CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1685, 15 July 1879, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, July 14. The usual weekly meeting of the Council was held at 7 p.m. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Ors. Gapes, Wilson, Clifford, Binstead, Jenkins, Tremayne, Ayers, Lczard, and Oass. Tho receipts for the week on general account wore announced as having been £924 Os Id : —Drainage Board rate, £334 3s lOd ; tho debtor balance at the Bank on general account was stated as being £32G6 12s 2d ; the credit balance on drainage rate account was stated to be £456 10s 3d. Accounts to the amount of £Bl4 10a 7d on general account, and £l5O 10s 6d on Drainage Board account were passed and ordered to be paid. The Mayor said that he had seen the legal advisor to the Council, as requested, but Mr Garrick wished some more time to consider the point raised. Mr Garrick had been requested to attend nt a special meeting on Thursday next to consider tho amendments in tho Municipal Act. It had been said that they would not get any designs for the Town Hall, but he was glad to say that twenty had boon sent in, so that the citizens would have ample opportunity of choice. He should take tho earliest possible opportunity of bringing tho whole question of tho loan for municipal buildings, &e., before tho ratepayers in public meeting. In order to expedite matters, it might bo necessary to !huvo several special meetings, so as to get tho Bill before Parliament at the earliest possible moment. In answer to Cr. Wilson, Cr. Jenkins said that the works committee would so soon as the necessary documents were signed, take action to improve tho private streets which had been complained of. In reply to Cr. Gapes, Cr. Tremayno said that the agreement as regarded Allen street was in course of being circulated. In answer to Cr. Tremayne, The Mayor said ho believed Mr Hassal had paid in some money on account of Eaton place. In reply to Cr. Lczard, The Surveyor said that ho had taken action with regard to Morten’s block, and the result would appear in his report. A letter was read from Mr R. Shannon, asking permission to have a stall in front of the new Post-office, and also at the South town belt, opposite tho Terminus Hotel, for sale of books, newspapers, &c., and offering £6 6s per annum for tho sole privilege. Or. Tremayne moved—“ That the letter bo deferred for further consideration.” Thero would, doubtless, be many others applying for a similar privilege. Cr. Binstead seconded tho motion.

After some discussion, Cr. Tremayne ■withdrew his resolution, in favor of one declining the application, which was carried. A letter was read from the Sinking Fund Commissioner, with reference to the investment of the monies arising therefrom, and suggesting that they should have power to invest outside the city of Christchurch, to which they were at present limited. The letter was referred to the finance committee.

A letter was read from the Sydenham Borough Council, enclosing one from Mr H. Y. Anson with regard to the want of drainage on the South town belt.

Or. Jenkins said the matter had been attended to.

A letter was read from Mr Rowley with regard to a right of way at the back of brick shops in Manchester street, and asking the Council to give their consent to a lease which he desired to register. On. Gapes and Binstead stated that they had inspected the premises and found that what was called a right of way was simply a back entrance to the premises. They were quite in favor of the consent requested being given by the Council. Or. Izard moved—“ That the request of Mr Rowley be granted,” Cr. Gapes seconded the motion. A letter was read from Mr M. O’Keefe, asking the Council to reconsider the decision they had arrived at in regard to the suspension of his license for a month on two charges, one for carrying three adults and the other for being oil his stand. It was resolved —“ That the request be declined.”

A letter was read from Mr E. B, Bishop, pointing out that the bill hoarding at the North town belt was in the same dangerous state that it was when he called attention the week before. As it was dangerous he called attention again to it. The Surveyor said that, finding the board belonged to Mr De Bourbel, a letter was at once sent to him calling his attention to the dangerous state of the board, and that it required staying. The letter was sent on the 9th July, but no answer had been received, nor had anything been done by Mr De Bourbel.

Or. Cass moved —“ That the Surveyor write to Mr De Bourbel, requesting him at once to put the board into a safe condition, or the Council would at once order its removal.”

Or. Einstead seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The surveyor’s report was read as follows:

1. Last week I found workmen engaged on Mr Morten’s building, Cathedral square, and consequently I wrote to him to say that I still declined giving the license. In clause No. 9of the by-law it is distinctly specified that all exterior walla must bo of brick, stone, or concrete. No. 38 clause (under which Mr Morten is acting) permits repairs to ba done provided the studs are not removed, but I fail to see that a building so much injured by fire as Mr Morten’s building is can in any way be dealt with under a repairing clause ; but even supposing that it does come under the repairing clause, there are still objections to that course, as many of the wall plates and studs are so much injured that no architect would allow them to be used in a new building, and therefore I think I was justified in withholding the license. No. 35 clause gives the Council the power to reverse my decision should it be deemed necessary. 2. The channelling on the North belt is completed. 3. Mr Hole’s contract for 2000 yards of rubble is completed. 4. The three weeks given by Cr. Cass’ motion to the contractor to complete the East belt bridge expires to-day. 5. With fine weather I expect to have Victoria street finished this week. 6. As the lights which have been placed in the roads for the protection of the public have been frequently broken and removed, I have placed a night watchman to protect them. C. Walkdek, City Surveyor. The report was considered seriativi.

On clause 1, Or. Lezard said that he had gone over the building, and he endorsed the remarks of the surveyor. In some cases tho studs wore burnt through. He should move “That the report of the surveyor on this subject be approved.” Cr. Clifford seconded tho motion.

Or. Jenkins moved, as an amendment, “ That permission be given to Mr Morton to repair his building under clause 38.” He had inspected the building, and thought that what Mr Morten wanted to do should be allowed, as it would only exist for ten months, when it would be swept away. Or, Gapes seconded the amendment, stating that the studs were uninjured. He considered that it was unfair to an owner to compel him to put up a brick front to such a shop, where the rent would not return interest on the money expended. Ho should like to see the request granted, so as to escape litigation. If litigation ensued he felt they would be found on the wrong side of the hedge. Or Clifford said that there were some of the studs burnt so as to necessitate their removal, so that the case did not come within the bylaw.

Cr. Ayers should support the amendment, as Or. Jenkins had a large amount of experience in the matter. Besides even supposing that they refused Mr Morten consent to re-instate them, all they could do if he persisted was to fine him £3. Then he could reinstate in defiance of them.

Or. Cass supported the amendment, because so far as he could ascertain the studs were not injured. Or. Binstead supported the motion. Or. Wilson pointed out that it was useless to proceed with the refusal of Mr Morten’s permission, as the Council could only recover £5. As it would save Mr Morten £l5O by erecting wooden walls instead of brick and stono, £5 would be gladly paid. The Town Clerk read a report of a case recently decided in Dunedin of a similar character, where the magistrate had imposed a fine of £5 per day, though the by-law was exactly similar to the one now quoted by Or. Wilson.

The Mayor should support the motion on the ground that they should in matters of this kind bow to the opinion of the surovyor, who was their professional advisor. The amendment was then put, with the following result; —Ayes, 6 ; Crs, Gapes,

Ayers, Cass, Jenkins, Tremayne, and Wilson, Noes, 4 ; the Mayor, Ors, Clifford, Lezard, and Binstead. The amendment was therefore carried. Or. Jenkins moved—“ That tho surveyor issue a permit to Mr Morton.” Or. Cass seconded the motion, which was agreed to. . On tho clause regarding tho East belt bridge, The Surveyor said that since the throe weeks’ extension had been granted to the contractor, nothing had been done. Or. Lezird moved —“That Mr Macnamara not having carried out tho terms of his contract with tho Council in reference to tho East bolt bridge, tho matter be referred to arbitration.” Or. Jenkins seconded the motion, which was agreed to. The surveyor’s report as a whole was then received, and approved.

Tho reports of the Collector, and Inspector of Nuisances, and the Ranger, were read and approved. Two licenses wore granted. The finance committee brought up their report as follows : Your committee beg to report that a statement has been prepared showing tho votes for the year, and tho expenditure for tho first quartern those votes. Tho expenditure for tho quarter has been £826 11’ s 3d, leaving a balance to expend for tho remaining nine months of tho financial year .£21,288 18s lid. Since tho end of the quarter .£2BBB 17s 2d has been expended to date.

E. Cass, Chairman. The report was approved. Tho report of tho works committee'was read as follows .-

Your committee beg to report that they have received about twenty-three designs for tho town hall and municipal offices competition. In anticipation of tho desire of the Council to exhibit the designs we have secured through tho liberality of Messrs Fori and Newton the two large rooms in their new building fronting on Hereford street, which they consider exceedingly suitable for tho purpose. Your committee have made arrangements for grouping and hanging the various designs sect in, so that each competitor’s work will be teen to advantage. Your committee suggest that tho Council should take immediate action for tho purpose of adjudicating on tho merits and selection of the best and second best designs. Your committee farther suggest that tho designs should be open fort public inspection at least six days after the adjudication has been made, and before tho public meeting of tho ratepayers is called.

We beg to append hereto the correspondence with Messrs Fold and Newton. F. Jenkins, Chairman Works Committee. July 14th, 1879.

July 14th, 1879. Messrs J. T. Ford and Co., Christchurch. Gentlemen, —Referring to the conversation yon had with Councillor P. Jenkins, the chairman of the works committee of the City Council relative to the loan of your two rooms in your new building fronting on Hereford street for the purpose of exhibiting the competitive designs for the proposed Town Hall and Municipal Buildings. I have the honor to ask yon to be so good as to allow the City Council to nee the said rooms for about fourteen days, for the purpose abovementioned, the Council providing an attendant during the exhibition, and every care will be taken to see that the premises are not injured. An early reply will oblige, Tours, &e., F. T. Haskins, Town Clerk. Christchurch, July 14lh, 1879. Councillor Jenkins, Tho Chairman Works Committee, Christchurch. Dear Sir, —In reply to tho letter from tho Town Clerk with reference to the two rooms in onr building in Hereford street, we shall be glad to allow you the use of the rooms mentioned for the exhibition of the designs. Should we (require these offices for letting purpose before you have finished the exhibition, wo will give you timely notice of the same. Tours faithfully, (Signed) J. T. Fokd & Co.,_ Per A. Morton OUivior. It was resolved that the thanks of the Council be given to Messrs Ford and Newton for their kindness in placing their room at its disposal. Or. Gapes moved—“ That in tho opinion of this Council it is not absolutely necessary to use broken metal in the repairing some portions of tho newly-formed streets. That tho works committee bo requested to reconsider the clause in the estimates for repairing streets, for tho purpose of using part shingle in lieu of all broken metal.” Cr. Binstead seconded tho motion. Or. Wilson, in a lengthy speech, moved—- “ That all the words after the word ‘ streets,’ in Cr, Gapes’ motion, bo omitted.” Or. Cass seconded tho amendment, which was agreed to, Cr. Wiiaon then moved—“ That the public works committee to allowed to exercise their discretion in the use of shingle for forming the base of any newly-formed street.” Or. Cass seconded tho motion, which was carried.

Or. Ayers moved—“ That the contractor engaged on the work in High street, next Empire Hotel, be requested to furnish additional footway, and to rail off so as to avoid tho great obstruction existing. Such work to be done under tho approval of the city surveyor. ” Or. Lczard seconded the motion, which was agreed to. It was resolved—“ That the Council adjourn at its rising to Wednesday, July 23rd, to attend at the benefit to be given in aid of Mrs Hill and family.” The Council then adjourned.