CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1390, 30 July 1878, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, July 29. The ordinary meeting of the City Council took place last night. Present—His Worship the Mayor and Crs. Radclillc, Briggs, Bird, Ick, Ruddenklau, Toomer, and Jameson. The minutes of the special meeting held last week were read and confirmed. EXPLANATION. Cr. Ick said he wished to correct a statement ho had made at a former meeting. He had said that the works committee hud never passed for payment accounts unconnected with their own department. Ho found that two small accounts had been so passed. Cr. Briggs said he also wished to explain a statement he had made, that the Mayor had been absent from the finance committee five meetings out of six. Ho found that sixteen meetings of the committee had been held up to the 30th of June. Ho himself had been present at all, Cr, Pratt at fifteen, and the Mayor at nine. FINANCE. The Mayor slated that the Dr, balance in the Bank was £3129 Os (id. The Clerk read the receipts for the fortnight, £5Ol 5a Bd, leaving a Dr, balance of £3129 Os (id. Drainage Board rate, £3 14s 7d; Drainage rate account, Dr. balance, £34 16s (id; interest allowed by Bank, £ll 11s 9d—Dr. balance, £23 4s 9d. The bills paid by the works committee up to July 23rd amounted to £lO7 (is (!d ; hills to be paid July 29th, £330 13s 9d—total, £438 Os 3d. Sinking fund account —Interest for half-year, 14a lid. Drainage account, INo. 2—Drainage Board, £2 10s. The accounts wore passed. SUEVKYOa’S BEPOIIT. The surveyor’s report was read as follows ; 1. The concrete wall around the Godley statne is being built, ami iu order to finish it it will be

necessary to remove the lamp ns a temporary nn am re. 2 Now that the western approach to Armagh street bridge is reduced to its proper level, the lighting committee recommend that one of the spare lamps lie placed at the north-west corner of the bridge. 3. Owing to the low' state of the Council's finances, I have informed the works committee that unless any new works arc contemplated, the number of the Council’s workmen can be reduced. 4. The quantity of metal required for Cathedral Square is now almost .all delivered, consequently the square will be coveted with it and rolled within the next few day-. O. Walkden, City Surveyor. The report was considered clause by clause and adopted. nobth town belt. Cr. Ick said that he and Cr. Bird had been to inspect the plantation in the North town belt and found the fences broken down. The standard trees were now large enough to take care of themselves. If the shrubs were taken away, there would be no need for repairing the fence, which might be altogether removed. . The works committee were authorised to have the fence and shrubs removed. NEW BRIDGE. Cr. Ick referred to the desirability of putting at least a footbridge over the Avon at the East town belt. The works committee last year recommended the appropriation of £l5O for this purpose, and the Council had agreed to it. The Avon Road Board were disposed to contribute liberally towards the expense, as was Mr Campbell, fhe owner of the land adjoining. The surveyor had estimated the 'expense of a wooden bridge, eight feet wide, at about £3OO. He wished the Council to authorise the surveyor’s making a plan of the bridge and submitting it to the Council if the Avon Road Board and the inhabitants in the neighborhood would contribute say half the expense. The bridge would bo a great convenience. Ho moved —« That the surveyor have instructions to prepare a plan for a substantial footbridge near Ward’s brewery, the cost not to exceed the sum of £300.” Cr. Radcliffe seconded the motion, and expressed an opinion that Mr Campbell should contribute liberally. Cr, Ruddenklau would like to sec a cart bridge, but would oppose the forming of a foot bridge which would have the effect of preventing a larger bridge being placed there. He would vote forthe postponement of building a bridge at the spot indicated. Cr. Briggs would oppose the motion, as it appeared from the examination of the liabilities, &c,, of the Council there would be a deficiency at the end of the year of something like £3OOO. As to the gentleman who was disposed—as it wis said to be very liberal, that gentleman had called upon him (Cr. Briggs), and was particularly uncommunicative in the matter. Until the Council knew how much the Avon Road Board and those who were particularly to be benefited would contribute, he would oppose any bridge being put there. If a bridge was to be put there at all, it should be a cart bridge, Cr. Jameson feared that the expense of a cart bridge would be too great. He would be inclined to support the formation of a foot bridge, which would cost little, and would be a great convenience. Cr. Toomer thought the bridge would be a great boon to foot passengers, especially as it would be so near the cemetery. Those who had vehicles could easily use the other bridges . The Mayor was opposed to a bridge being built here until the gentleman who had been referred to stated distinctly what he would contribute. The Council must remember that there was no road on the other side of the- river. Mr Bowron was not disposed to give land for the purpose. The Heathcote Road Board had refused to give anything; the Avon Board had promised £SO, a year or two ago, but there must be provision made for a footpath, without which the bridge would be useless. Ho must say he would like to see a cart bridge if there was a bridge at all, but the state of the city funds would not allow of the expenditure. Cr. Ick, in reply, said that if they wore to wait for a cart bridge they would all be grey before they saw it. The same objections might have been raised against the footbridge near the Hospital, which had been found of such great convenience to hundreds of people. Ue hoped the Council would open their hearts and allow a paltry £l5O to he spent upon this bridge. The motion was then put and carried, the only dissentients being Crs. Briggs and Ruddenklau. TELEGRAPH POSTS. Cr. Ick referred to the unsightly telegraph posts now erected on the footpaths. He had called the attention of the Council to these some six weeks ago. He was informed that the Telegraph Department had no right to erect posts without the consent of the Council. Cr. Jameson repoited that the by-law com* mittee, to which the matter had been referred on Cr. Ick’s motion, had interviewed the Telegraph superintendent, and had been informed that the department could put posts whei’e required. The route was about to be altered, and when this was done every opportunity would be taken to improve the appearance of the posts, and all new posts would be as light as possible. Iron posts could not be used, as they were not strong enough to resist the wind. Cr. Ick considered that the committee should have consulted the City solicitor. Or. Jameson replied that the Act was so explicit that there was no necessity to consult the solicitor. The Mayor read the clause of the Act, which left no doubt us to the power of the Commissioner of Telegraphs. Cr. Ick was still of opinion that the Municipal Corporation Act overrode the Telegraph Act. In America the wires were taken over the houses or under the streets. Cr. Jameson replied that the bouses in Christchurch were not strong enough to bear the wires. DRAINAGE BOAED BATES. A letter was read from the Drainage Board conveying authority to the Council to collect and sue for all rates due to the Board. It was received. SEWERAGE. A letter from Thos. C. Burt, of Dunedin, was read. It stated that he had found “a means by which he can clean the sewage, and let the water run into the Bay clean and free from any ingredient injurious to man or fish,” and by which “ the city would be saved the enormous expense of constructing large sewers and pumping engines.” The Dunedin City Council had thought so well of his “wonderful” scheme that they had voted £IOO to defray the expenses of a public test, and the Otago Harbor Board had investigated the matter, and expressed satisfaction with it. Cr. Bird moved —“ That the letter be referred to the Drainage Board, with a request that they would favour the City Council with their views upon the matter.” The motion was agreed to, CITY BY-LAWS. A letter from Mr Broham consented that the police should ask for an adjournment in any cases under the city by-laws whereiu the question of the validity of the by-law was raised by the defence. A letter from the Department of Justice, Wellington, was read, relative to the anomalous position of the City Council and the police in relation to the carrying out of the city by-laws. It stated that instructions had been issued to allow the corporation every opportunity of testing the validity of the bylaws. Both letters were deemed to be satisfactory. . , . . , Cr. Bird asked how the question of driving round the corners now stood. The Mayor said it was in abeyance. It would now be for the Council to take action. , , , Or. Bird thought the Council should take a new case before the Resident Magistrals. ASPHALTING FOOTPATH. A letter was read from Mr B, Simpson, enclosing cheque for £32, half expense of asphalting a footpath fronting his premises. Cr. Ick moved that the work be done as soon as the weather will permit, and that the lamp which had to bo removed should be removed. The motion was agreed to. METAL DEPOT, A letter was read from the Railway Department to a elding to the moLal depot in

Selwyn street. It si ated that the reserve in question would shortly be leased by auction, and therefore the Council would probably deem it inexpedient to lay out money in connecting the reserve with the main line. The Mayor said that it was never understood that the Council would have to pay for the siding, which would be a great benefit to the Government property. It would bo for the Council to determine whether the ground should he secured as a metal depot or not. The matter was referred to the works committee. EEGI3TEAB OF DOGS. A letter was read from the Colonial Secretary’s office, forwarding “Gazette” containing proclamation of the appointment of town clerk as registrar of dogs. EBIDGE AT EAST TOWN BELT. The following from Mr E. C. J. Stevens, chairman of the East Christchurch Educational District Committee, was read Gentlemen,-—I have the honor, by direction of the East Christ church district school committee, to represent that a bridge over the Avon, near the boatshods or Ward s Brewery, would be a very groat convenience to the Gloucester street school inasmuch as there are many children living on the north side of the river too old to attend the Bingsland side school but are debarred from attending tbeGlou ’ester street school, the distance by the Madras street or Stanmorc road bridges being too great for them. I trust, therefore, that the Council may be able to see their way to carry out a very necessary w»rk. Cr. Ick said that when he brought the matter forward he had not been aware that that letter had been sent. The Mayor remarked that he had to walk two miles to school, but children appeared to be made of different stuff nowadays. lumb’B lane. A letter from Mr W. Paddy was read. It called attention to the “frightful” condition of Lunib’s lane, and informed the Council that in 1873 £4O had been subscribed by the owners of the property for making the road. Other money which would have to be paid would make the amount contributed by the owners up to £lOl 18s. The Surveyor reported that the forming of the lane had been commenced, but as the owners did not pay their subscription it had been left unfinished. It was resolved to complete the work as soon as the amounts promised had been paid. NEW EGAD. Cr. Jameson asked if the works committee intended to open a new road between Victoria and Colombo bridges. It would cost a great deal and would not be used. Cr. Ick said that in the time of Mr Hobbs’ mayoralty there was an implied promise made that the road should be formed. The same thing was agreed to when Mr Hart was Mayor. He considered that the road would bo a great improvement to the City, and would be found a great convemence. He should not like to see the question settled in the absence of two councillors. If the road was not made there would be a breach of faith with the residents in the neighborhood. The expense would not be very great. Cr. Jameson gave notice of a motion — “That the resolution for the formation of the road on the south bank of the river, between the Colombo and Victoria bridges bo reconsidered, and that the work meanwhile be not proceeded with.” INSPECTOES’ BEPOET. The inspector’s report was read. It stated that he had been making a house to house inspection in the N.E. and S.E. quarters of the city, and had served fifty noticesVequiring the closing of cesspits. He had also inspected the side channels, the Sandhills reserve, and breweries, and reported satisfactorily upon them. The report was adopted. Cr. Briggs expressed regret at the absence of the chairman of the sanitary committee, as he wished to inform the Council that he had received numerous complaints that the contractor was not carrying out his contract satisfactorily. Cr. Ruddenklau and Cr. Jameson, as members of the sanitary committee, stated that the difficulty lay with several hotel keepers, who could not be got to carry out the instructions of the inspector, CAB LICENSES. Several drivers’ licenses were granted. The application of one was postponed till the Council had seen the applicant, as he was thought to be too young. hawker’s license. A hawker’s license was granted. surveyor's assistant. The Mayor asked if the assistant to the surveyor should be continued to bo employed. He was very much required. Cr. Ruddenklau believed that ho should be kept on as long as there was work for him. The Council must soon take into consideration the desirability of re-organising the office. Cr. Ick said that his place had been besieged by gentlemen wishing to be appointed rate collector. The Mayor said that matter had not yet come up. Cr. Ick asked if it was not possible to combine the two offices. Ho knew for a fact that the gentleman now employed as a collector is a surveyor. Cr. Briggs asked if the assistant to the city surveyor has power to grant building licenses. The Mayor believed not. Cr. Briggs said; that a case had happened in which a verbal permission had been given by the assistant and re-called by the surveyor. The surveyor explained the circumstances referred to. The permission which had been given was not for what had been done. Cr, Briggs thought a hardship had been done, as the person referred to had acted in good faith. The matter should be definitely settled. The surveyor explained that Mr Daw had received ample instructions. Cr. Ick hoped the Council would refuse to to give power to the assistant to exercise the powers of the surveyor. It would bo putting a responsibility upon young shoulders which they could not bear. He would move—“ That the the surveyor should bo the only responsible person to grant building licenses.” Cr Briggs would second the motion. The Mayor asked how the surveyor could give permits whilst laid up in bed. Cr. Ick had never heard such an absurd argument. If the inspector was laid up, some experienced person should be appointed to grant the permission. Cr. Ruddenklau thought there was not much responsibility. People could be referred to the by-law. The Mayor thought it extraordinary that it should be said that because the surveyor had only been ill only for a fortnight during two years he would only be ill for a fortnight. Was all the building to be suspended during the illness of the surreyor P If a man infringes the by-law he would have to pull down hi» building, no matter how many permissions ho got. No verbal permission should be given. Cr. Jameson could see no danger from the power being given to the assistant. Cr. Briggs, by way of explanation, said that the gentleman he had referred to was Mr Paterson of Cashel street, and the matter resolved itself into a question of one man’s word against, another’s. The Mayor said that the by-law compelled the submission of plans, Ac., to the city surveyor. Mr Paterson had not done so. [The Mayor here called the attention of the Council to the interpretation clause, which said that “city surveyor” meant the city surveyor or other officer appointed by the Council.] Cr. Ick said that Mr Paterson had come to him and complained very warmly of his treatment. Even experienced architects differed in opinion upon tiie by-law, and he did not think a young man could be competent to decide questions affected by it. Cr. Briggs said that the alteration made by Mr Paterson involved a great increase of risk from fire to the whole block. The thing should have been remedied at once. The motion was then put and agreed to, Crs. Ruddenklau and Bird stating that they did not oppose it, as they deemed it did not alter the present responsibility of the surveyor. It was understood that the services of the assistant should be continued as long us required. ASSISTANT RATE COLLECTOR. Cr. Briggs moved —“ that applications be advertised for, for the post of assistant collect

tor to this corporation, at a salary of '£l7s a year, such applications to be considered at the next ordinary meeting.” The motion was agreed to. ■WELLINGTON CONFERENCE. Cr. Ruddenklau suggested the formation of a small committee for the purpose of conducting telegraphic correspondence with the dele gate at the Wellington conference. He moved—“ That the Mayor and Crs. Jameson and Ick bo a committee to advise with the delegate at Wellington on any matter on which he wishes the Council’s opinion.” RESERVES. In answer to Cr. Ick, Cr. Jameson said that he had not reported on the reserve of 2000 acres because Cr. Pratt was absent, and he wished to have the smaller reserves considered. He was of opinion that the large reserve should be divided into three, and the others be let separately. CONDUCT OF BUSINESS. Cr, Briggs moved—“ That it is desirable that the rules for regulating the conduct of the business of the Council should bo revised, and that a committee, consisting of the Mayor and Crs. Ick, Ruddenklau, and the mover be appointed to revise the said rules, and report to the Council.” He supported the motion by pointing out several anomalies in the rules, and discrepancies between them and the Act. Cr. Ick seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. The Council then went into committee.