CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1408, 20 August 1878, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

The adjourned meeting of the City Council was held lust evening, to consider the letter from Mr J. E. Brown, recommending the leasing of a portion of the park for building purposes. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Crs. Tck, Bird, Briggs, Toomer, Radcliffe, Jameson, and Pratt. APOLOGY. An apology was received from Cr. Ruddenklau,who was unable to attend through indisposition. THE MAYOR'S STATEMENT. The Mayor slated that the Government had written acknowledging the receipt of the resolutions passed at (he public meeting, respecting the West Coast railway. He would suggest that some energetic action should bo taken with regard to the balance of the reserves, which had been purchased by private individuals. It was for the Council to considir how the balance could bo made up out of the reserves in the neighbourhood. Mr Stevens had written, staling that there was no road marked off on the reserve on which the old Fire Brigade buildings stood. The road, however, would not bo touched, as these was no intention to turn the roads into ouitding sites. The first business of the present meeting would ba to consider the letter of Mr J, E. Brown. THE HAGLBY PARK QUESTION.

Cr, ‘Jameson said be thought that, with regard to the question raised by Mr Brown’s letter, it had to a great extent been prejudged by the public and the Press. It was probable that they might be able to derive a revenue from tho park by means of building sites without depriving the citizens of their rights. He therefore hoped that the matter would receive full consideration.

Or. Pratt, in moving hia resolution, saidIn considering this important subject, in which we arc all deeply interested, I desire to state that with certain modifications, which I shall have the honor of proposing, it is one that meets with my cordial approval, offering, as it does, the means of converting what is at present little better than a sheep walk into a magnificent park, with ample funds for its proper management and maintenance, free to all without restriction. In answering the objections to the proposal, it is convenient to resolve them into three principal ones—namely, the endowment of the city, the encroachment upon a public reserve for building purposes, and the desire to make the park attractive for the rich, to the possible exclusion of the poor. In these objections I have given precedence to the endowment part, believing it to be the greatest bugbear of the three, and as likely to excite the greatest opposition ; but in view of the amendments I intend proposing, it will bo more convenient to refer to it last. Therefore, 1 shall proceed to notice the next objection, the encroachment upon the park, the diminution of its space, thereby shutting up what is called the lungs of the future city. When we consider that the pirk contains 500 acres, the proposal to occupy a narrow belt (165 ft., not 200 ft., as stated in the Pkkss) round a portion only of its extensive boundary, unaffected by any supposed private rights, would not deserve to bo considered as any appreciable encroachment, were it not for the argument generally used about the thin end of the wedge, and if allowed, the probability of renewed attempts being made to still further reduce it. This is, in reality, the great and serious objection of beginning an encroachment; but it appears to me that this comparatively trilling onej will not only yield a magnificent revenue for the embellish') cot and maintenance of the park, but, by the insertion of certain covenants in the proposed leasee—the lessees, with the Supreme Court at their back, could bo made an impregnable bulwark against any future curtailments. Why is tire total abstainers’ argument so frequently imported into questions of this kind ? the people themselves hold the power of permission or prohibition, and it is absurd to suppose that they must be eternally bound in cast iron fetters, the slightest relaxing of which would result in the committal of all kinds of extravagancies. This fear has its origin from experiences in the old country, but the conditions are quite altered here, and the cases not analogous; there the light has been against individuals, acting under manorial, and other supposed or pretcnl ious rights, enclosing and depriving the people of their commons, and open spaces in various parts of the country. It is only within the last few years the municipality of London interposed us the champion and defender of the people’s rights, and successfully rescued Epping Forest from the would-be spoilers. The third objection scarcely merits any notice ; it is the red flag so often dangled before the eyes of those it is the fashion to call the working classes. Here there is no cringing servility — no slavish admiration for the rich on account of their riches ; but there is a certain love of display pervading all classes, from the highest to the lowest, and within certain limits its exorcise is not only useful, but laudable. Let thoro bo well-formed, well-kept drives and walks round the circuit of and through the park, and pedestrians, whether clerks, shopmen, artisans, or labourers, and their wives, will find as much pleasure in viewing and criticising the equip iges and riders, as the owners Ihemselves derive in displaying them to their gaze. What a contrast such a scene of animation and gaiety will present to the present dull, monotonous, xminteresting stroll, with only a few sheep to gaze at, and with no prospect of any change or improvement for

years and years, under present arrangements; for now the Provincial Council contributions have ceased, the Park Board will bo obliged to continue Jetting it for a sheep run, as the only means of raising a small income absolutely necessary to preserve what has been done from being destroyed or falling into ruin. Th > number of wealthy people drawing largo incomes from the colony, and spending them elsewhere, will aoom become a serious question for the political economist to solve, taken in connection with the million and a half of interest also annually sent out of the country. The evil of absenteeism which affects all classes, but more particularly the wages class, is likely to increase rather than diminish, if something is not done to render a residence in the colony agreeable and attractive, by reproducing hero, rs far as possible, the enjoyments, and (no mean consideration) the opportunities for exercising that love of display for which wealth is generally most coveted. By adopting some plan similar to the one before the Council, we have a splendid opportunity of counteracting the absentee element, at the same time contributing to the pleasure and enjoyment of every one by re-producing a counterpart of the famous Rotten Row and Ladies' Mile, which will give such impetus to (he carriage builders and harnessmakers as will soon produce a duplicate of London’s famous Long Acre in one of our city streets. Having the Park, funds alone are required for effecting this magical change. Arc we, for (lie sake of a few acres out of 500, to do nothing, and let things go on in their present unsatisfactory stale, solely dependent upon the Government occasionally doling out a small subsidy, or by adopting the proposal with some modification realise an annual income sufficient to keep a permanent staff to plant and improve until every acre is brought into the same condition, and kept in it, as the cricket ground is now; drives and footpaths formed, kept in good order, and watered during the summer months ; seats placed everywhere without limit, and through the summertime an efficient band subsidised to discourse sweet music two or three times a week. All this could be an accomplished fact within two years if the proposal is accepted by the people and sanctioned by the Legislature. I now come to the modifications before referred to, which I hope will meet with fair support from the Council, ns being moderate, and effective for accomplishing all that we desire, namely, that one third of the annual revenue derivable from the leaseholds, amounting to about £2OOO, form a fund for the support of existing domains or parks, or the acquisition of lands for such purposes in various centres of populations in the province, or as an endowment for the Hospital, in which the whole province is interested ; one-third for the maintenance of Hagley Park; and methird for the Municipality o f Christchurch. As the latter is the only point likely to create discussion or opposition, I will state as briefly as possible why I consider Christchurch lias some claim upon a fund of this kind, which it is argued belongs to the province at large. Is it not to the interest of the entire province that its capital city should be made as attractive as possible for others, as well as its own residents ? Have not all occasions at time* to visit it ? and it is not important for their comfort and convenience that it should bo healthful, clean, well drained, well lighted, its streets and footpaths well formed and kept in good repair ? and when the rates for the accomplishment of all this are rising to an oppressive impost, is it, in the absence of any appreciable endowment, asking too much for a portion of a revenue that if the proposal is carried out the province can well spare, considering that a largo additional expenditure outside the park boundaries, formerly defrayed by the Provincial Government, will fall upon the Municipality, and from which no additional rates are derivable. I may be considered a Goth and a Yandal, and wanting in foresight, for proposing the leasing portion of the park, but I think the matter is well worthy of consideration. I beg to move —“ That this Council agrees to support the principle that certain portions of the park he leased for building purposes as a source of revenue.” The Mayor thought this was hardly a motion.

[Mr Brown’s letter was then read. This has already been published.]

Cr. Jameson seconded the motion pro forma, lie said that, fond as he was of revenue, it was very doubtful whether they should raise revenue from their public park. The public was very jealous of their recreation ground, and perhaps justly so. If they could reserve roads, then it would be very desirable to do so, so long as there was no deprivation of rights. The road on the northern side was at present very unpopular, and might be improved. If a row of houses were erected there it would be a great public convenience. That was the only side on which it would be desirable to make a road Though he seconded the motion pro forma, ho should vote against it. Or. Bird said ns long as he was a member of that or any other body, he would give bis vote against alienating one inch of the Park. Although they were much obliged to Cr. Pratt, they must look ahead for some ten or fifteen years to come. There was no finality '■ about it, and it would he a very dangerous thing to introduce the thin end of the wedge. If a public meeting were of opinion that Cr. Pratt’s motion should be carried, then it would be a different thing. Cr. Ick was of the same opinion. Considerin the extravagant price of land in the city, they must look forward to an enormous population on the outskirts of the town, and these people would be all crying out for recreation reserves. Some years ago a very valuable reserve was given up, which if they had it now would have been a great source of revenue to the city. He referred to the town reserves which had been sold for £20,000, a sum which had been frittered away. The same remark would apply in their children’s time, and he should most certainly vote against the motion now before the Council, It would he opening a way to allow pressure to be brought to bear, and ultimately the public might get freeholds from this land. No doubt it was a tempting bait held out to the City of Christchurch ; but it was not a scheme that was likely to be popular with the people. His greatest objection was that the public at large had not been consulted. They had been charged with being selfish, and for his own part ho wished to be considered as a citizen at large. The people outside the city had as much right to have a voice in this matter as the citizens themselves, and therefore no action should bo taken without their consent. As an election was at hand this would ho on excellent opportunity of testing the feelings of the people. Such an opportunity would be given in a fortnight or three weeks, so that no time need be lost. He should vote against the resolution in its present shape. If the feelings of the people were consulted, however, he would not be dogmatic. If they were willing the land should be alienated then there would be no more to be said.

Cr. Briggs would also have to oppose the resolution of Or. Pratt, nor could be altogether agree with the remarks of Cr. Ick. He understood that a public body should lead the people, and not follow them, and he was quite prepared to take his part in doing so. He should therefore move as an amendment—- —“ That a reply to Mr Brown’s letter be sent, staling that in the opinion of this Council it is not advisable that the reserve known as Hagley Park should be interfered with in any manner, but that it should be strictly preserved as a public park for the use of the people for all time.” Ho could scarcely understand how it was that the other day the citizens were considering the advisability of purchasing a piece of land for the purpose of forming a second park when they were now asked to curtail the park which they at present possessed. If (he scheme were carried out it would take from them an equivalent of about forty-four acres. About twelve months ago there was a project on foot to allow the cricketers to charge a small admission fee to the park on certain occasions. This was resisted by the public, who urged most strongly that the park was reserved for and must be kept strictly for public use. If this scheme weroyarried there was no knowing where it would end. They could not tell what the next proposition would be. There were, too, other difficulties. People the other day had paid long prices for land on tho understanding that they would

have frontages to Hagley Park, which frontage it was now proposed to take away. The purchasers of that land had certainly a right to insist that nothing should be taken from the park, the frontages to which had been almost guaranteed to them. The Connell should not for one moment try and take privileges from the people. Rather than take any of the park away ho would be in favour of a small rate for its improvement. Cr. Radcliffe, looking at the matter in a broad light, thought it would bo better to pay a small rate than to interfere with the public domain of (lie people. Cr. Toomer was glad to see the Council was so unanimous on this subject. What right had (hey to take from the people any of their privileges? They had no such right. It was a property given to the people, and belonged us much to those living outside of the city of Christchurch us to the people of Christchurch itself. He should, therefore, support the motion of Cr. Briggs, His Worship the Mayor said this was not a new matter to him. He had a scheme something like this about two years ago, when he took the opportunity of consulting a number of gentlemen privately on the subject, after which he had dropped the matter. He was therefore surprised at what Mr Brown had said to him, and had told that gentleman he had better himself introduce the matter to the Council. The scheme ho (the Mayor) proposed was to have a small slip of building sites round the park without any road inside, the receipts to go towards embellishing the park and perhaps improving similar planes elsewhere. After sixteen years’ experience, he hud no hesitation in saying that the state of the park was a disgrace to them—it was a perfect wilderness, and they could scarcely see the young trees for rank grass. He did not know whether his scheme of two years ago had anything to do with that of Mr Brown, which, by the way, was altogether different to the principle affirmed in the resolution of Cr. Pratt. He could not help thinking that the principle might be assented to without any robbing of the people’s rights—indeed it was an assistance to the people themselves. His own opinion was that the surplus fund ought to go to the Hospital, and therefore he thought that the people would be benefitted by such a scheme. He was glad that Cr. Briggs had answered the views of Cr. L-k. If the principles put forward by Cr. Ick were affirmed they would not bo representatives, indeed scarcely delegates. The views of representatives ought to be heard before the vi >ws of the people. Had the people’s representatives —the Press —not had so much to say at an early date, there might have been more discussion round that table, though the result might have been the same. The case of t he cricketers was not. at all analogous. Why even at the present time there was a portion of the park which was fenced in, and which the public could not get into, but. st'll it was not alienated from the public. Nor did lie propose to alienate the portion he had referred to. At the end of the lease the houses could have been razed to the ground if they thought, proper. Land was not held sacred in Canterbury. Many members in the north cast longing eyes upon our reserves, and they might yet be taken from us. This had been done in Melbourne, and the money put into the public chest. Cr. Toomer—That is no reason why ours should be served in the same way.

The Mayor—There was no reason whatever why this should not bn done in this colony. But once give certain persons a lease there and no Government could touch it so long a? the lease existed. To his mind it would be a benefit, rather than the contrary. He had heard a great deal of talk about, the “ lungs of the cuy.” He would like them to tell him of any town in the colony whore they had so many lungs. Cr. Ick —None want so many.

The Mayor—He daresay some of them had noticed a letter in one of the papers that morning from Mr Wynn Williams who, not contented with opposing the scheme, said a Bill for this very purpose had been prepared and submitted to a city official. Ho believed that Mr Wvnn Williams referred to him (tho Mayor). No doubt if he had been able to fix the name he would have done so. If Mr Williams meant him, then ho gave him a most unqualified denial. There was not a word of truth in it. It could not be wondered at after such letters if the public were misled. So far as he know now he did not believe that one step further had been taken than the preparation of tho plan that then lay upon the table. Or. Pratt thought it was a mistake not to pas* the motion. The park would now remain a waste for many years to come. Ct. Brigg’s amendment was then put and carried. The amendment then became a substantive motion, and was carried with one dissentient, viz., Cr. Pratt. THE LATE MEETING. A letter was read from tho Government, acknowledging the receipt of tho resolution with regard to the construction of a railway to the West Coast. The Premier recognised the work as one of vast importance. It was one that would tho greatest possible consideration at the hands of the Government. THE STBKET COENEB BY LAW. Or. Bird said before the Council separated there was one matter which ho wished to bring before their nolice. He had seen in one of the papers that morning a local saying that in the case of a prosecution against a cabman for infringing the by-law with reference to passing certain corner at other than a walking pace, it had been stated that the prosecution was withdrawn at tho instigation of the Council. Now ho know nothing at all of the matter, and objected to such statements being made in the public Press. A local had also on a former occasion appeared about Cr. Euddenklau’s motion when the Council was again mentioned in a matter of which he himself was entirely ignorant. It was not a proper thing, and the practice ought to be discountenanced.

The Mayor said he was glad Cr Bird had brought the matter forward. Ho himself had meant to refer to it, but had forgotten to do so. With regard to this particular case of driving round the corner, ho had learnt that the police had taken out a summons against an offender. The police wished the Council to inst ruct a solicitor to appear in the case. The summons was taken out on Friday, and was to have come off that day, which he (the Mayor) thought was rather sharp work, particularly as the case was to be made a test case. Besides, when a similar case was before the notice of the Council on a previous occasion, it had been resolved to refer to the Minister of Justice, and the by-law itself was left for the future consideration of the Council. That being the decision of the Council, and no one being empowered to take action, he (the Mayor) and Cr. |Ruddenklau had called upon the inspector of police, with a view to having tho summons withdrawn; and although he wished it to go on, he at last consented that it should be withdrawn, on a short letter being written by himself, and the expenses being guaranteed. The case was a similar one to that which they had before prosecuted, but he learned that the defendant would not have defended it. Ho would therefore have been fined, and the case would not have beeu a test one after all, but have remained in abeyance. He hid also learnt that the cabmen had banded together, and meant to strongly defend the next case that was brought before the Court. This being so, and the Council wishing to test the matter properly, ho (the Mayor) had, under all the circumstances, thought the case should be withdrawn. At the next meeting ho would wish the Council to go fully into the whole matter, and decide whether they would go on and try and enforce the by-law, or whether they would modify it. For his own part, ho had no hesitation in saying that the by-law was a good one, and ono that was meant to protect ton persons who walked to one who rode, and ho would not abate one iota in his opinion on tho subject. Other Councillors expressed a similar opinion. Tho matter then dropped. TUB OPPICEEB OP THE COUNCIL.

In the absence of Cr. Euddentlau, the motion of that gentleman with regard to tho re-organisation of the staff was postponed. This was all the business, and the Council adjourned.