CITY COUNCIL.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2240, 7 June 1881, Page 4

CITY COUNCIL.

Tho City Council met last evening. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Hulbert, England, Ring, Vincent, Taylor, Treleaven, Lambert, Cuff, Bishop, Thomson, and Oherrill.

Before the hour of tho ordinary meeting two special meetings were held, for the purposes of adopting and confirming two resolutions, namely, for taking over the three streets known as Allen street, Eton place, and Richmond terrace, and for striking a special rate for scavenging of IJd in the £. The business was of a purely formal character, and having been disposed of according to the ordinary routine, the Council proceeded to the business of the ordinary meeting.

The Mayor reported the debit balance at the Bank to be £630 14s lOd.

The usual statement of receipts for the past fortnight and bills to be paid was presented and duly passed. The Mayor informed the Council that he had signed during the week three orders for tho removal of nuisances, and the clause of the Act giving the necessary power was read.

On the motion of Cr. King, the action of the Mayor was approved. A letter was read from the Tramway Company, requesting an interview with the Council re the Tramway concession question. The Mayor explained that it had come to his knowledge that one of the gentlemen appointed on the deputation was indisposed, and therefore the deputation would not attend. In reference to a letter from Mr Kelly, constable at the railway station, complaining of the conduct of a licensed cabman, in racing for a fare, it was proposed, after some discussion, to refer the matter to the Inspector of Police to take action, with an intimation that he may have the assistance of the city solicitor if necessary ; but it was ultimately resolved that in view of a doubt as to the powers conferred by tho by-law, it would be premature to act in that manner, and that accordingly the city solicitor should be first consulted on the point. A letter was read from Mr G. L. Lee, returning officer, notifying the election of Messrs Jameson and Black to be city auditors for tho ensuing year. An application was read from the Braids Society for the Council's patronage on the occasion of a performance for a benevolent object. Or. Halbert said the public seemed to be so slightly influenced by such patronage that ha could scarcely understand any body asking for it.

It was resolved—“ That the letter be replied to saying that the Council could not pledge itself." Tho city surveyor reported as follows: 1. My estimate for lowering the footpath in Armagh street, at the end of the Government Buildings, has been submitted to tho Government, and they now offer to bear half the expense if the Council will bear the other half, and do tho work, and tho works committee recommend that their offer bo accepted. The amount of my estimate was £l3. 2. Hawdon’s right-of-way— As the trustees of this right-of-way are willing to convey the freehold of it to the Council, the works committee recommend that the necessary deed be prepared, which will give the committee power to _ remove Mr Green’s buildings, and proceed with the work of forming and draining the right-of-way, which work has been for a very long time much needed. 3. The works committee recommend that the work of channelling, forming, and shingling that part of Cambridge terrace lying between Cashel street and Montreal street, be at once proceeded with. The estimate for the work was £126, and was passed in my estimate for works for this year. 4. Annexed hereto is a letter from Mr Nolan concerning the erection of a building. 5. The contract for the year’s supply of horse provender has been given to Messrs Howe and Co. 6. With regard to the building in Martin street which I reported to be in a dangerous state, I have received notice that the builders and owner have arranged to put it into a satisfactory condition. 7. The following building licenses were issued last monthMr Stevenson, Bnrham street; Mr Brown, Madras street ; Mr Carmichael, Lower High street ; Mr Washer, Bnrham street ; Mr Washer, Barham street ; Mr Boot. Kilmoro street ; Mr Smith, South BoltMr Binning, Barbadoea street ; Mr Arenas, Cashel street ; Mr Barlow, Victoria street ; Mr Cunningham, Lichfield street ; Mr White, Colombo street; Mr Bearsley, Toam street ; Roman Catholic Convent, Lower High street; Mr Thompson, Gloucester street ; Mr Austin, Victoria street; Mr Allison, Chester street; Mr McLca, Walker street; Mr Boherty, Lower High street ; Mr Rnddenklan, Montreal street; Mr Scott, Manchester street. C. Walkdbn, City Surveyor. Tho clauses of the report requiring resolutions were all approved, and with reference to clause 4 (directing attention to a letter from Mr Nolan) the Council resolved to adopt the recommendation of the city surveyor, namely, that the request should not be granted, as it would be contrary to the building by-law. The sanitary committee reported that they bad made arrangements with Mr Hansen for utilising the nightsoil, and had accepted the tender of Mr Duncan for emptying the pans. Tho committee recommended a reduction in expenses for sweeping and flashing channels, such not being required during winter months. A report by the inspector they suggested should be referred to the Drainage Board.

A discussion arose on the clause which proposed a reduction in tho staff and material used in scavenging, the said clause appearing to bo somewhat vaguely worded. The matter was ultimately postponed till next meeting. The other clauses of the report were approved. Or. Cuff gave notice of a motion as follows: —“ That the draft tramway by-law adopted by tho Council be rescinded.” Or. Oherrill moved—“ That the Town Clerk bo requested to write to the Swan Company for all particulars respecting the new methods of street lighting by electricity, with price lists of all material and apparatus necessary.” He thought it was desirable they should have the fullest and latest information on this subject at their fingers’ ends.

The resolution was carried. Authority was given the Town Clerk to close tha rate rolls.

The Council thon adjourned