CITY COUNCIL.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 77, 30 March 1878, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Council was held last night, Cr. Everett, in the absence of the Mayor, in the chair. A letter was read from Mr Pitt claiming compensation for Mr Thiol, of Westport, owing to his having broken his leg through falling on the pavement in front of Mr Warren's shop in Bridge-street. The Town Clerk was instructed to reply that the Council does not recognise the claim. The wretched condition of Russell-street formed the subject of a long discussion, and ultimately the matter was referred to the Public Works Committee. A letter was received from the Secretary to the Treasury stating that the subsidy for the current half-year would be £1 179 4s 7<j, being 10s in the£ on £2358 9s 2d, the amount of the general rates, and that from this would be deducted £1136 8s 9d for hospitals and charitable institutions, leaving a balance of £42 15s lOd to come to the Borough. Great dissatisfaction was expressed at this statement, and especially at the whole year's liabilities being deducted from the. half-year's subsidy. A petition for the construction of a covered culvert in Selwyn Place was presented by Cr. T. Harley, on whose motion it was resolved that tenders be invited for the supply of bricks for the work, the only dissentient being Cr. Levien. It was resolved that the Governor be asked to proclaim the whole of Brook-street as far as the reservoir within the city boundaries. The Public Works Committee declined to recommend the extension of the water supply beyond College Hill. Report agreed to. Mr H. Baigent's tender for the supply of totara for the porfc road breastwork at 16s 6d per 180 feet was accepted, there being no competition. Cr. Crewdson was appointed a member of the Public Works Committee. With reference to the Government circular regarding the taking over by the Council of the hospital and charitable institutions, the Chairman said that the annual cost would be £4000, and as it was not at all likely that much money would be raised by subscription, the Government promise of a subsidy of pound for pound so obtained was nofc worth consideration. He did nofc believe that these institutions could be taken over by any municipality in the colony. Resolutions for levying the general and water rates were agreed to, and the Council adjourned.