CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 344, 20 July 1875, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

♦ Monday, July 19. The usual weekly meeting was held in the Council Chambers. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Crs Calvert, Hart, Bishop, Ick, Jones, Raphael, and Schmidt. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The town clerk reported receipts for the week to be as follow:—From rate collector: Account general city rates, 1875, £133 15s; Waimakariri do, £22 5s lOd; watering rate, £ll 14s 8d; contribution from Victoria Insurance Company to Fire Brigade, £l2 19s 3d; fines from Resident Magistrate’s Court, £5 10s; carriers’ licenses, £3; rent from Market place, 7s Total receipts, £lB9 11s 9d. Overdraft at Bank on general account, £2669 14s 6d. Drainage account—Cr, £Bl 19s 9d. Drainage rate account —Cr, £llO3 7s 4d, Wages, &c., to be paid on general account, £277 8s lOd ; on drainage account, £360 lls 9d. A long discussion took place on an extra account being submitted from the night soil contractor, when it was resolved that the sanitary committee report on the agreement made' with him and on the best mode of providing for this extra expense. The Mayor said he was happy to say that a letter would be read that night from Mr D. Craig respecting the debentures, but in the meantime it would perhaps be as well, to prevent the drainage works being stopped, that the finance committee should see the bank manager to arrange for an overdraft. A of the drainage conference had taken place, but as there was nothing definite at present to lay before the Council, that matter would not be gone into until then. A letter from Dr Foster having reference to the question of the transfer of licenses would be laid before them at a later stage. Cr Hart said that, after the £9OOO had been spent, which was about to be received, it would be a pity that any of the works of drainage should be stopped. A Bill should be prepared to submit to the General Assembly, to raise more money to carry out the work of drainage. The Mayor said that the works committee had considered this matter, and though no determination had been come to, he would give it as his own opinion that, if the amendments sent up were agreed to, they would have no occasion, under the extended powers received, to go up to the Assembly this session for a power to raise a fresh loan. If, however, the Council desired a report from the finance committee, he should call a special meeting of that body for that purpose. Cr Gapes said that they would require as much money for drainage purposes as had already been spent, and he would move—- “ That the finance committee consider and report on this subject,” Or Jones seconded the motion. The Mayor would like to explain, that if no one else did it, he would move that the proposed Drainage Board should repay the Council for all the money that had been expended on arterial drainage, which would amount to about £IB,OOO. Cr Hart thought it would be advisable the Council should consider the advisability of getting further powers to borrow more money to carry out drainage. Or Bishop quite agreed with what had fallen from Cr Hart. It would be a pity, and be most injurious if anything occurred to stop the works of the drainage ; and he would prefer the resolution to read that Dr Foster be instructed to draw out a Bill for this purpose. The Mayor said that if they showed the Provincial Council they possessed power to borrow money, they could not expect assistance from the Provincial Council. Cr Ick hoped the Council would depend upon themselves, and not upon any Provincial Council, and he would mention that from what he had seen he had little confidence in any assistance they would receive from the Provincial Council. If he could, he would borrow £ 100,000 for reproductive works, which in a little time would enable them to reduce taxation, Cr Hart moved as an amendment—“ That Dr Foster be empowered to draft a bill to borrow a further sum of £50,000 for fifty years for drainage purposes.” Cr Ick seconded the amendment. Cr Gapes withdrew his resolution in favor of the amendment, which became the substantive resolution, and on being put was carried. Cr Bishop thought that was the proper time for him to move—“ That the committee of the Council appointed to meet the chairmen of the Road Boards be now discharged.” He was glad the committee had been appointed, as it had resulted in the matter being ventilated. The committee did not constitute the majority of the Council, and could not carry any resolution, nor did they desire it. The question had now assumed a very different aspect. It was first formed to consider the drainage of the suburbs, then it included the city, and now it resolved itself into a question of arterial drainage, and to this he could not agree, as two-thirds of the expense of the work would be borne by the citizens. Fntil the citizens had had an opportunity of express their opinion on this matter, he would

not agree with any further action being taken in this direction. He would now move the motion which he had read. Or Baphael seconded the motion. Or Jones differed with Cr Bishop altogether, and comparing small with great things, instanced the splendid system of drainage which bad been carried out by the Metropolitan Board in London. It was fallacy frightening the people by mentioning excessive rates. The suburbs could not be drained without some portion of the city were included. They would see that nearly all the members of the conference were equally interested in the city, and to carry this work of arterial drainage to success must be done by a Board who would be placed in a position to carry out one general system of drainage. He very much regretted that the committee of the Council, who had never been appointed to consider a more important work, should now desire to draw out. Cr Gapes felt that no system of drainage would be complete which was not general, and that work could be best carried out by a Metropolitan Board. Christchurch might be made a very healthy city, and as long as they were divided from the suburbs this general system could not be carried out. Cr Ick took it that, seeing an election was coming, let this question be made the all-impor-tant one. The members of the committee were not opposed to the drainage of the suburbs, and. like the abolition of the provinces—though he disliked Provincial Councils —he thought they should not be abolished until the people had had an opportunity of expressing their opinions on this question; and, comparing small with great matters, he thought, as this drainage question was allimportant to the ratepayers, the question of a Metropolitan Board to carry out drai aage should not be decided until the ratepayers had had an opportunity of considering it and voting upon it. He held that no subject so serious should be hurried through any stage until the ratepayers had expressed themselves upon it, Cr Schmidt considered the committee should stick to the work they had begun Cr Hart was sorry Cr Bishop had brought this matter on that night, as the Conference had agreed that the solicitors appointed should meet them on Friday next, and he would rather the draft had been submitted to the Council before any definite course were taken. He, with others, held the opinion that nothing should be done in this respect until after the elections, j Hear, hear,] Some members were of the opinion that the creation of the Metropolitan Board might not result advantageously, and it was their desire that the ratepayers should first express themselves decidedly upon this question. From the Premier they had learnt that if he returned to New Zealand, municipalities would occupy a far more important position than they did at present. He did not admire partnerships where one side had money and the other none. He contended against the opinion of others tha6 the Spreydon and Heathcote districts had nothing to do with the city, and he could show them the course they ought to take. The Spreydon, Heathcote, and railway people should amalgamate, and if they would not join the City Council, they could if they (the Spreydon and others) so desired, take away their water alongside of the outfall drain. The Avon people could also carry their water across to Bowron’s, and then drain on the other side of the outfall drain. All these districts could act independently of the city in the matter of drainage, but this was not what they wanted; it was the city’s money. [Hear, hear, from Cr Ick.] There was no occasion for the districts to amalgamate with the city on this question, as they could be independent of Christchurch; he, as representing the citizens, could not conscientiously allow those districts to have the benefit of theif expenditure, without a fair recoup was made of the money already expended. In conclusion, he would again say that the suburban districts were altogether independent of the city: Let the Spreydon-Heathcote districts and railway join in a drain to take the water from each of them by way of the back and if they do 'not feel inclined to to drain into the river, let them lead it on by Christchurch Quay and across the Ferry road down one of the lanes, i"to the canal reserve. Half a chain is open to them alongside the city drain, and by this means they have no occasion whatever to consult the City Council. Now with reference to the Avon and Heathcote and Eiccarton districts, they might join and take their water to a point near Bowron’s, and place a caisson under the river and on to the canal reserve, using the half chain alongside the city drain now open. Cr Raphael considered that until the ratepayers had given their voice on this matter, the question should not be further gone into. The Mayor said that to discharge the committee now before any basis had been determined on by the Council would be discourteous to the conference. He also represented the citizens, and would study their interest, and he always intended that the Board should only have control over the arterial drainage. The question of obtaining the ratepayers’ opinion had, ho thought, been removed at the last meeting of the conference. To carry the resolution would simply be shelving the matter for another year. If they wanted a public expression, why Ih y could call a public meeting, and he wow’d be quite prepared to take his stand on such a matter and explain his views. The opposition that was being raised to this question was, in his opinion, merely obstructive. The members of the Road Boards were meeting the Council in a fair spirit and manner. They only said, as a Council “ We have not confidence in you to carry out this work, and we want a Board with functions defined.” As to finding the money, he challenged any one to say that the question of finding the money had yet been gone into. To separate the city from the suburbs was simply absurd, as all the business men had (nine out of every ten) to go outside the city boundaries ; and the moment they went outside—if this question of drainage were neglected—it would be simply to inhale vitiated air. It was all very well to say let the Road Boards do their own work of drainage, but the Boards had not the power, like a municipality, to borrow money for any work. He would do that night what he had never done before, exercise his power of a double vote, and he would be quite prepared to meet the citizens for having taken this course. Cr Bishop, in replying, said that referring to a remark about a public meeting being held, such a meeting would not influence him in the least, as one meeting which had been packed was at that moment within his recollection. On the motion being put, it was declared to be carried, For—Ors Bishop, Ick, Hart,

Calvert, and Raphael. Against—Crs Jones, Gapes, Schmidt, his Worship the Mayor (2). Cr Gapes was about (o move a resolution asking that a public meeting might be called, but this was objected to by councillors as being out of order, as the necessary notice had not been given. The city surveyor reported—“i—As there are now several bridges to build, it would be more convenient to purchase a pile engine than to pay for the hire of one. A suitable engine may be obtained for £3O. “ 2—Tenders for the stone work of Montreal bridge will be laid beforeyouthis evening “ 3—Tenders will be called for the channelling of Worcester and Gloucester streets this “ 4—The inspector of weights and measures has examined the weighbridge, and reports it to be in order. “ s—The city men have been engaged the past week in cleansing and repairing the streets and lowering the footpaths. “ 6—A design for Madras bridge will be laid before you next week ” It was resolved that an engine be obtained as asked for in clause 1 of the report. Five tenders for the stonework of the Montreal street bridge were opened and referred to the works committee and surveyor. The ®ther clauses were approved as read. In reply to Or Ick, Cr Jones said the sanitary committee would report on the subject of public urinals next week. * Four tenders were opened for the annual lease of the two acre paddock, and that of John Nicholls accepted. On the resolution of Cr Raphael, it was resolved that the finance committee wait on the manager of the bank to arrange for a continuation of the overdraft. A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary’s office stating that the advertisement forwarded would be inserted in the Government Gazette. A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary acknowledging copy of resolution passed by the City Council in the matter of drainage of city and suburbs. A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary’s office acknowledging receipt of copies of certificates of service from Mr Geo. Latham, 0.E., Brisbane A letter was read from the Commissioner of Police in reply, informing the Council that proceedings against the conductors of omnibusses would be held over as requested, pending advice from the City Solicitor. The town clerk read a letter from Dr Foster on this subject, saying he was of opinion that the wishes of the cab proprietors could be met, and pointing out the course to be adopted. Cr Gapes moved—“ That the town clerk be authorised to endorse on (A.B.’s) the consent of this Council to the transfer thereof to (0.D.) the Council having been satisfied as to the character and good conduct of the said (C.D,)” Cr Ick seconded the motion. A letter was read from Mr George Gould asking on what terms the Council will erect a nice iron gas post and light the same at the corner of his residence, so as to throw a light up and down the North town belt and Springfield road. Cr Bishop sincerely hoped the Council would see their way to accede to the desire of Mr Gould, and moved a resolution to this effect. Cr Calvert seconded the motion. The Mayor said that the lamp would be a great boon to a number of ratepayers. Cr Jones moved as an amendment—“ That the Council erect a lamp if Mr Gould will undertake to light it with gas.” Cr Raphael seconded the amendment. The amendment was lost on being put, and the resolution carried. A letter was read from Mr D. McGuinness, pointing to the necessity that exists for a lamp being erected at the corner of Manchester street and Oxford terrace. Referred to the lighting committee, with power to take action. A letter was read from Mr 0. J. Fleming, Manchester street north, calling attention to the bad light given by the lamp at the corner of Salisbury and Manchester streets. Referred to the lighting committee, with power to act. A letter was read from Mr W. R. Mitchell, stating that the East Christchurch school committee had found it absolutely necessary to shingle from the footpath cf the Barbadoes street school to the several entrances, and would feel obliged if instructions were given to have a few loads of gravel or shingle spread on the side walk fronting the building. Referred to the works committee to take action. A letter was read from the secretary of the Gas Comnany, acknowledging communication which he had forwarded for the attention of the manager. A letter was read from the town clerk of Wellington, asking to be supplied with information as to the efficacy or otherwise of Smith and Sons’ patent horse road scraper or sweeping machines. The town clerk was instructed to send the necessary information. A letter was read from the Mayor of Hokitika, stating that by the Municipal Corporations’ Act, 18(57, he found Municipal Councils have not the power to levy and collect a special rate for lire purposes, and as such a rate is desired by the ratepayers of that borough, and might be required by the ratepayers of other boroughs, he would request the concurrence of the Council in introducing an amendment in the Corporation Act giving this power. Consideration deferred for a week. A letter was read from the Heathcote Road Board, asking the Council to lay down pipes or a culvert on the side channel between the East town belt and the continuation of St Asaph street, as at present the crossing is almost impassable. Referred to the works committee, with power to act. A letter was read from Mr David Craig, agent of the New Zealand Insurance Company, advising that he is now authorised to take up the balance of the drainage debentures, amounting to £9OOO, on the completion of the arrangements agreed upon between Dr Foster and Messrs Garrick and Cowlishaw for the striking of a new rate and issue of fresh debentures. Ordered to be acknowledged with thanks. A letter was read, signed by several resident!; in Armagh street east, calling attention to the state of the footpath and side channel on the north side of that street, between Madras and Barbadoes streets. Referred to the works committee, A letter was read from Dr Coward, complaining of a quantity of stone having been thrown down opposite his premises ; that the pathway had also been cut up ; and he had

heard that this was done for the private convenience of another ; and asking that, as only a temporary annoyance may have been contemplated, the stone may be removed. The town clerk was instructed to reply that the complaint would be attended to. A letter was read, signed by a number of ratepayers resident on the east side of Colombo street north, asking that a lamp might be placed in a line with the old lamp in Salisbury and Colombo streets. Referred to the lighting committee, with power to act. A letter was read from Mr J. Brightling, contractor, drawing attention to the state of the road to the Sandhills reserve, which is next to impassable. Referred to the Heathcote Road Board. The usual weekly report of the inspector of nuisances was read and approved. Cr Raphael moved—“ That the town clerk be instructed to send a copy of the resolution re the discharge of the drainage committee of the Council, and also to the solicitors appointed by the Conference.” Cr Ick seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Cr Bishop referred to the nuisance arising from water flowing over the footpath at Millett and Saunders’ stables. The town clerk was instructed to write to Millett and Saunders in this matter. Conductors’ licenses were granted to Alfred Downing and H. J. Price, and a driver’s license to H. J. Off wood, A kerosene license was granted to J. and T. Goodman, High street. Mr S. P. Andrews, as chairman of directors of the Good Templar Hall Company, applied to have the company’s hall in Worcester street registered, to hold Good Templar lodges and tea meetings. The Council then went into committee to consider an opinion from Dr Foster and the report of the works committee on the applications received for the position of foreman of works. On resuming, the Mayor reported that the committee had elected Mr B. Taaffe as foreman of works, for one month on trial. On the motion of Cr Raphael, seconded by Cr Ick, the election of the committee was confirmed. Cr Gapes moved—“ That the Council resolve itself into a Local Board of Health.” The motion was not seconded. The Council then adjourned.