mr Ruddenklau had assured him that he could get five bells cast, to work in unison with the three already here. The rent asked was only a nominal one, and by the proposed means the city would be placed in the position of having a nice peal of bells. All denominations were represented, and the difficulty about] obtaining subscriptions for a definite purpose was cleared away. He would move—“ That this Council have much pleasure in assenting to the resolutions passed at a meeting convened at the City Council chambers respecting a peal of bells for Christchurch.” Cr Jones seconded the motion with very great pleasure. The overtures made were most liberal, and large subscriptions _ had been promised for the purpose of obtaining a peal.

The Mayor said that in addition to very large subscriptions promised by several gentlemen, Mr John Anderson had told him that not only would he subscribe handsomely, but while in Germany he would do all in his power toward the o' j ct of securing a complete peal of bells for the city. [Applause.] The resolution was put and carried. The Mayor informed the Council that two gentlemen had been duly nominated as auditors for tha ensuing year, and would be declared elected on the Ist of March next, nnder clause 87 of the Municipal Corpoiations Act, 1867. There had been no nominations made for the office of assessors, and he would therefore, under the powers of clause 126 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1867, appoint Messrs M. B. Hart and E. B. Bishop, both of whom would, he believed, act. A letter was read from his Honor the Superintendent to the chairman of the sanitary committee, acknowledging receipt of letter of sth instant, reporting a case of measles in Christchurch ; and in reply stating that the letter was not accompanied by any evidence or remarks such as were required by the clause of the Public Health Act. As soon as this was done, he would bring it under the notice of the Board of Health, who would no doubt, transmit it to the Colonial Secretary, as required by the Act. Cr Jones said that the child who was unwell had recoveied ; but he he had been informed by the father that anotuer of his children was laid up with the same complaint. If it were found necessary, during the week the sanitary committee would report on the case. The rate collector reported that he had been engaged during the week obtaining information required for the compilation of the new rate roll. He hoped to be able to complete the roll in a few days. He had taken out a few summonses for rates in arrears. Cr Raphael considered this report most unsatisfactory, and thought that the collector was not acting in accordance with the resolution of the Council in getting in the rates. Crs Ick, Jones, and Gapes, expressed dissatisfaction at the action of the collector in not strictly carrying out the resolution of the Council. Ultimately this was referred to the Mayor, to report at next meeting. The usual weekly report of the inspector of nuisances was read and approved. Cr Raphael said that the finance committee had considered the question of finding the money for building a new bridge at Montreal street, at the site of the present one, and they found that however much they desired to prevent the inhabitants from being inconvenienced, they could not see what quarter the money was to come from, and could not recommend its construction to the Council. The Mayor said that in a few words they could not find the money for the work. Cr Ick was afraid that not only this but many other works throughout the city would have to be stopped. At the end of the financial year there would be a deficit of £SOOO or £6OOO, and he felt that this state of things ought to be made public. If the Council did not receive assistance, the probability was that all the works of the city would have to be stopped at the end of five or six months. The Press pointed out certain works which it was considered should be carried out, but they were expected, like the Israelites of old, to make bricks without straw. The Mayor observed that on a late occasion, when in the company of some members of the Government and Provincial Council, he had taken the opportunity of advertising the poverty of the Council, and he really felt afraid that unless the City Council received a grant of money, they would have to stop all the works of the city in May next. Cr Ick referred to the dangerous practice existing of people driving quickly around corners, and asked if any action had been taken under the bye-law brought forward some months since by Cr Lane. The Mayor replied that there had not been any, and this matter would no doubt be considered at a future date. Omnibus licenses were applied for by James Hogg, Tuam street, Edward Samuels, and William Hayward, St Albans, A favorable report was sent in by the inspector, and the licenses were granted. Drivers’ licenses were granted to Edward Samuels and William Hayward. Andrew McTaggart applied for a license for a four-wheeled cab and driver’s license.

Appended to the application was a letter from the inspector of police in reply, forwarding a list of offences for which that applicant had been before the Bench at the Resident' Magistrates’ Court. Cr Raphael bad made enquiries of the police respecting the character of the applicant, and could learn nothing against him. If he knew anything he would say so then. He would move that the application be granted. Cr Gapes felt that this would open up the whole question, as if they granted a man a license, they would have to find him a stand, and if any of the other cabmen went on that stand they would have to be summoned. He knew that the license of this man had been cancelled on one occasion for six months, but had again been granted to him, and as he had since behaved himself, he would second the resolution. The Mayor observed that the application for the driver’s license was informal, as it had not been signed by the inspector, Cr Jones would oppose the resolution. He (Cr Jones) was there to do his duty fearlessly, and from the character (from the report of the inspector of police) of this man, and the way he had acted he did not think he was a fit person to hold a license. The license had not been signed by the inspector, and he would move as an amendment—- “ That the license be not granted.” Cr Ick would second the amendment—firstly, because the application was informal; and secondly, because, from the conduct of this man in cutting himself out of the enclosure after being warned, and deliberately going to another stand and maliciously cutting down a post, he certainly was not, in his opinion, a fit man to hold a license. Cr Hart could not see what use it was for them to place resolutions on their books if they were not to be guided by them. There was one resolution in existence distinctly laying down the rule, that all applications for licenses should be sent in a week before being considered, in Council. By leave of the Council, further consideration of Cr Raphael’s resolution was adjourned until Monday next. The notice of motion standing in Cr Farr’s name was allowed to stand over for a week. The meeting then adjourned,