CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1206, 15 January 1878, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, Januaby 11. The usual fortnightly meeting was held in the Council Chamber. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Pratt, Ick, Toomer, Ruddenklau, Radcliffo, Briggs, Bird, Bickertou, and Jameson. mayob'B KEMABKS. The Mayor said that since the last meeting of the Council a meeting of the sub-committee appointed to consider the general conditions under which the premiums would be granted had been held, and these conditions had been laid before the general committee at a meeting that afternoon. These conditions had been agreed to with a few alterations as follows : 1. That the water shall be suitable for drinking and other domestic purposes. 2. That the force of the supply shall be such that it shall throw water through a one-inch diameter nozzle used by the (ire brigade the height of at least 100 ft. in Cathedral square. 3. That the supply be a million of gallons per day, with capabilities for an enlargement of quantity. 4. That the scheme shall be to bring the water into Christchnrch in such a way as will afford the best means for distribution. 5. Each competitor must furnish reliable data and a detailed estimate of the scheme. 6. That no premium will be awarded if the scheme shall not be of sulticient merit in the opinion of the judge appointed ; the smallness of cost to be considered a point of merit. 7. That three weeks be givon for sending in the schemes. 8. That the successful scheme shall become the property of the Council. A subcommittee had been appointed to meet the directors of the Tramway Company, but through the shortness of notice given it was found necessary to adjourn the meeting until the following day. FISH CA'ttTS NUISANCE. Cr. Briggs did not desire to give a notice of motion on this subject, but he should like to refer to the intolerable nuisance caused by fish carts standing in front of the A I and White Hart Hotels, to the annoyance of pedestrians along Cashel and High streets. The Town Clerk said there was a resolution on the books compelling these men to move on after standing fifteen minutes. The rule was, however, systematically evaded. Cr. Briggs said he would look further into the matter by next meeting. DBIVING IN COLOMBO STBEV.T. It was pointed out by some councillors that many of the cab-drivers when driving along Colombo street, did so at a very fast pace, and they seemed to think they had only to drive slowly round the corners of Colombo and Hereford streets. After general remarks, it was decided to icfer the question of the notices at the junction of Colombo and Hereford streets to the works committee, and the town clerk was instructed to write to the Inspector of Police on the matter. Cr, Bickerton said that the by-law could be altered at any time to extend to other corners of the city. FINANCIAL. The Town Clerk reported as follows : Received for week ending January sth, £303 2s 2d; for week ending January 12th, £251 8s; total receipts for fortnight, £554 10s 2d. Dr. balance at Bank on general account, £527 53 ; drainage loan account Cr., £l9l 13s 8d ; drainage rate account Cr., £1964 9s 7d ; bills, &c, paid and to be paid for fortnight, £llß4 3s 7d ; bill to be paid on drainage rate account, £597 8s Id; on drainage account No. 2, £OS 15s sd. SUEVEYOB'S BBI'OKT. The surveyor reported— No. 1. —The contractors for forming and shingling Barbados- street commenced the work, and after two or three clays' work at it they wrote to say they desired to give up the contract. ho. 2. —The water will be let into the new tank in Tuam street this week. No. 3. —Some of the Council's men are at work foraiing the North belt, some forming the South belt, ami the remainder trimming and cleansing the various other streets. No. 4. —Six men were discharged on Saturday in order to reduce the staff.

On clause No. 1 being considered, a letter was rend from the contractors expressing their inability to carry on the contract from the number of obstacles which existed. They had hired the horses, and the owners refused to allow them from the nature of the soil to continue to work there. Under the circumstances they hoped the Council would return their deposit.

Or. Ick said the second lowest tenderer had been offered the contract, but no reply had been received from him. The third lowest tenderer bad consented to go on with the contract if it were given to him. It was resolved on the motion of Cr. Bird to decline to refund the deposit. The report was approved as a whole. METAL SIDING AND PUBLIC ABBATTOIKS. Cr. Bickerton moved the following motion of which he had given notice —" That the committee appointed to ascertain what land is available for a road metal siding, also report to the Council as to what land may be obtainable for the purpose of public abattoirs." The mover referred at length to the new Slaughter-house Act lately passed, the necessity for public abattoirs being erected, and that if the Council did not erect them the powers of issuing would be relegated to the County. Cr. Bickerton also referred to the number of slaughter-houses already existing, and the nuisance created through the diflicutty of careful inspection of the whole of them. The present system caused a monopoly in favor of large butchers, and lie had been credibly informed that if a public slaughtering establishment were formed it would make a difference of from a Old to Id a lb. in the price of meat, besides the improvement to general health. Cr. Ruddenklan seconded the motion, and considered tLo Government should grant a site for abattoirs, A site had been granted somo years ago near Ward's Brewery, but the Oovernment had sold thi3 along with other lands belonging to the city.

Cr. Ick would like first to know whether the undertaking would be a profitable one to the city before he would vote for it. He would suggest that a sub-committee should be appointed to consider the whole matter, and confer with the leading butchers before taking any practical steps. Cr. Jameson sold that somo years ago the Provincial Council, had set apart eome land at Addington for this purpose, but it had not been handed over. If a committee were appointed they cculd make enquiries whether it would be possible to obtain the grant of a site at some convenient distance from the city.

Cr. Bickorton, in replying, said the main features in the site to be selected woidd be obtaining an ample supply of water and having proper drainage. Qu bsiȣ pufc the regolutjoft wp c&xrjed.

On the motion of Or. Ruddenklau, the name of Cr. Bickerton was added to the commit lee previously appointed. DRAINAGE LOAN DEHENTUREB. A letter was read from the Manager of the Bunk of New Zealand asking to be favored with a cheque for £597 Hi. 4cl. to pay interest on coupons on Drainage Loan Debentures. BENEVOLENT ASYLUM. A letter was read from Mr J. E. March saving he had recently brought under the notice of the (rovermnent the necessity that exists for establishing an institution for destitute persons, lie hud pointed out that if an institution of the kind were established, it would tend in a very great measure to reduce the number of cases which now apply for relief, lie had been informed that in Otago there was an institution which had been originally started by public contributions, and had since been partially supported by the Qovt-nment by a subsidy of £1 for every £1 collected by the society, and he had been asked whether such a system could not be introduced into Christchnrch, as if so the Government would be disposed to co-operate. He had therefore the honor to bring the subject before the (ouncil for their consideration.

The Mayor referred to the hardship experienced by municipalities in having to "contribute towards the support of persons coming into the Hospital from up-country districts, the Eoad Boards of which were rolling in wealth.

( r. Bickerton suggested that a commission should be formed to take evidence on the moneys paid to Road Boards, the attempts to obtain an endowment for the city, and other matters.

It was stated that the proportion contributed by the municipality would be diminished if the Act were brought into force by the Selwyn County Council. Cr. Pratt, while agreeing with the necessity for such a commission, thought it would be better to defer consideration of the matter until after the next meeting of the Selwyn County Council.

It was resolved on the motion of Or. Jameson, to send a reply to Mr March that the Council did not see their way at the present time to undertake the responsibility of such an institution suggested. ENDOWMENT 01' LAND. A letter was read from the General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, informing the Council that a description of the lands reserved by Order in Council on 11th May last as an endowment for the Borough of Christchurch had been laid before Parliament during lost session, and no disapproval having been expressed by the Houses, the land might now be granted to the Corporation. The department also wished to know whether the Council desired the whole of the land to be granted as an endowment in aid of the borough funds, or any portion or portions of it for either of the other purposes mentioned in the Act. In reply to Cr. Briggs, it was stated that the land was not yet surveyed, but it had been inspected by a surveyor. After further remarks it was decided to defer replying to the letter until after the next meeting of the Council. RAILWAY CAB STAND. A letter was read from the General Manager of Railways submitting a plan of proposed stand for cabs and other vehicles in the vicinity of the railway station. Cr. Ick moved—" That a cab and earners' stand be declared on the south belt, opposite the railway station, in accordance with the recommendations of the Railway Manager." Cr. Bird seconded the motion, which was agreed to. CITY ASSESSMENT. A letter was read from Mr 0. Cuff, city valuer, making a formal tender of the city assessment for the year IM7B, and estimating in round numbers the total rateable value of property for this year at £170,000. He had found that the letting value of cottages in outside Btreets had very much decreased during the last two or three years. ASPHALTING. A letter was read from the managing committee of St. Paul's Church, requesting that tho footpaths fronting the new church might be asphalted as soon as possible, the committee paying their proportion. On the motion of Cr Briggs, it was decided to comply with the request contained in the letter. A COMPLAINT. A letter was read from Mr D. H. Christie, drawing attention to the manner in which he had been assessed for the present year compared with his neighbour. After discussion, it was decided to decline the application. POSTING NEWSPAPERS. A letter was read from the General Post Office, Wellington, in reply, informing the Council that the department was not aware that the late Chief Postmaster, in a letter dated June 14th; 1874, had written to tho effect that the several receiving offices and iron-pillar boxes within the city should be made available for the reception of newspapers as from Ist January, 1875. If.'any such promise had been given, it was given under a misapprehension. Newspapers were at present posted at the several houses in the city enumerated in the margin, and under no circumstances could newspapers be allowed to be posted in the iron-pillar receivers. Cr. Ick thought that very few of the public were aware that newspapers could be posted at certain places within the city. He would suggest that the matter be further followed up, and the Postmaster be respectfully requested to cause proper notice boards to be placed in front of those receiving houses for the information of the public. Cr. Pratt seconded thb motion, which was agreed to. NUMBERING THE HOUSES. A letter was read from Mr G. A. Buck, saying that a letter which had appeared in the " Globe" of 9th instant, in reference to numbering the houses, had completely put a stop to the side of numboi's, as the public were not satisfied that ho was authorised to perform tho work. He begged therefore to ask that the Council would be good enough to advertise that they approved of his method of numbering the streets. After general remarks the Mayor said that as the Council had approved of Mr Buck's plan of numbering tho streets, leaving it to him to arrange with tho citizens as to fcernos, they, as a Council, should let it bo known that he was working under their authority. Cr. Tck moved—" That the resolution of the Council approving of Mr Buck's mode of numbering tho houses, be published, with tin addition that it was optional with tho householders to have this work done." INCREASE OP SALARIES. Cr. Ick moved—" That the salary of tin assistant clerk be increased to £2OO per annum, to take effect from tha Ist January. 1878," TJje eovKy paid Mr Murray a liigii

compliment for his energy and attention to the duties of the office.

Cr. Bird seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

Cr. Ick moved—" That the salary of the city inspector be increased to £175 per annum, to take effect from fame date as previous resolution." The mover spoke in complimentary terms of the manner in which the duties were carried out by Mr Hobbs. Cr. Bickerton seconded the resolution, which was agreed to. CLOSING COLOMBO STKEKT. _ Cr. Pratt drew attention to a communication from the Superintending Engineer, read at the last meeting of the Sydenham Borough Council, in which it was stated that at some future time it might be found necessary to close Colombo street, or bridge it, which really meant the same thing. Sooner than the centre street of the city should be blocked he would prefer to see the new passenger station pulled down. The Mayor said he hud always been of the opinion that that station would have to be pulled down sooner or later, and the station had only been placed in its present position through the action of interested parties.

Cr. Pratt moved —" That the Sydenham Borough Council be communicated with, relative to the proposal from the Railway authorities to close Colombo street." Cr. Ick seconded the motion, which was agreed to. REMISSION OF HATES. On the motion of Cr. Bad cliff e, the rates of a widow, as recommended by the collector, were remitted. lICENBES. A large number of owners', drivers', and conductors' licenses were granted and others declined ; several were suspended. A number of kerosene licenses were also granted. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The usual report of the city inspector was read and approved. NOTICE OF MOTION. Cr. Bickerton gave notice of the following motion for next meeting:—"That the city members, the Mayor, Crs. Ruddenklau and Jameson, be requested to act as a commission to take evidence as to the reserves that may he considered to be fairly due to the city of Christchurch. To ascertain the amount of money paid to the city and to the several Road Boards of Canterbury. The present value of the town reserves sold by the Provincial Government, and all other matters relating to the charitable aid, &0., as far as relates to the city. Also, to ascertain the value of the reserves of the large boroughs of New Zealand."

O. Briggs gave notice that he would move "That the bylaw regulating the speed of driving round street corners be made to apply to the intersection of Colombo and Cashel streets"; Cashel and High streets ; High, Lichfield, and Manchester streets; and Colombo and Gloucester streets." The Council then adjourned.