CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1343, 4 June 1878, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monpay, June 3. The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held on the above date. , Present—His Worship the Mayor and Crs. Ick, Bird, Ruddenklau, Briggs, Radcliffe, Pratt, and Jameson. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and confirmed, the following business was transacted. THE MAYOR’S STATEMENT. His Worship stated that he would refer to the matters which he had been instructed to see the Government upon. They would remember that when the Premier was in Christchurch a deputation had laid before him matters connected with the welfare of the city, and had been recommended to send a memo, to Wellington. He had made it his business to see the Ministers upon those matters. The first was the connecting by telegraph of the Fire Brigade buildings with the public institutions in Christchurch. In connection with this ho had seen the Hon. J. T. Fisher, and on turning to “Hansard” they had found that a promise had been made by the late Government that the thing should be done. Mr Fisher had promised that it should be looked to immediately. He (the Mayor) had suggested that the Lunatic Asylum also should be connected with the brigade stations. The next matter was the appointment of a public analyst. He had seen the Minister about that, and Government was prepared to make the appointment on condition that one of the terms in the letter of the gentleman offering to accept the office should be withdrawn. The gentleman had withdrawn this and he (the Mayor) had advised Government Of this and asked that the appointment might be made immediately. With reference to the Crown grants to the City reserve of 2000 acres, he found that they had been prepared with the exception of one small block. About the Cattle Market Reserve at Addington ho had seen the Minister of Lands, who had informed him that the Sydenham Borough Council had applied for it. He (the Mayor) had pointed out that it was the property of the City, the original reserve having been sold and a promise made that a sum of money should bo granted for the purchase of another. The money had been granted, and the piece of ground had been purchased. The Minister of Lands admitted the Justice of the City’s claim to a prior right. He had noticed that the Sydenham Council had received from Mr Fisher a promise to back them up. It therefore behoved the City Council to make a strong representation in order to prevent the land passing from them. With reference to the piece of land upon which the Public Offices now stand, the Minister had said that he thought Government could give the city half an acre of it. There was a little difficulty as to accommodating those who just now occupied those buildings. With regard to the Sandhills, the deputation had urged the Government to hand over all the reserve lying between Christchurch, Waimakariri, and the beach. To legalise this, as also the matter of the Public Offices, the Minister had stated it would be necessary to have an Act of the Assembly. With regard to the Provincial Buildings, he (the Mayor) saw that they had now been given for the R.M. Court. Ho did not think that was the best use to which they could be put. With regard to the Iquestion of endowments that would have to be looked to by the city members. His Worship then referred to remarks which had been made during his absence from the Council as to the business of that body being done outside. The inference was that he had exceeded his duty. He defied any one to say that he had outstepped his duty in one particular. With regard to what was called the “ assessment fiasco” that had been the act of the whole Council, who had adopted the report of the finance committee almost unanimously. As to the objections not having been duly notified to the parties interested, he had only to say that the very words of the Act had been used. Every person had received such a notice.

1 Cr. Briggs and Cr. Ick said they knew instances in which no notice had [been given. 1 Cr, Ruddenklau justified the words which he had used, and which the Mayor had referred to. A sharp skirmish subsequently occurred between Crs. Ick, Briggs, and Ruddenklau and his Worship the Mayor, which was too lengthy to be reported in these columns.

FINANCE, The clerk read the following statement of revenues :—For the week ending 25th May, 1878 -General rate, 1877, £l9 8s; Waima kariri, £3 4s 8d; rent, M.P., 7s; Norman’s right-of-way, £l2 13s 9d ; licenses, local, £4 ; roller, Geo. Stead, £l2 19s 6d; by-laws and cab cards, 6s 4d ; fines, R.M. Court, £5 15s; dog tax, £4 10s ; pawnbroker’s license, £lO ; license fees, Court, £3,15s ; total, £76 19s 3d. For week ending June Ist, 1878 —General rate, 1877, £29 14s ; Waimakariri, £4 19s ; rent, M.P., 7s; i ron culverts, £6 ; building fees, £24; rent, weighbridge, £5 3s 4d; bylaws, 3s; fines, R.M. Court, £1 10s; license fees, £1 ss; total, £73 Is 4d ; grand total, £l5O Os 7d. Drainage Board rate, £8 Is 8d ; Drainage Board rate, £l2 7s 6d ; total, £2l 9s 2d. Drainage rate account—Cr., balance, £959 19s 9d ; dr., general account, £4974 3s Id ; two weeks’ {receipts, £l5O Os 7d ; £4824 2s 6d. Bills paid by works committee, May 28th, £232 17s 3d ; bills to be paid, £492 9s ; total, £725 6s 3d. Drainage Board rate— Bills to be paid, Drainage Board, £l9 2s Id. surveyor’s report. 1. The work of scavengering the city in contract was commenced on Saturday last. 2. A number of wheelbarrows and tools having been frequently lost from the City Council’s work, instructions were given to try and ascertain their whereabouts, and last week two barrows were found by the foreman of works, and a report from him on the subject is punched hereto. 3 Owing to the frequent complaints of nuisances arising from the rights of way in the city, the question of dealing with them came before the works committee this morning, but it was thought more advisable for the Council to deal with the matter. 4. The following building licences have been granted :—lnner area —To Mr Tait, Cashel street ; to Mr Simpson, High street. Outer area —To Mr Moss, Whatley road; to Mr Simpson, Lichfield street; to Mr Ellis, Peacock street; to Mr Rawley Thomas, Manchester street.

C. Walkden, City Surveyor. The report of the foreman of works, which wat attached, detailed the history of two wheelbarrows, tracing them through the various hands into which they had pas sed.

When the adoption of the report was being moved, Cr. Ick said that had the Minister of Justice remained in Christchurch he would have tabled a motion to place before him the manner in which the city by-laws were ignored. Even now he thought it advisable that the matter should be brought before the Minister. Some pressure must be brought to bear. It seemed to be of no use to make further representations to local authorities. If the Council took his (Cr, Ick’s) view, a representation would be made to the Government. It appeared that the police would take no action towards prosecuting persons for taking the property of the Council because they alleged that the offence had been committed six months ggo. He concluded by proposing that a yoramittee consisting of the Mayor, and the chairmen of the sanitary and fire brigade committee be appointed to draw qp a memorial to (he Minister of Justice, setting forth the difficulty the Council |oxperiences in getting its by-laws and representations noticed by the local authorities.

Cr. Ruddenklau seconded the motion pro forma. Ho thought that that some officer of the Council was to blame.

Cr. Bird referred to the ignoring of the by-law re driving round the corners, c. o. , - Cr. , £ratt thought that the Council should recommend that the persons who had taken the wheelbarrows should be prosecuted. Or. Jameson did not think that prosecutions should be uoiqmenced. Thq Harrow? ■yivre old ones, and very likely only rubbish. The’questions of by laws was not connected with tills.

The Mayor understood that Cr. lek meant that this was only another ins!a ce of the City Council being ignored by the police. The City surveyor exonerated tne foreman of works, as it was impossible for him to know what became of all tho tools. Ho took tbo word of the workmen as to where they

left the tools. He had reported the loss of the barrows.

Cr. Briggs asked how often stock was taken. The Surveyor said once a year. The Mayor asked the Council to determine whether or not the persons who took the barrows should be prosecuted. Cr. Pratt thought that they should, and moved that the requisite steps be taken. The Surveyor explained how one of the persons spoken of might be free from blame. The Mayor agreed with this view, but thought that the other person was not so excusable.

Cr. Ick seconded Cr. Pratt’s motion, so far as this latter was concerned.

Cr. Radcliffe thought it scarcely desirable to take an action about an old barrow.

The Mayor said it was a matter of principle ; many other tools had been taken. Cr. Briggs suggested that the solicitor be consulted prior to prosecutiou being initiated.

A motion to this effect was then put and carried.

On the third clause of the report considerable discussion took place, and it was resolved that it bo referred to the next meeting ; the surveyor in the meantime preparing the particulars of all rights-of-way in the city. The report as a whole was then adopted. Cr. Ick’s motion was then put and carried. Cr. Ick referred to the fencing in the piece of ground round Godley’s monument. The works committee now asked the sanction of the Council to the expenditure of the necessary sum for a small concrete foundation, surmounted by a light iron railing. The turf would otherwise soon be destroyed by the larrikins.

The Mayor asked what the cost was likely to be.

Cr. Ick said that, but for the remarks made in an early part of the evening, the committee would have considered themselves empowered to do the work.

Cr. Briggs must ask Cr. Ick to postpone his motion for a fortnight. He found that the plan agreed to was not being carried out. An oval was now being made instead of a square. Cr. Ick said he would postpone the motion. There was another matter, those abominations, the telegraph posts. If every firm in Christchurch was going to have a miniature pine tree'at the corner of every path, making the place hideous, it was time the Council saw what power they had to interfere. Some time ago, he understood that iron supports could not be obtained, but last week he had seen Mr Anderson Junior, who stated that his firm could make any number required. So could any other foundry. He moved—- “ That the solicitor be consulted by the bylaw committee, in order that steps might be taken to suppress the nuisance.” Cr. Briggs believed that the Telegraph Department could put posts wherever they liked. Cr. Ick —Not forest trees,

Or, Briggs thought that in future the private telegraph and telephone services, which were likely to be very numerous, should bo carried over as light posts as possible. He seconded the motion. THE 2000 ACRES RESERVE, The Mayor said that two tenders for the reserve had been received, which the committee had resolved to recommend, should be rejected. The recommendation of the committee was adopted, and it was resolved to advertise for fresh tenders.

LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH. The following letter was read : Christchurch District Drainage Board, May 29th, 1878. His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch. Sir, —I am directed by the Local Board of Health, in reply to your letter dated May 22nd, to forward a copy of resolution passed at the meeting of the Board held on Tuesday, 22nd instant.

That the present Local Board of Health is of opinion that no advantage would accrue from a committee of their body mooting the sanitary committee of the City Council, as the proposed alterations are suggestions of the City Council and the adjoining Road Boards. The present Local Board of Health see no reason to depart from their expressed opinion that one Local Board of Health should possess an overriding authority over the city and suburbs.

I have, &c., Thomas Gordon, Sec. Cr. Ruddenklau thought the Council quite capable of looking after the city. The Mayor thought Cr. Ruddenklau misapprehended the meaning of the Board of Health.

Cr. Ruddenklau thought the powers of the Central Board should be given to a local board representing all the public bodies in the neighborhood, Cr. Ick thought the matter might be arranged by representatives of the Road Boards and of the Council, who should recommend action to the Central Board. Ho moved that the Clerk write to Avon, Riccarton, Heathcote, and Spreydon Road Boards, and to the Sydenham Council, with a view to a deputy from each meeting the Council to consider what amendments are desirable in the Local Health Amendment Act. The motion was agreed to.

GAB EXTENSION. Letters from the Gas Company were read, promising to comply with applications for new lamps, and referring to the extinguishing of a lamp. With respect to the erection of new lamps, some discussion took place upon the action of the lighting committee in not consulting the Council before applying for them.

BY-LAWS. The following letter was read :

Constabulary Department, Superintendent’s office, Christchurch, 2t)th May, 1878. Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd ulfc., enclosing copy of a resolution of the City Council regarding the manner in which the by-law regulating the speed of driving round street corners is disregarded, and in reply to inform you that since the introduction of the by-law no less than ninety-four persons have been summoned by the police for breach of its provisions. Eighty-four of the informations have, however, been dismissed by the Bench on the grounds that the offenders were ignorant of the by-law, and ten have been fined 5s each. Both your letters and the resolution of the Council have been brought under the notice of the Bench with a view to heavier penalties being inflicted in future. I have the honor, &c., T. Broham, Superintendent. To the Town Clerk, Christchurch. Cr. Bird moved, and Cr, Briggs seconded, a motion referring this letter to the committee formerly appointed. THE DOG TAX. Another letter from Superintendent Broham was read, informing the Council that the dog tax would, after the Ist July, not be collected by the police. Cr, Jameson moved, and ,Cr. Briggs seconded, the appointment of the town clerk as registrar of dogs. The motion was agreed to. TAYLOR’S LANE.

A petition from the ratepayers and residents (26) in Taylor’s lane was read, drawing attention to the neglected condition of the roadway and almost entire lack of drainage in Taylor’s lane. Within the last six months there have been several cases of fever, two of which have terminated fatally, and each case can bo traced to the effects of bad drainage, xt requested the Cottncihto 'put the roadway in repair and have it drained) Cr. Ruddenklau said that the sanitary committee thought the hvue would compare favourably with other laues, The surveyor said that the lane was only 14 feet wide, all that could be done had been done. It was in very good repair, except the side channels. The matter was ordered to stand over till next mooting.

MUNICIPAL LEAGUE. The following wao react:—' Council Chambers, Thames, ' May 13th, 1878. Sir, —T have the honor, by direction o| tbp Council of the Ijorough G,f Tbarueq, in reply to, your Icjttpr of tlic date quoted in tl\o margin (20/4 78), to inform you that the question of the formation of a Municipal League h is met with very general approval by the various municipal bodies. I nor forward for consideration of your Council a fc>v suggestions as to the first meeting of the Conference and the duties of its clerk. These suggestions can of cour-c be entirely done away with by the Conference at its gift sitting, bat U. adopted yOu v.il 'ace that whoever is appointed clerk mud be w r ell up in municipal matters, and would be held responsible after the

Conference had decided on certain new Acts or amendments that such Acts or amendments were introduced into and, if possible, passed through Parliament.

In those suggestions I leave to the Conference the power to appoint whom they think best to the important position of clerk, and also the Councils can select for their representatives at the conference either one of their own body or their town clerk or even if thought best any other person resident for the time being in Wellington in whom they have confidence. Will you favor me with the opinion of your Council on these suggestions, especially as to the date for the first meeting of the conference, and if the Mayor of Wellington shall be asked to call the first meeting in Wellington. I have, &c., P. J. Dean, Town Clerk.

Printed suggestions accompanied the letter. They were read by the Mayor and slightly discussed seriatim. The various blanks in in the suggestions were filled up. It was then resolved to hold a special meeting, at which the matters to be brought beiore the conference should be determined. CBOWN GRANTS OF RESERVES. A memorandum from the survey office stated that Crown grants of reserves Nos. 2173, 2174, 2175, 2176, 2178, and 2179 are prepared. The Crown grant of No. 2177 will be prepared when it is surveyed. Mr Williams stated that he could not inform the Council when the grants would be ready. ELECTION OP AUDITORS. The following letter was read Bedford Row, Christchurch, 3rd June, 1878. To his Worship the Mayor and City Councillors. Gentlemen, —I venture to suggest that the election of auditors to the City Council was invalid, owing to cumulative votes being allowed. I consider my position on the poll was caused by this inaccuracy. I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, Edwin Burnell. The Mayor said the Council had nothing to do with this matter. It was resolved to inform Mr Burnell that his remedy was elsewhere. BUILDING BY-LAW. Mr Banks asked permission to remove an iron building, also a four-roomed cottage. The surveyor saw no objection to permission being given. The matter was referred to the surveyor, with instructions to carry out the by-law. CAB-DRIVERS’ LICENSE. A letter from W. Emerson was read, bogging for a renewal of his cab license, as the whole of his capital was locked up in cabs. It was resolved to refuse his application. KEROSENE BY-LAW. The consideration of this by-law was ordered to stand over. It was decided to call the attention of the inspector of dangerous goods to the necessity for inspection of the samples of kerosene in the city. TANK RESERVE. Or. Pratt had noticed that there was a standing item of 7s per week for the rent of a poor woman’s house in the market place. There was another house, that of Mr Mountfort, for which no rent was obtained. He moved—“ That Mr Mountfort have a month’s notice to remove his office within one month.” The motion was agreed to. VOTE OF THANKS. Cr. Radcliffe moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor for the interest he had taken in the welfare of the city during his recent trip. Or. Pratt seconded the motion, which was agreed to unanimously, and acknowledged by the Mayor. POST OFFICE AND OLD FIRE BRIGADE STATION. Cr. Ick moved—“ That as the present post office will be shortly vacated, whereby this Council will lose a valuable tenant and a revenue of £350 a year, and whereas the site formerly occupied by the old tire brigade is lying comparatively waste (only bringing in 7s a week), the finance committee consider the whole question of improving, utilising, or rendering both sites a source of revenue to the city; the committee to report to the Council this night four weeks.” Cr. Radcliffe seconded the motion, which was agreed to. CORPORATION OFFICES. Cr. Bird gave notice of the following motion—“ That as increased accommodation for carrying on the municipal business of the city is urgently needed, it is desirable that new corporat on offices be erected on the present s te, and that designs be called for from local i rchuects, accompanied by an estimate of cost, the design selected to be awarded a premium of twenty-five guineas.” CORPORATION LOAN. Cr. Briggs gave notice that he would on the 17th June move —“That the necessary proceedings be taken under clauses 139 and 1-10 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, to borrow a sum not exceeding one hundred thousand pounds (£100,000) for—l. Providing a satisfactory supply of water for fire prevention, sanitary and other purposes. 2. Completing the concrete side channelling of the city. 3, The erection of Corporation offices,” inspector’s report. The Inspector’s report was read and approved of. After the transaction of some formal business, the Council adjourned.