CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 966, 31 July 1877, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, July 30. The ordinary fortnightly meeting was held at the Council Chambers. Present —His Worship the Mayor, and Crs. Ick, Jones, Thomson, Turner, Hawkes, and Bird. The minutes of the last special meeting were read and confirmed. GENERAL. Cr. Turner said he would give notice that at a later period of the evening he would move—" That the tenders for metal advertised for that evening be not opened." Since the resolution had been passed bearing on this matter, it had become a question whether a fresh election of councillors would not have to take place in September, and if this were found to be the case, he thought it would be interfering with the functions of the new Council to accept tenders for metal, the payments for which would not be made until March next. The Mayor said he had instructed Dr Foster to look into the question, and had received an opinion from him, which, perhaps, might then be read. He desired to refer to another matter. An opinion prevailed outside that as some of the resolutions agreed to at the special meetings of the Council re the conference affected the ratepayers to a considerable extent, they should be published. He would ask some councillor to move a resolution to this effect. Cr. Jones said that any resolutions affecting the ratepayers should be made public, and would move—" That copies of the resolutions and discussion at the last special meetings of the Council be given to the papers." After some discussion on the matter the resolution was seconded by Cr. Hawkes pro forma, for the purpose of opposing the resolution, which he considered to be unnecessary, as the reporters could at any time have received a copy of the resolutions. It was shown during the remarks that the reporters had attended, and were told that the proceedings would be taken in committee. Then an article appeared in the " Grlobe" that the Council were desirous of burking publicity, which Cr. Turner characterised as most untrue. The Mayor explained that he understood the proceedings were to be strictly of a private nature, and he had promised that a short report of the proceedings should be supplied to the reporters by the town clerk, and when the reporters attended he told them so. Cr. Ick moved as an amendment —"That the reporters have free access to the minutes of the conference to make what use they may desire out of them." It would not be right to put the ratepayers to the expense of publishing the proceedings. There was nothing in the Act to prevent the reporters reporting the committee meetings of the Council. Cr Turner pointed out that by clause 91 of the Act, the reporters and any of the public had free access to the minute book kept by the town clerk, which had to be open for inspection without fee. The amendment was not seconded. Further remarks followed, after which Cr Turner moved as an amendment —" That the Council proceed to business. Cr Hawkes seconded the amendment, which was put and declared to be carried. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS ACT, 1876.

The following opinion from Dr Foster was read re the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876 : When the Act came into operation in Christchurch there were nine councillors.

.Subsequently the present Mayor (then being a councillor) was elected Mayor by popular election. There hiive never been ten councillors. Under the above circumstances I am requested to advise whether, at the first annual election under the Act, all the present councillors must go out of office (D. 67). I have no hesitation in advising that this is not necessary. The councillors to go out of office must be determined by section 64. C. J. Foster. July 30th, 1877. Or. Turner would point out that the Mayor was elected in December, and the Municipal Act did not come into force until January. Under this fact he could hardly agree with Dr. Foster's opinion. Cr. Ick said this was a most important matter, and might affect the legality of their proceedings as a Council. He thought it would be advisable that the opinion of the framer of the Act should be obtained. Ultimately it was understood that the delegate at Wellington should communicate with the Attorney-G-eneral on this matter. EINANCE. The town clerk reported as follows : Eeceived for week ending 21st July—Account general rate, 1877, <£2ls 3s ; Waimakariri do, ,£4O 17s 2d; general rate, 1876, <£lß 13s ; Waimakariri do, £3 2s 2d ; account Horatio street, ■£4 18s 2d ; rent of market place, 7s ; licenses, ,£llss ; transfer (W. Wilson), .£25 ; fines from Resident Magistrate's Court, ,£6; dog tax, .£2O 10a; pawnbrokers' licenses, <£10; license transfer, £2 ; total receipts for week, .£378 5s 6d. Eeceived for week ending 28th July— Account general rate, 1877, ,£2BO 4s ; Waimakariri do, 0£46 14s ; rent of market place, 7s; account of Horatio street, <£7; account Caidton right-of-way, ,£24 16s 2d; drivers' licenses, <£l 15s; auctioneers' licenses, .£BO ; dog tax, £2 10s; fines from Resident Magistrate's Court, £2 ss; license fees, 10s ; total receipts for week ,£446 Is 2d. Drainage Board rate for two weeks, £l2lß 17s lid. Total receipts for fortnight, ,£1043 4s 7d. Cr at Bank on general account, .£1686 17s 3d ; on drainage loan account, ,£IBO 15s 5d ; on drainage rate account, j 62679 8s 4d ; sinking fund account, Cr., .£IBO 16s 9d. Bills paid and to be paid on general account, .£574 12s 2d; on account of Drainage Board rate, ,£l4l 2s lid. During the reading of the accounts, Cr. Thomson referred to an item of £2 13s lid, washing for the fire brigade. Cr. Nathan explained that this was not the private washing of members of the brigade, but property bclongiug to and provided by the Council. After some remarks by Councillors the item was passed. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The city surveyor reported : No. 1. The footpaths in many parts of the city are still in a very bad state, to the late frosts, notwithstanding that large quantities of gravel are being daily distributed on them in different localities. No. 2. The staff of workmen is now reduced sufficiently low to meet the state of the finances. No. 3. The men are chiefly employed in forming, cleansing, and repairing the streets. The report was approved. FIRE BRIGADE REPORTS. The following report of the Christchureli Volunteer Fire Brigade, for quarter ending July 26th, 1877, was read: — To his Worship the Mayor. '• Sir—l have the honor to lay before you my report of fires which have been attended by the brigade during the year ending July 26th, 1877. The total number of culls has been 25: 21 in buildings, 1 chimney, 2 gorse fences, 1 hay stack ; 8 of the buildings were totally and the remainder more or leas damaged.. - ' •

The plant is in working order, but some require repairs, for which arrangements are being made. The condition of the brigade with regard to general efficiency is perfectly satisfactory. Branchman H. Childs, a member of seven years' standing, having left for Ashburton, is entitled to a certificate for long service. The time has also arrived for long service stripes to be presented to several of the members. I have been requested to suggest a better mode of noting length of service, and enclose design for same. I have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, W. Harris, Superintendant and C. F. Inspector. The report was read and adopted. Cr. Jones exhibited a silver badge, which it was proposed to substitute instead of lace stripes, for long service. As this matter had emanated from the men, he would move—- " That the badge be substituted for the stripes for long service." Cr. Ick seconded the motion, which was agreed to. FIRE BRIGADE COMMITTEE. The following report from this committee was read : The committee have much pleasure in presenting the annual report from the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade to the Council to congratulate the city upon the pleasing fact that there have heen no serious cases of fire during the past year. The committee recommend that the usual vote of thanks be passed to the brigade and fire police for the efficient manner in which they have carried out the duties during the past year appertaining to their respective positions. The committee also present the usual statement of proposed expenditure for the period ending March 31st, 1878. Although the present time has been the usual termination of the financial year of your committee, they have therefore thought it advisable to alter it, so as to end with that of the Council, to avoid complication of accounts. Your committee recommend the Council to urge upon the Government the advisability of their adopting early measures for the formation of an efficient brigade from the railway employees to work the railway steam fire engine, and also the construction of two or three tanks, of large capacity, at the sheds and railway station, for the protection of property in those localities. They further recommend that the attention of Government be called to the advantage that would accrue by the public buildings and railway stations being connected by telegraph with the fire brigade stations. It is only necessary to point out the large amount of valuable property that is at stake, and the late railway fire in Lyttelton, to prove how advisable it is that prompt action should be taken by the Government in those matters. T. D. Jones, Chairman. The report was received, and on the motion of Cr Ick, seconded by Cr Thomson, was adopted. Cr Nathan said the question of new tanks had been closely considered by the committee. They had personally inspected a site in Tuam street opposite Montgomery's timber yard, which was considered to be a very suitable one. Mr Hassal had been authorised to communicate with his co-trustee by telegraph about it, and from a memorandum received a few moments since he found that a portion of the land was a private street, and as it was not the required width a difficulty might arise in taking it over. Regarding the desire to have a Fire Brigade formed from the Railway employees, Mr Conyers had been addressed on the matter, and had sent an answer that he had no authority to form such a brigade, but had telegraphed to Wellington for instructions. He (Cr Nathan) desired to refer to one other matter. A fatal accident had occurred the other day through a child being run over by a baker's cart driven by a boy. Possibly the accident might have happened had the cart been driven by a man, but he considered that no licenses should be granted to lads under eighteen years of age. It was pointed out that no license was required for drivers of private carts. Cr. Nathan thought that some provision should be made even in cases of this kind, and, as the Bye-law Committee was now sitting, he would move "That instructions be given the Bye-law Committee fixing the age of eighteen as the lowest to which licenses shall be issued to drivers of licensed vehicles." Cr. Ick seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Cr. Ick asked whether any steps had been taken to get possession of the land which had been selected in the Geraldine district. The Mayor said he understood it had been surveyed, and if no objection was raised the Crown grant would be issued after the session of the Assembly. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read from the Drainage Board intimating that they would be willing to remit the rates of those persons unable to pay, if the Council would do the same. It was resolved to lueet the wishes of the Board. A letter was read from the Heathcote Road Board, asking the Council to allow them to take charge of the footpaths and side channels on the east side of the Fast town belt, for the distance they have been formed, say from Gloucester street to the Ferry road, and the Board would undertake to keep them in repair at their own expense. Cr. Jones referred to the very bad state of the path which the Board desired to keep in repair, and in his opinion the request should be complied with. He would move—" That the request be acceded to." Cr. Ick would second the resolution if the work were done under the supervision and to the satisfaction of the city surveyor. Cr. Jones agreed to accept the addition. Crs. 'Nathan and Turner pointed out that the Board desired to have the control of this footpath, and it would be injudicious that the Council should hand over the control of any footpath. Cr. Turner moved as an amendment — " That the Heathcote Board be informed that the Council will be very happy to undertake the work at their expense." Cr. Nathau seconded the amendment. By permission Cr. Jones amended his resolution to read as follows :—" In reply to the Heathcote Road Board's letter, this Council grants permission to repair the footpaths and channels indicated therein if done under the opinion and to the satisfaction of the city surveyor." Cr. Ick seconded the amended resolution. The amendment having been withdrawn, the resolution was put and agreed to. TENDERS FOR METAL. Cr. Turner moved the resolution of which he had given notice. As it was possible the Council might have to go out hi September — and he believed the whole facts had not been fairly placed before [Dr. Foster—he thought however desirable it was to have the quantity of metal, yet it woidd in his opinion be wrong to tie any new Council to an expenditure of a fourth part of next year'B rates. Cr. Nathan suggested that no decisive action should be taken with regard to the tenders

until after the opinion of the AttorneyGeneral had been obtained. He would be happy to second any resolution worded in that direction. Cr. Turner would accept the suggestion, and move—" That the opening of the tenders be postponed until an opinion has been received from Wellington." Cr. Nathan seconded the resolution. Cr. Jones must oppose the resolution, as the necessity for obtaining this metal had been well shown to the works committee. Cr. Ick would also oppose the resolution. The present time of the year was known to be the best for obtaining the metal, and it would also be the means of affording employment to a number of men who were now out of work. Crs. Thomson and Hawkes spoke in favor of the metal being obtained, to give employment to many who now desired it, and could obtain other work in the spring. The resolution was put and lost. UNFINISHED WORK. Cr. Turner moved —" That, as it is possible the members of the Council may by operation of the Municipal Corporation Act have to retire from office in September next, the town clerk be directed to examine the minutebook, and to prepare a list of all questions, &c, for the lust nine months, postponed for further consideration or referred to v irious committees, and not yet reported upon, so that all such matters may be dealt with before the present councillors retire." The resolution was seconded, and agreed to. COLLECTION OF KATES. On the motion of Cr. Hawkes, it was resolved, " That the finance committee be requested to report on the efficiency or otherwise of the present mode of collecting the rates, and as to whether any saving could be effected by employing a collector to be paid by commission." CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was read, signed by a number of residents, drawing attention to the state of section No. 140 within the town belt. The Surveyor explained that lowering the side channels the few inches suggested in the letter would not relieve the petitioners. It would require a ditch leading to the open drain at the South Belt.

Cr. Ick said he had seen Mr Wilmer (one of the writers), and had told him that a quantity of soil from the South Belt would be shortly available for filling in the lower portion of ground. Eventually it was decided that the town •lerk forward a copy of the surveyor's explanation to Mr Wilmer. A letter was read from Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin, saying they had received instruction from the Cathedral Commission to remove the notice boards attached to the Cathedral fence, and asking the Council's consent to the boards being allowed to remain, as the position was the most prominent one in the city. Attached to the letter was a petition signed by 123 ratepayers, requesting the Council to continue to allow Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin to retain their hoardings erected on the Council's property. Cr. Hawkes moved—" That the petition of Messrs Hobbs and Goodwin be acceded to, on the understanding that the hoardings are erected on the Council's ground, and the placards facing the sides of the Council's reserves." Cr. Ick seconded the motion, which was opposed by Crs. Turner, Thomson, and Nathan. On being put the resolution was lost, only the proposer and seconder voting for it. A letter was read from Mr J. L. Wilson, inviting the Council to inspect the new plant at the gravel pits. The town clerk was instructed to acknowledge receipt of the letter. A second letter was read from Mr Wilson, saying that his contracts for supplying metal would soon be completed, and for any further contracts the Council might; desire to entrust him with, he could, if required, give them any reasonable terms to meet their wishes. Referred to the works committee. A letter was read, signed by a number of ratepayers in the Heathcote district, calling attention to the unfenced state of the nightsoil reserve, which was entered by pigs and other animals straying, which created a very great nuisance by rooting up the soil. Referred to the sanitary committee to report as to the state of the reserve; and also to supply an estimate of the cost of fencing. A memorial was read, signed by a number of residents on the south side of Peterborough street (between Durham and Colombo streets), asking the Council to allow of an overflow drain being constructed in that locality. Referred to the works committee. A letter was read from Mr G. A. Buck, asking permission to be allowed to number the houses within the city boundaries. Accompanying the application was a sketch plan of the streets of the city, Bhowing the mode he intended working upon. It was decided that further consideration of the letter be held over until next meeting. A letter from a lute'employe of the Council, complaining of one of thejCouncil's officers, was referred to the works committee for their investigation and report. A letter was read from Mr Harvey, asking for compensation for a ditch cut through his land for the purpose of draining Horatio street, or that pipes should be put through the land. The Surveyor explained that pipe drains through this property would be found to be useless. It was decided that, after hearing I,lie surveyor's and works committee's explanations, the Council cannot suggest that any immediate remedy can be provided other than the open drain. BYE-LAWS. Cr. Nathan referred to the necessity for a bye-law being at once prepared which would compel persons to contribute towards the cost of asphalting the footpaths. Cr. Turner said the bye-law committee hoped to be in a position to bring up the asphalting and cab bye-laws and Building Act before September. Cr. Nathan would like that the asphalting bye-law could be brought up at next meeting. TENDERS. Five tenders for broken metal were opened, and those of Brighfling 10C0 yards at 7s, and T. Pearson 1500 yards at the same price, were accepted. LICENSES. A number of licenses were granted and others refused. It was decided to postpone the remainder of the business until next sitting, and the Council adjourned at a quarter to eight o'clock. NOTICE OF MOTION. Cr Hawkes gave notice of the following motion for next meeting—" That a sum of £IOO be expended on tho public baths in dredging out tho whole of the area and sheetpiling the Cambridge terrace boundary."