CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1602, 8 April 1879, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, A tbit, 7. The n-nal weekly meeting of the Council was hold at seven o’clock in the Council Chambers. Present His Worship the Mayor, and Crs. Gapes, Ayers, Cass, Clifford, Jenkins, Tremayne, Binstead, and Wilson. CB. LIZARD. Cr. Cass apologised for the absence of Cr, Lezard, who was kept by urgent business. FINANCES. The Town Clerk reported the receipts since tho last meeting at £2 62 3s. Balance, .£OBI 5s Id; bibs to be paid, £1531 14s 4d. Drainage ■ate account—croc it balance, £11344 10s 2d; bill paid, £2462 ; debtor at b nk, £OBI 5s Id, THE MAYOR’S REMARKS. His Worship said, in (onnection with the next session of Parliament being held in Cf riitchurch, he had convened a meeting for next Thursday evening, He had likewise forwarded a circular to each of the canterbury members, asking them to be present, and to co-operate, if they thought fit, with tho City Council. A paper was laid upon the table showing the vital statistics throughout New Zealand. He had received sixteen letters from County Councils and Municipalities, and out of those fourteen agreed with the feeling of tho Christchurch city Council on the subject of holding the next sitting of Parliament in this city. The report on the T own Hall would bo laid upon the table. A balance of £>3s remained on the Mayor’s list re Kaitangata Belief Fund, and the balance would be forwarded to Dunedin on the following day. THE KAITANGATA RELIEF FUND. Cr. Wilson asked the Mayor if he knew how the money collected was to be applied, and in whom it was to be vested. Probably the sum of =£lo,ooll would be raised throughout New Zea land, and great care should be exercised in seeing how tho money was vested He questioned whether the different Mayors of New Zealand were exercising sufficient care in yes 1 ig this money for the benefit of tho widows and orphans. The Mayor replied that the gentleman who was acting as treasurer for the fund was a gentleman in every sense of the word —who was formerly provincial treasurer of Otago, and brother of Judge Gillies. So far as the bulk of the money was concerned, it had not been forwarded. Ho referred to tho money raised on the occasion of the fate. The men who were interested in this matter were men of probity and position in Otago, who need noc for an instant bo doubted. it was stated that since the last meeting the amount had been swelled by £24 10s Gd from Augustus Schwartz’s committe 3 , and further, that th 3 Mayor’s list is now closed. Cr Binstead thought they ought to know how the money was to be applied before it was handed over. The Mayor said he might remind them that Mr Bird had remitted tho sum of over £2400 to the fund committee in Otago. Cr. Wilson moved —‘'That his Worship the Mayor be requested to put himself in communication with the Kaitangata Relief Fund committee with a view of obtaining information concerning the judicious use of tho funds in question.” T he motion was seconded by Cr. Jenkins. Cr. Clifford would very much like to know 7 what tho Council had got to do w’ith the Kaitangata fund. '] here was no answer to tho question. After some further discussion, Cr. Wilson replied. Tho motion w is put with the following result : —Ayes, Wilson, Binstead, Cass, and Jenkins ; noes, Gapes, Ayers, Clifford, and Tfemays e. The Mayor gave his casting vote with the ayes, and, in doing to, said ho washed the discussion had not arisen. As he was the medium through which the money was to pass he felt bound to make the inquiries, though he would trust tho last shilling he had to the Otago committee. At the same time ho would take care that the inquiry would be made iu a w T ay that would give no offence. COLOMBO STREET BRIDGE, Cr. Wilsou said that as the.promised l money had not been subscribed for tho enlarging of this bridge, he would ask tho Council to suspend all work in' connection with it."’ Cr. Jenkins thought it was rather late now to uqijce the objection.... Cr. Gapes wished to know how it was that the work had been commenced before the money WAS subscribed. The Major explained that Cr. Wilson had guaranteed the money, and the guarantee'was so good that the Council had had no hesitation in commencing the we, k. He afraid th; result wkTuld be that they would have to place Cr. Wilson’s name on the bridge. -14 was resolved that tho work must be pro* cocded with. THE SOUTJf TOWN .BELT. On the motion of Cr. Tremayne, seconded by Cr. Gapes, the Mayor and Cr. Jenkins were added to the committee to meet the sanitary committee of the Sydenham Borough Council re '.he South town belt. NOTICE OF MOTION. Or. Wilson gave notice that he would move at a later stage that Colombo street bridge be not proceeded with. OXFORD TERRACE. A petition signed by some twenty residents of a portion of Oxford Terrace, from Barbadocs street following the river to East town belt, was sent in, asking that the road might bo formed and metalled as soon as possible, otherwise it would he impassable in winter. (Jr Jenkins stated that the surveyor had the work in hand, and would report upon the cost at a future meeting. QUESTIONS, Cr. Cass asked that something might be done to Palmer street, Cr. Jenkins said that nothing could be done, as the street was a private one. Tee surveyor had already reported on the cost. The surveyor said he had seen Mr Palmer, who had objected to have anything to do with the cost of forming the street, as he hud sold out The Mayor would repeat what he had formerly said, that he hoped tho Council would not undertake any such work as this until the money was paid. The matter was allowed to stand over. BABBADOES STREET BRIDGE. Cr. Ayers moved — -i That the residents in Barbadoes street and its vicinity have another fortnight to pay the amount of £2250, promised by them for the construction of the Barbadoes street bridge.” Agreed to. oddfellows’ fete. The secretary of the Oddfellows’ fete committee made application to start foot races by pistol report. Agreed to. LAMP IN CHESTER STREET. Richard Smith, of Chaster street, asked by letter for permission to erect a lamp post in front of his premises. The application was granted, the work to he done under the . upervioion of the Surveyor. FOOTBALL. The secretary of the Pastern Football Club sent in an amended application asking for the use of i ■atioicr square from two o’clock r.mil six on aturdays The application was granted, CHRISTCHURCH SIX PER CENT. LOAN. The acing ma ager of the Bank of New Zealand wrote, informing the Council that the sum of £2310 Gs hud been spent by the London office in advertising the Christchurch six per ceic,. loan. It was resolved to pay tho amount. EMPTY CASES. 7Jr James Bird, chairman of the Insurance Association, drew the attention of the Council by h iter to tec dang’-r (aused by the -torngo in hack y..n»s of cm- ly packing cases, and expressing a hope that tho by-law relating to the same would be strictly carried out, though ho had no wish to hoc .he by-law harshly enforced. Tho Council was of opinion that the letter was d a . cry contradictory character, li was resolved to acknowledge the letter, with

an in tin tion that action had already been taken with ivgard to the matter referred *o. TOWN HAUL COMMITTEE’S UEPOR f. This committee reported as follows •• The City Council of Christchurch are prepared to receive designs for a town hall and municipal otllces, proposed to lie erected on the triangle block forming part of the Market place of Christchurch, known as the Fost-otiice site, and bounded by Colombo street, Victoria street, and Oxford terrace, and more particularly delineated on the plan hereto annexed. No suggestions are offered as to the style of the proposed building nor are any restrictions imposed on competitors in this respect. Economy and suitability to the climate and to the various purposes to which the buildings are to be devoted being in view. , . It must bo distinctly understood that the designs shall bo so prepared for the proposed buildings that tin: total cost of those buildings shall not exceed 020.000, exclusive of architect’s fees, clerk of the works, and such like contingencies. Designs arc to be delivered at fbe City Council Chambers, Christchurch, addressed to the town Clerk, by noon of the Uth June, 1870. . Premiums ottered are £IOO for the first design, nnd £SO for the second. The lirst and second designs are to become the property of the City Council. The Council does not hind itself to employ tho successful competitor to carry out the work. ’j he remainder of the report related purely to matters of detail.

The Mayor said the committee bad been a good deal guided ny what had been done by the Dunedin City Council. Cr. Jenkins said ha thought they had omitted to refer to the clock tower the other evening, with a special view to its ultimately having a peal of bells. Cr. Gapes thought it would be out of place td have a peal of bells in the tower, though it would be necessary to have a good clock tower for an illuminated clock. Cr. Wilson thought the report was somewhat premature, particularly as two or three members of the committee had not been present when tho report was drawn up. He would therefore move tho following resolution: —“ That no advertisements shall appear in the newspapers till ail the members of the town hall committee have met together and expressed their opinion as to the character of he material to be used and that where so large a sulu dC a* JhWst i>2o.odo has to be expended, two experts should be exiled in to aid the committee with their advice.” Cr. Jenkins seconded tho motion pro forma, and expressed his surprise at the course taken by Cr. Wilson. Out of live members of the committee he alone had been absent. Cr. G pcs said the question of experts Lad been fully considered. ( r. A.v ers thought if Cr. Wilson had so much interest in the i town hall ho should have attended the meeting of committee. (,r. Cass would also oppose the motion. Cr Wilson would protest against the report being adopted. If it were he certainly should withdraw’ from the committee. Cr. Cass w uld prefer leaving the material to the architect’s own judgment. The Mayor said that the town hall, as proposed by the committee, was twenty feet longer than the Dunedin one, and ten feet wider. Or. Wilson again said he should protest against the report. The thing was being linri ied with indecent haste, and for a purpose. Cr Jenkins would call upon Cr. Wilson to explain himself Cr Wilson explained that he referred to the carrying of this report before it had been considered by tho public. _ Cr. Tremayne did not think that Cr. Wilson had. The motion was then put and lost. The only Councillor who voted for it was the proposer. Cr. Wilson then handed in his protest. Cr. Gapes said the interest of ,£20,000 would be ,£l2oi» a year, to meet which it would be advisable to have shops on the ground floor, which, together with the rents received from the town hall, would return a revenue sufficient to meet the yearly interest. He knew that some people were opposed to shops in connection with the town hall, on the ground that the Government would object: but for his own part he did not believe the Government would offer the slightest objection. If they could show the ratepayers that they could raise sufficient yearly to meet the interest, he did not think there would be any objection to this expenditure of <£20,000. He moved the interest of the_ money to be borrowed for the erection of the town hall, a row of shops be built in connection with the the town hall, the rents of which would meet the yearly revenue required to pay the interest: of the loan.” Cr. Binstead seconded tho resolution pro forma , and in doing so said he would prefer no furtaer steps being taken before the sanction of the citizens had been obtained to borrow the money for tho purpose. At tho same time he did not approve of the shops in connection with the Town Hall.

Cr. Jenkins said lie could not consent to shops being connected with the Town Hall. Os. Wilson and Ayers also ipposed the motion, as also did Crs. Cass and Tremayne. The motion was then put. The mover alone voted for it. Cr. Tremayne moved the adoption of the report. Seconded by Cr. Ayers and agreed to, the only dissentient being Cr. Wilson. The power of advertising for designs, &c., was then left to the works committee, Cr. Wilson opposing. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. 7th April, 1879. No. 1. 1 found an old wooden culvert across Cambridge terrace, opposite St, Michael’s Church, in a very decayed state, and I am having it replaced by a concrete one. • - ■* No. 2. The forming and shingling of the East belt, between Gloucester street aud the river, is now completed. No. 3. The work of altering Colombo bridge is now being carried on. No. 4. Mr Thornton has submitted a report on the South belt (a copy of which is annexed hereto) to the Sydenham Borough Council, and although it ditiers from my opinion in some slight particulars, I concur with it on the whole. I see his estimate is somewhat higher than the one I furnished.to the City Council some time back, hut this difference arises partly from his having only reported on part of the holt, whereas I reported on the whole of it, and by so doing I included a portion which would not cost so much for formation. No. 5. The following building licenses have been granted:—Mr Atkinson, Worcester street; Mr Tweutymau, Cashel street; Mr Jillman, High street; Mr Packer, Manchester street. C. Walkden, City Surveyor. The report was adopted. inspector’s and ranger’s reports.J These reports were read and adopted. RESERVE. Cr. Wilson asked leave to withdraw the notice cf which he gave n dice hist week on the subject of a reserve for Christchurch between this city and the Estuary. He s ; .id he would bring it forward in a different form. The necessary leave was given. LYTTELTON STREET. Cr. Wilson moved—“ That Lyttelton street is being constructed on a mistaken principle, and that the attention of the works committee be calied to it, with a view to its rectification with the least possible delay.” Seconded by Cr. Cass pro forma. A considerable amount of discussion took place. Ultimately the motion was lost, only two Councillors voting for it, viz., Crs. Wilson and Gapes. GODLEY STATUE. Cr. Wilson withdrew his motion with regard to the name of Mr Henry Bawte.ll being on a lamp in front of the Godley statue, IRON CULVERTS. Cr. Jenkins moved—“ That an iron culvert be placed at Heywood and Lewis’ corner in Cathedral Square to conform with the opposite crossing, and to be covered with asphalte.” Seconded by Cr. Ayers and agreed to. THE NIGHT SOIL CONTRACTOR. A letter was road from Mr Brightling, complaining of groundless complaints that were made against him, and also of his money being kept back from him. He likowi e asked to be relieved of his contract. Mr Brightling was present, and interviewed the Council at some length. The Mayor said it was quite time that an investigation should be held. It was unfair that any contractor should he kept out of his money as Mr Brightling appeared to have been Mr Brightling had completely exonerated himself, and the accounts would now ho paid. Mr Brightling then left the chamber. Cr. Gass moved—“ That no charge having been brought against the night soil contractor which has not been satisfactorily explained, this Council expresses its satisfaction at the manner in which Mr B.ightling is carrying out his duties.” Seconded by Cr. Ayers, supported by Cr. Gapes, and agreed to unanimously. COLOMBO STREET BRIDGE. Cr. Ayers mov« d—“ ! hut the residents in the Market square and Colombo street North be allowed fourteen days longer to raise the sum necessary to bo paid, over for the enlargement of Colombo street bridge, and that the rails of the bridge be at once replaced, and that the bridge he closed until the expiration of that time.” Seconded by Cr. Cass. Cr. Bin tead moved us an amendment: “ That in prospect of the new municipal build ings to lie erected in the Market place, a more substantial bridge than can he made of the one now known as the Colombo street bridge will be required, therefore the work be .suspended for fou teen days to see if one-half of the cost of a substantial bridge can he raised in that time.” Seconded by ; r. Gapes pro forma. The motion was carried, the amendment heiug only voted for by Cr. Binstead. The Council then adjourned until Wednesday, Iho 10th inst,, at seven o’clock.