CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 279, 4 May 1875, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, May 3rd. The usual weekly meeting was held in the Council Chambers. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Ick, Bishop, Schmidt, Raphael, Gapes, Jones. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The town clerk reported receipts for the week to be as follows:—From rate collector, account general city rates, 1874, £52 16s; Waimakariri do, £8 16s ; fines from Resident Magistrate's Court, £1 10s ; kerosene license, £1; hawker's license, £1 ; rent of Market place, 7s. Total receipts, £65 9s. Over-draft at bank ou general account, £2331 13s 4d. Wages, &c, to be paid on general account, £258 13s 6d. Drainage account— Cr, £3148 12s Bd. Drainage rate account, £l2lO. Wages to be paid on drainage account, £2OO 6s 6d. Interest received on sinking fund account, £l2. The Mayor stated to the Council the result of the deputation which had waited upon the Government from the Finance Com mittee. He had mentioned on last Monday night the remark made by the Hon E. Richardson, with reference to any amendments it might be considered desirable to

! make in the Municipal Corporations Act. No action had been taken that evening in the matter, and he would ask that if in the experience of councillors any ideas suggested themselves which might prove, beneficial, they should record them that night. Cr Raphael would wish the city solicitor to be present when such amendments were made. Cr Ick wou'd like to see an amended lock, stock, and barrel of the whole Act. The Mayor thought that it would be as well for the solicitor to be instructed to examine the Act thoroughly, and be asked to call a special meeting when prepared. Cr Bishop felt that Dr Foster knew the whole necessities of the Corporation, and he might be instructed to draw up a complete amendment of the Act, which would not or,ly give the powers to the Council now found necessary, but would also amend the Act relating to the borrowing powers of the Council. Crs Gapes and Jones supported the view of a special meeting being called to consider the amendments which might be inserted bj the city solicitor. Cr Raphael moved, " That the town clerk be instructed to call a special meeting of the Council for the consideration of amendment? —which may be thought to be necessary—in the Municipal Corporations Act; and that the city solicitor be instructed to attend and report." Cr Schmidt seconded the motion, whici was unanimously agreed to. The city surveyor reported—- " 1. The annexed is an account of the cost of the Lichfield street work, £498 lis 6d. " 2. The works committee recommend that tenders be at once called channelling Oashel street, and that shingle be substituted fo) broken stone in the composition of the concrete. " 3. The broken stone from the quarry is now being carted to Colombo street, and if that street is repaired as well as Manchester street from Cashel street to the belt, with five yards per chain, there will remain about 250 yards to repair other streets with ; this will be a very meagre supply, but if the stone is so distributed, it will enable us to go on for the pres( nt." The first clause of the report was passed without comment. On No 2 clause being read, Cr Bishop, as chairman of the works committee, in moving the adoption of that clause, desired, with permission as an individual member of that committee, to reiterate his opinion of the inadvisability of using shingle in contradistinction to broken metal. After some further discussion the clause was passed. On No 3 clause being discussed, Crs Gapes, Jones, and Ick referred to a motion on the books that Manchester and Madras streets were to be the first metalled, and they really required a thorough good metalling before the winter set in. It was eventually decided to refer this clause to the works committee to act upon. The following letter from Mr N. Jowett, engineer, on the Lichfield street water supply, was read. " Tuam street, Christchurch, "April 22nd, 1875. " Gentlemen, —In reading the issue of Tuesday last I find that the surveyor in his report to the Council at its sitting the previous evening, states that he has made two trials with the Lichfield street water supply, which had proved very unsatisfactory, and that he suggests the construction of a weir across the river, which I am of opinion would never attain the object sought of it—namely, to increase the flow of the pipes to such an extent that they would supply the city fire engines. " I beg to submit for your consideration the following plan, which, if carried out, I fully believe would make the above water supply a success.— " At each of the three sumps nearest the river I should insert a cast iron pipe 12in in diameter, of sufficient length to connect both lengths of piping into one, and then joint them together in the usual way by felt, &c. I would have say a 7in pipe coming out of the cast iron pipe for about 18in long, and cast in one piece, this 7in diameter pipe would look upward toward the surface with a flange around the top of it ; connected with that would be another 7in diameter pipe, which would reach within a few inches of the surface, having a flange at each end, by means of which they would be bolted together. On the top of that would be bolted another casting, being simply a screw with cap to fit, so that when not required would keep the down pipe thoroughly airtight, the whole being under the surface of the road, and covered by a strong door. At the Colombo .street sump I would follow the same plan except that the 12iu pipe would require to be securely covered on one end, I would remove all brick work and fill up with earth to within a few inches of the surface ; by this means I should render the pipes air-tight'. In the event of a fire, the cap would be unscrewed from the upright pipe, and by means of a suitable coupling the suction pipe of the engine would be screwed on, and on the engine commencing to work would create a vacuum which the water in the pipe would at once move forward to fill up ; there would then be 151 b atmospheric pressure at the river end, forcing the water through the pipes, while at the present time there is no pressure whatever. Another thing which I am of opinion would require to be done, if the above plan was carried out, would be that the pipes at the river end would require to be extended some distance further into the river, and kept lower from the surface of the water, to prevent any air getting into the mouth of them. I am, gentlemen, Yours faithfully, Nathan Jowett, Engineer. To Works Committee, Christchurch City Council. Mr Bray's report on the same matter was read as follows : '• To the Chairman of the Works Committee of the City Council of Cbristchuich. " Sir.—Having been requested by you on the 2; rd instant to examine the Lichfield street water supply and to report thereon " 1. Whether this scheme is calculated to afford a sufficient supply in case fire ? " 2. Whether there appears to be any obstruction in the pipeti 1 " 3. Whether anything can be done to increase their efficiency 1 " I beg to report as under : " 1. The enquiry whether the scheme is calculated to afford a sufficient supply in case of fire, involves the preliminary question of how much water is required to supply a fire engine. " The Deluge engine throws at the rate of 211 gallons per 100 strokes, therefore, if

worked up to a speed of 213 strokes per minute, the speed of a forty-six mile per hour express train, would throw 450 gallons per minute. But the printed instructions of the makers limit the speed to 180 strokes per minute, at which rate it will throw 380 gallons per minute. The railway engine throws near three times that quantity. " The Lichfield street pipes were intended to have a regular fall from the Avon to the head of the outfall drain. The distance is about 80 chains, and the drain 5 feet below the water in the river ; therefore 12 inch pipes would deliver 390 gallons per minute if perfectly laid. Any irregularities in the joints would reduce the quantity, and the interruption of the flow by frequent sumps might reduce it to 260 gallons per minute. " Hence the sump system is not adequate to supply the Deluge tire engine. "2. Whether there appears to be any obstruction in the pipes 1 " This work has been carried out with short lengths of earthen glazed pipes, which in favorable circumstances might possibly have been well jointed. But no ordinary joints could connect them so effectually as to exclude the land springs found in the silty ground of Lichfield street, and where the water found entrance it would bring the fine silt with fit. The quantity of water passing through these numerous joints is greater than can be removed by ordinary pumps throwing 50 gallons per minute. An attempt was made by the city surveyor to lower the water in the sumps so as to pass a 9-inch wooden ball from sump to sump, in order to ascertain if the pipes were clear, but the land spriugs were too strong and the attempt failed. " When the trial was made in April with the Deluge fire-engine, it was worked up to nearly 120 strokes per minute, and threw about 250 gallons per minute. The pipes between the Avon and Colombo street, if free of silt, would contain 5280 ga lons, enough to supply the engine for twenty-one minutes, without any further supply from the river or the land springs ; yet in five minutes the engine had exhausted the water and drew air. Only 1250 gallons of water were obtained. This proves clearly that the pipes are seriously obstructed. " If we assume that the land springs have already half filled the pipes with silt, the upper half of the pipe would still supply 1(50 gallons per minute, the land springs may have given 20 gallons per minute, and 350 gallons may have been found in the sump, and part of the pipe between it and the obstruction, thus accounting for the 1250 gallons found by the engine. Possibly if the speed of the engine had been reduced below ninety strokes per minute, or less than half speed, it might have found a supply. "At the next sump the engine worked thirteen minutes. Having pipes and springs on both sides of that sump, it may have drawn 30 gallons per minute from the springs, 160 gallons per minute through the pipe half full of silt, and have got 780 gallons from the sump and the pipes here on both sides of it, accounting for 3250 gallons drawn in thirteen minutes. "At the third sump the engine found a supply, and did not draw air. The ground between this sump and the river was not so wet and not silty, therefore the pipes were probably free. If quite clear, they would suppiy here 350 gallons per minute. This sump is above the proper level, and would not deliver more than 350 gallons, so that if the engine had worked above 170 strokes per minute, it wculd have drawn air. "3. Can anything be done to increase thei;. efficiency ? " As it appears that the land springs have already introduced so much silt as to choke the lower half of the pipes, any attempt to clear the pipes by pumping the river water through them to wash the silt out, would be more likely to d'aw more silt in, and quite fill the pipes. We have no pumps of power enough to affect the pipes, without using the steam fire engines, which ought not to be again risked with such water. Not only is it so unfit for the boilers that the Deluge had to be supplied with artesian water during the trial, but the sand subsequently found in the strainer at the end of the suction pipe was of such a sharp and gritty nature as to show that this water supply was totally unfit for such costly engines, " The only suggestion I can offer for obtaining an efficient supply is to abandon the present earthen pipas,and lay 12 inch cast iron pipes to Colombo street, with such fall as may be required to supply one, two, or three engines, as may bo thought necessary. " I have the honor to be, " Sir, " Your obedient servant, " W. B. BItAY. " Manchester street, Christchurch, "Ist May, 1875." After some remarks, Or Raphael moved —" That the thanks of this Council be accorded to Mr Bray for his report, and that it be acknowledged." Cr Gapes seconded the motion, which was carried. Cr Bishop, after showing the impracticability of the first report, and commenting on the latter, said that, though the works had proved a failure, aud had been carried out against the expressed wish of the works committee, still he felt that the councillor who had so strenuously advocated the carrying out of this work had done so in the best interest of the ratepayers, and in a zealous endeavor to perform his duty in his position as councillor. He would move—- " That Mr Jowett's letter be acknowledged with thanks." Cr Ick seconded the motion, and pointed out that not only had Cr Hart (whom he believed was the councillor mentioned) but other councillors, one of whom was not then in the Council, strongly supported the carrying out of this work. After some remarks from other Councillors the city surveyor, who was present, having received permission, said that when the Lichfield water supply had been under discussion in the committee, and subsequently in the Council, he had said on both occasions that the greatest obstacle would be the silt aud he would not answer for the result. Cr Bishop's motion, on being put, was carried. Mr S. Smart wrote, saying that he had sent a load of fine shingle for the inspection of the works committee, and was prepared to deliver from 500 to 1000 yards of same at 8s per cubic yard. Cr Bishop, as chairman of the works committee, said that committee were satisfied with the sample submitted, but the question resolved itself into one of expense, as a siding would have to be erected for its delivery. Cr Ick reiterated the remarks of the previous speaker, and moved—" That in consequence of the present state of the Council's finances, the tender of Mr Smart be declined for the present,"

Cr Bishop seconded the motion. Cr Jones pointed out the necessity of the footpaths being repaired at any cost. Cr Ick would wish the Cpuneil were a Rothschild, and could find funds to carry out works which they and the works committee felt were absolutely necessary ; but he objected that while Cr Junes was go thoroughly aware of the financial position of the Council, he should yet attempt to earn popularity by continually crying upon the presenc state of the footpaths, while he knew all the time that no money wap available to carry out this work. The motion was put and carried. A motion by Cr Gapes for an estimate of expense for the erection of a sideline, was put and lost by the casting vote of the Mayor. A letter was read from Mr H. B. Alport in reply, expressing his gratification that steps were to be taken on the usual terms to abate the nuisance he had complained of, and pointing out several reasons why, in his opinion, that course might have been waived in this instance. Further consideration adjourned for a week. The following official resolution was submitted by the town clerk as passed by the Bnard of Conservators. " That a rate of one penny in the £1 be levied upon the general district, and a rate of one penny additional upon the special district for the current year." A requisition was submitted from the residents of Madras strctt, from Cashel street to Ferry road, asking that that portion might be kerbed and channelled, when they would contribute one-fourth of the cost. The request was complied with. The rate-book for the year 1875 was submitted, f»nd in accordance with clause 210 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1867, was signed by three members of the Council. Cr Raphael moved, and Cr Schmidt seconded—" That the town clerk be directed to give the notice required by clauses 212 and 222 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1867. That the rate-book was now open for inspection, and that the objections would be heard as provided by the Act." The following report was read from the bye-law committee re building block : " The bye-law committee beg to report that the resolution of Bth March, requesting them to draft a bye-law founded upon the resolution of Bth February, cannot be acted upon, as the resolution last named already indicates the course to be pursued. If this is to be carried out, it is not requisite for this committee to draw up a bye-law. They, however, wish it to be clearly understood that they are quite opposed to the resolution as it now stands. If the Council think proper to rescind it, and request this committee to report what they recommend, they are prepared to do so, having already given the matter full consideration. " E. B. Bishop, " Chairman," The report was received. Cr Bishop said that the committee were not opposed to the extension of the building block, but only so far as they were affected by the instructions of the resolution passed in the Council on the Bth February. Cr Ick strongly objected to the action taken by the committee in this instance, as they were acting altogether in opposition to a resolution passed by a large majority of the Council. He had heard, and now believed, that a small section, if they made up their minds, could upset all the resolutions passed by a corporate or any other body for the benefit of those whom they represented. He would move—" That consideration of the report be adjourned until the motion of which Cr Raphael intended to give notice came on for consideration." Cr Gapes seconded the motion. Cr Bishop felt that Cr Ick in his remarks expected the bye-law committee to carry out resolutions submitted to them purely as a recommendation, and the carrying to perfection of in the interests of the citizens felt conscientiously opposed to. The remarks made by Cr Ick were uncalled for, as the resolutions in his name on the books left them no alternative but to hand to the city solicitor to put into legal phraseology a byelaw to which, upon consideration, they felt altogether opposed. Cr Ick having replied, the motion was put and agreed to. The superintendent and chief inspector of the fire brigade reported that during the past quarter the brigade had attended six fires:— 1. Russell's stables; 2. Clarke and Co; 3. Hulbert's shop; 4. Dewsbury's house ; 5. Simmonds' stables; 6. Lewis's stables. This was the largest number occurring for some time, and he was glad to say the loss in each had been small. The report was received and adopted. Cr Bishop moved— the finance committee be requested to report on Monday next recommendations to reduce the liabilities of the Council." This motion was brought forward at the instance of the works committee, as they felt that in the present position of the Council's finances they, as a committee, were placed in a most unsatisfactory position in carrying out works which might launch the Council in a position of greater debt. His Worship the Mayor, as chairman of the finance committee, seconded the resolution, and would merely say that the works committee had only anticipated his committee by a week. Cr Ick, as having moved this matter in the works committee, expressed his anxiety with reference to the present financial position of the Council. Cr Raphael, as a member of the finance committee, would assure Cr Ick and others that, even without assistance from the Provincial Council, they would be able to tide over the dreaded 6th November, though about this time next year the overdraft at the Bank might be about the same as at the present time. Cr Raphael moved—" That the town clerk be instructed to write to the Manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company, requesting to know if they are prepared to purchase the remainder of the debentures amounting to £9500, being the balance authorised to be borrowed on drainage account, withii' three months from May 3rd, 1875. Cr Ick seconded the motion, which was carried. Cr Ick moved—" That the same course be adopted this year for the collection of rates as was approved of by the Council last year." Cr Bishop seconded the motion. Cr Raphael moved as an amendment — " That a notice for the collection of rates be sent, and if; not then paid within thirty days, every seventh person on the roll to be summoned." Cr Raphael ultimately received permission to withdraw his amendment, and the motion was agreed to.

The weekly report of the inspector of nuisances was read and approved. Cr Raphael moved—" That the rate collector furnish a list on Monday next, of those persons who have not paid their last year's rates." Cr Ick seconded the motion. He had used the expression on previous occasions, and had now to reiterate it, that it was monstrous that those ratepayers who paid their rates when called upon should have to suffer for the laches of others. He trusted that when the list was furnished it would be printed in large letters in the papers, and for that purpose he would be glad to give £5. Cr Kaphael—" I'll give a similar amount." After Cr Jones had expressed a hope that the offers of Crs Ick and Raphael would be made public, the motion was put and agreed to. The Council then adjourned.