CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1596, 1 April 1879, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, March 31. The usual weekly meeting of the Council was held at 7 o’clock. Present —His Worship the Major, and Crs. Tremayne, Clifford, Gapes, Cass, Lezard, Binstead, Jenkins, Ayers, and Wilson. FINANCES. The Town Clerk reported as follows :—Receipts since last meeting, £576 1 7s 9d ; bills to be paid, £264 3s lid ; drainage rate account, Cr balance £1314 10s 2d; bills to be paid, drainage coupons interest £462. The debit at the Bank was £579 19a 4d, the debit having been reduced about £SOO since the last meeting. « THE MAYOR’S REMARKS. The Mayor stated that since the last meeting he had forwarded copies of the resolution passed on the subject of the next meeting of the Assembly at Christchurch to the various municipalities and County Councils of Otago and Canterbury. He had received a number of answers, several of them of a very satisfactory character, but no doubt in the course of a few days ho would re ceive additional replies, and the whole matter would be brought up again, and if necessary a special meeting would be held. There was of course a diversity of opinion on this subject, and he was sufficiently liberal to allow every man to express his opinion freely, but at the same time he could not but object to scurrility behind one’s hack. In order to test the feelings of the citizens on the subject, and to see if the movement was a popular one or not, ho intended at an early date, with their permission, to call a public meeting. Since the last meeting he had received the following additional subscriptions in aid of the Kaitangata fund : From the children of the Stoke district school, £1; from Prebbleton entertainment, £9 7s; from Fendaltown entertainment, £4; employes of Mr J. T. Smith, £7 4s ; from J. Brightling, £1 ; Oxford entertainment, £8 ; and employes of the Gasworks, £4 16s 6d, making in all £337 8s lOd, of which sum £3OO had been forwarded to the secretary in Dunedin. EMPTY CASE?, A letter was read from Dr. Foster, on behalf of Messrs. Strange and Co., on the question of their having received notice from the inspector of nuisances to remove certain empty cases from the back of their premises. Cr. Jenkins said there could be no doubt that two or three fires had been caused lately through these empty cases, which in many cases were partially filled with straw. The Mayor said there could bo no doubt that an accumulation of empty cases or other inflamable materials was an infringement of the bylaw. After some discussion the inspector was inBtrocted to again boo Messrs Strange on the

subject, and in general terms to use his own discretion in such matters. OPEN AIR ENTERTAINMENTS. Mr George Brighting applied for permission to place a pulley machine on Cathedral square. A considerable amount of discussion took place on tllo subject of out-door entertainments generally, and (Jr. Cass observed that he had no hesitation in saying that the ventriloquist who last Saturday night drew thousands of people in the square kept hundreds of pounds out of the tradesmen's pockets. He also instanced the fact of a young man of his acquaintance who had killed himself by one of these strengthtesting machines, and ho might add that he (Cr. Cass) had almost killed himself in doing the same thing. Ultimately the application was refused, the only dissentients to the motion being Crs. Ayers and Gapes. MEDICAL OFFICER’S REPORT,

Mr R. J S. Harman forwarded a copy of the medical officer’s report read at the _ meeting of the Local Board of Health, and which lias appeared in a former issue. Cr, Cass thought, from the doctor’s Own showing, there were fewer cases of typhoid in the locality referred to by him than in other parts of the city. Cr. Gapes said it appeared to him that there were many people in the colony who did not know what cleanliness meant, and he instanced the case of a family who poured all their slops down a brick hole in the chimney corner, for it to settle in a mass of filth underneath the house. Cr. Binstead said that the Rev. Mr Penny had informed him that, in his opinion, his attack of typhoid could not be traceable to the fact of living near the dry gully in question, and he added that he would advise the City Council themselves to make a personal examination of gullies in question before expending th; Ratepayers’ money in filling them tip. After some discussibn, Cr. Gapes moved that Vue report be referred to the Sanitary Committee, to report upon as early as possible. Seconded by Cr. Tremayne, Cl*. Wilson said he attached no importance to the opinion of the Board of Health, who, through their chairman, Inundated ,the City Council with a great amount of twaddle. Dr. Powell was quite in error in his statement as to the line of disease along the line of the gully in question, and he attached importance neither to the opinion of the Board of Health or to Dr. Powell. After Or. Gapes had replied, the motion was agreed to. FOOTBALL. An application was made by the Eastern Football Club for the use of Latimer Square. Cr. Ayers moved that the application be granted. Seconded by Cr. Wilson. Cr. Cass protested against both the squares in the city being used by footballers, to the detriment of children and others who were entitled to have the fresh air of the city squares. Cr. Gapes, if he had his way, would put a stop -to football altogether, but as Cranmer Square was granted they ought also to grant the use of Latimer Square for the same purpose. _ The Mayor stated that last year a similar application had been refused. Or. Cass moved, as an amendment —“ That tha permission bo granted for Saturday afternoon only, between the hours of 2 an t 6, if the club send in an application to that effect.” Seconded by Cr. Jenkins and agreed to. ARMAGH STREET. A letter from John McNichol on the subject of the defective drainage* of a piece of ground between Armagh street and Oxford Terrace, was referred to the works committee. RESERVES. An Application was made by Mr John Ollivier, and granted, asking for a list of city reserves. A COMPLAINT. A letter from Mr R. M. Swanson, complaining of an engine working at the back of his house without a spark catcher, was referred to the inspector of nuisances. FIRE REPORT. The following annual report of the superintendent and chief fire inspector of fire brigade for the year ending March 3i.at, 1879, was read To his Worship the Mayor. Sir,—l have the honor to forward you, for the information of the Council, my annual report of fires which have occurred during the past twelve months.

The total number of fires attended'by brigade in city and suburbs has been 43; 39 have been in buildings, and 3 chimnies ; 13 of the buildings were but slightly damaged, and 26 totally destroyed. "In three of the fires there has been a heavy loss in buildings and stock. This is the largest number of fires over attended by the brigade in one year, involving heavier losses upon the Insurance Companies find citizens than they have ever sustained before. Although the losses have been so heavy it is satisfactory to know that the services of the brigade have been highly approved of by all those who have suffered, as shown by the handsome donations given to their funds.

I am glad to report that the telephonic communication between the two stations and my residence is now in working order, and at the last fire used to advantage. The electric bells between the several public buildings and brigade stations are in a forward state, and will shortly be ready for use. I regret to find that the police station has only an electric bell in connection with brigade stations. Tivs certainly should be altered to a telephone, and the head of the police should be communicated with on the subject. The expenses during the year in consequence of the large number of fires, have been much heavier than on former occasions, amounting to little over £BOO. This sum included some repairs to buildings, as well as the cost of 2000 feet of new hose. The supply of water is deplorably short, resulting in much heavier losses of property than would otherwise have been the case, and very many anxious hours of hard work to brigade, as I have reported after several fires. I have now to add another, which took place during the last week—viz., Messrs Gillespie and Langdown's. At this fire the brigade exhausted all the water in three tanks, using 4200 ft. of hose, and being obliged to do six hours’ hard work whore one should have been sufficient, to say nothing of the increased loss of property. The brigade is getting very tired of those continual drawbacks, and I trust the Council will not let the next meeting of the General Assembly pass without obtaining the necessary power to obtain water with which to extinguish fire. The plant is in good working order, but with the largely increased number of fires we shall have to repeat our order for hose, the wear and tear of which is very great in consequence of the very long lengths we have to use. I am, &C., W. Harris, Superintendent.

In anwser to a question, the Mayor stated that the portion of the expense borne by the insurance companies was £250. _ Cr. Jenkins said an application had been made to the insurance companies to increase their subudy on the ground that the expenses of the borough were now very heavy. Mr Bird had written, stating that the application would be laid before the agents of the various companics. Cr. Wilson moved—" That the report be approved and adopted.” Seconded by Cr. Cass. Cr. Jenkins referred to the great necessity that existed for an adequate supply being procured as soon as possible. FIRE POLICE REGULATIONS. A long letter was read from Mr H. E. Alport on the subject of Mr Harris’ objection to one of the rules of the Fire Police regulations, and asking for the opinion of the Council, the same to be laid before a full meeting of the Fire Police. The Mayor said he had spoken to Mr Harris, who strongly contended that there sh mid only be one head, and adhered to his former opinion as to the undesirability of there being any divided authority. Mr Harris was appointed chief inspector by warrant. Cr. Ayers conld not see how the fire police were one body with the fire brigade. They were a distinct body. At the same time he would sooner see the fire police resign than the fire brigade, Cr. Gapes believed if Mr Superintendent Harris resigned, the whole of his men would follow his example. When they came to the real test it must be admitted that they could far sooner spare the fire police than they could the fire brigade. He hoped, however, that both bodies would bo able to agree and settle their little difference without either of them resigning. After some discussion Cr. Jenkins moved that clause 4, as signed by Mayor Ick in 1879, be rescinded, and that clau e 4, signed by Mayor Hobbs, in 1876, be substituted in its stead. Cr, Wilson seccndcd the motion

Cr. Lezard thought it would be a great pity if so influential and useful a body as the fire police should be induced to disband through any resolution raised by that Council. He would rather that the matter should be postponed in order that a full meeting of the fire police might be held. The meeting referred to by Captain Alport had been a meeting of the officers only.

Cr. Cass moved ns an amendment That with a view to an amicable settlement of this question, a conference bo holfl of the fire brigade, the fire police, and this Council, and that the Mayor bo authorised to arrange for such conference.”

Seconded by Cr. Gapes. Cr. Lezard would remind the Council that there was no such word as “ Chief Fire Inspector” in the Act. Cr Ayers did not see the use of prolonging the difficulty. Both Mr Harris and Mr Alport had fully made up their minds, and were not very likely to change them.

Cr. Binstead was sorry the fire police should stand so ranch upon their dignity. He chop, d fote for the amendment. Ihe amendment was put with the following result Aye Gapes, Cass, Lezard, and Binstead. Noes —Crs. Ayers, Clifford, Jenkins, iremayne, and Wilson. The resolution was then put and carried by five to four. WATER SUPPLY. The water supply committee brought up their report, which was as follows : The water supply committee have the extreme satisfaction of being able to report to tins Council the result of the Professor’s analysis of a sample of water, taken fairly from the bed of the Waimakariri through No. (i tube. The Professor’s letter and report arc as follows. B. Cass, Chairman Water Supply Committee. City Council Office, .‘list March, 1870. Canterbury College, Laboratory Department. To the Chairman of the Water Supply Committee, Christchurch City Council. Sir, —Herewith I forward roportlon the analysis of the sample of water received from yon. We have only estimated the volume of tho dissolved gases, but we could lit the same up should you desire to have it done. The charge for sncli would be £5 ss. I may mention that I believe a prejudice has existed against the use of snow water. I am not aware, however, how far this water might be considered as such, or if such prejudice still exists. It would perhaps be as well to take medical advice on this subject. Taking into consideration the extreme purity of the water and tho amount of the dissolved gases contained in it, I cannot myself understand how it could be otherwise than wholesome. Yours obediently, A. W. BrcspRTDN, , , Per Geo. Gray. Report on the analysis of a sample of water received from the Christchurch City Council Surveyor, March 12th, 1879. Physical Examination—Appearance in 2tt. tube, rather tnrbid; taste, very good; smell on boiling, nil. Qualitative Chemical Examination—Reaction, very slightly alkaline ; lime,trace; chlorine, trace ; sulphuric acid, trace; nitric acid, nil; nitroa, nil ; ammonia, very slight trace only; iron, njl; sub phuretted hydrogen nil. Concentrated to i-SOth — Magnesia, slight trace 1 nitric acid, very slight indication ; phosphoric acid, nil; silica, small amount. Organic Matter—By ignition (a), nil; by potass pdrmang (b), very slight trace. Quantitative Examination —Total solids, 2'5 grains per gallon; hardness (total), 211 parts per 100,000 ; chlorine, 3 grains per gallon ; free ammonia, 'OO parts per 1.000. albuminoid ammonia, ’OO parts per 1.000. dissolved gases, 20 5 volumes per 1000, The above analysis proves the sample of water to he of very groat purity, superior oven in this respect to that of tho celebrated Loch Katrine water from which the supply to tho city of Glasgow is taken. It is probably one of the_ finest natural waters in the world. From the amonnt of the dissolved gases, combined with the fact of tho absence of oxidised organic matter, I should say that it was a, thoroughly well aerated water. A. W. Bickekton, Colonial Analyst. Canterbury College Laboratory, March 28th, 1879.

Cr. Cass moved that the report be received and adopted. The cylinder would be pushed forward as rapidly as possible, and the committee would do their very best to carry out the scheme as quickly as possible. Seconded by Cr. Wilson. Cr. Gapes would recommend the question of the purity of water being referred to the medical i rofession, even if it cost £5. Cr. Cass thought it would be a ridiculous waste of public money. Every intelligent man knew that water that came from heaven must be pure. He, himself,, drank nothing else. The motion w-is then put and adopted. surveyor’s report. March 31st, 1879.

No. I—Many of the asphalte crossings in the city are in a very bad state, perhaps therefore the Council will give more instructions to have them repaired. No. 2—The timber necessary for Colombo bridge has now been promised to me, I therefore hope to start tho work of widening the bridge this week. No. 3—The contract, for channelling tho Ferry road and other places was given by tho works committee to Mr Caserley, and he has commenced the work.

No. 4—The following building licences have been granted—Messrs Stokes, Wilson street; Moore, Chester street; Harrington, Gloucester street; Robert’s, Ferry road; Brittain, Salisbury street; Bradshaw, St, Asaph street; Monntfort, Madras street; Varthon, Madras street south; Bath, Peterborough street; Pope, Barhadoes street. C. Walkden, City Surveyor. The report was adopted. ranger’s report. This report was read and adopted. inspector’s report.

The inspector’s report was also approved. Cr. Tremayne moved —“ That in the opinion of the Council the minute passed at its meeting on Monday, March the 12th inst., not to place two culverts over the channel in Gloucester street be rescinded, and that the works committee h ; .vo the power to put them down.” Seconded by Cr. Ayers, and agreed to. notices of motion.

Cr. Wiison gave notice that he would move at the next meeting—“ That the Mayor and Corporation of this borough of Christchurch do petition his Excellency the Governor, under the seal of the said corporation, to proclaim as an addition to the borough, under clause 25 of the Municipal Corporation Act, 1876, all that parcel of land comprised between the cast belt and the Estuary, and bounded on the north by the river Avon and the Canal Reserve to its junction with the Estuary, and on the south by the boundary of Sydenham to its junction with the railway, and thence along the line of railway to the Heathcote river, thence along the left bank of the river to its junction with the Estuary to the Canal Reserve, together with the foreshores of the said Estuary."

Cr. Wilson also gave notice of the following motion for the same meeting :r-“ That on one of the two lamps about to be erected on either side of the Godley statue in Cathedral square, the pedestal shall bear upon it the name of Henry Sawtell, Esq., as a gentleman who in the character of a very worthy and most energetic Mayor of the city of Christchurch throughout the year 1872 shall be recorded thereon in such words as the Council in its discretion sh ill determine.” Cr. Jenkins gave notice that he would move at the same meeting—“ That an iron culvert be placed at Heywood’s and Lewis’ corners of Cathedral square, to make the footpath on the west side equal to the east side of tte square.” CONDITION OF THE GAS. Cr. Wilson moved a resolution on the very bad condition of the gas, and directing that the attention of the Gas Company should be called to the same. THE TOWN HALL. The design and building committee was dissolved, and the following appointed in its stead— His Worship the Mayor, and Cra. Wilson, Jenkins, Gapes and Ayers. The Council adjourned at twenty minutes to eleven.