CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealander, Volume 10, Issue 886, 11 October 1854, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Mondat, August 14th, 1854. Present :—The Chairman, Messrs. Kelly, Somerville and Williamson. ?n conformity with instructions given at the Jast meeting the Treasurer laid on the table a statement of the funds at the command of the City Couucil, showing a balance in hand of 497/. 9s. 6d. The Council went into Committee on the Surveyor's Report of the 7th August last; when it was moved by Mr. Kelly and seconded by Mr. "Williamson, and carried, That the Surveyor be instructed to cause the repairs to be made to the Bridge in Upper Queen Street as referred to in his Report of the 7th inst. on condition that the inhabitants of the neighbourhood subscribe one-half the cost of the work, according to the estimate of the Surveyor, to be paid into the hands of the Treasurer before the work be commenced. The Surveyor laid on the table a plan of the City endowments for the information of the Council. Moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Somerville and carried, — That a Committee consisting of the Chairman, Messrs. Somerville, Kelly, Finlay, and the Mover, be appointed to examine and report on the best mode of subdividing and disposing of the City endowments. Council adjourned. Monday, August 21st, 1854. Present, —All the Members. Several letters were read. The first was from His Honour the Superintendent in reference to the " Fire By-Law submitted for his approval, directing the attention of the Council to several alterations which to his Honor seemed desirable. The second was from Mr. G. P. Sadleir in answer to correspondence respecting the repairs of the Bridge in Upper Queen-street, and enclosing the sum of 51., being one-half the supposed sum required to repair the same. The third was fr«>m Mr. G. B. Owen wherein Sie complained of the state in which the road is left in the immediate vicinitj of his Store, and tire corner of Queen Street and Wyndham .Street. And the last from Mr. B. Banks offering his services as City Carter at a salary of Bs. 6d. per day. The Surveyor reported that the Provincial Government would shortly give a Fire Engine to the City, and suggested that a house might be built for it, as well as for the horses that are now the property of the Council. And also that lie had received an account from the Superintendent's Office for broken metal amounting to 112/. On the motion of Mr. Williamson, the Council went into Committee to consider the amendments IQ the Fire By-Law submitted to the consideration of the Council by His Honor the Superintendent, *

The amendments were severally read, passed, and the By-Law was ordered to be sipfred and scaled.

The Chairman of the Committee appointed on | the 7th of August, handed in the report which I was read.

The Committee appointed by this Council on ! Monday the 7th inst., to examine and report on the intended Bridge in Durham-street, the repairs of the Bridge in Upper Queen-street, and therepairs of Vulcan Lane, hereby recommend that the Surveyor he instructed forthwith to repair the Bridge in Upper Queen-street, according to the terms of a resolution of Council of the 14th inst., that the intended Bridge in Durham-street, and j the repairs of Vulcan Lane, stand over for further consideration.

Moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Finlav, and carried— > That the Clerk he instructed to request applications from persons willing tonndertakethedutiesof City Carter at a salary of 40s. a week, such applications to he delivered to the City Clerk by noon of Saturday next. On the motion of Mr. Williamson seconded by Mr. Kelly, it was resolved that the Surveyor be " instructed to communicate with Messrs. Ilarkin and Finlay with regard to the making a trough for the pump in Shortland-street.

The account for broken metal amounting to l\2l. was ordered to be paid. Council adjourned.

Monday,-Hin August, 1864. Present:—The Chairman, Messrs. Vailo, Kelly, Williamson and Somerville. Applications from Messrs. Banks and Brindley for the appointment of City Carter, at a salary of 40s. a week, were read. The Surveyor reported that the side path in Queen-street, the ruts in the Crescent, West Queen and Queen-streets had been repaired as directed ; that he had employed Peter Cannon to take temporary charge of the horses and to clean the streets; and that repairs were required in Lower Queen-street, opposite Captain Salmon's store. The inspector of Nuisances reported ihat he had lodged five informations within the last ten days : —for furious riding, chimney taking fire, and for keeping pigs. Fines inflicted amounted in the whole to 2/. The Inspector requested the Council to give instructions to the Treasurer to advance him cash to carry out the expenses attending the laying of such informations. Cho Chairman laid before the Council a letter he had receceivedfrom the Collector of Customs, requesting from the Council, as a temporally arrangement, the use of the Market House. _ The Chairman stated that he had already (with a view that speedy arrangements should be made) corresponded with His Honour the Superintendent on the subject, and had received the following reply : Willi reference to the request contained in your letter, of date 2jth instant, that I would sanction a proposed arrangement v.jih the Collector of Customs for the use of the Market House, —as a place for the reception and examination of Customable Goods, 1 have the honour to inform you that no objection will be made by the Provincial Government to such arrangement as the City Council may deem lit to make in this matter, Mr. Yaile gave notice that on Monday next, he would propose "that the bridge at the foot of Wyndham-street be forthwith lowered and that the junction of that street with Queen-street be formed agreeably to a drawing shewn by Mr. Vaile at the examination of that Bridge as appointed by this Council, —which drawing was unanimously approved as fit and proper to be adopted." Moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Vaile, and carried, — That the City Carter be placed under the direct superintendence of the City Surveyor, who upon any neglect of duty shall "forthwith report the same teethe Chairman, who is hereby empowered, upon sufficient reason appearing to him, to dismiss .summarily and employ temporary service, and report the" same at the next meeting of the Council. Charles Biinley, on the motion of Mr. Somerville which was seconded by Mr. Kelly, was appointed City Carter. Moved by Mr Vaile seconded by Mr. Kelly and carried, — That tenders be invited for the supply of forage for the City Horses, —Hay at per ton, bran per bushel, maize per bushel. To be supplied to the order of the City Treasurer in quantities not exceeding hay, half ton; bran 2401b5.; maize BOOlbs ; the tenders to be delivered to the Clerk of the City Council, on or before Saturday the l(sth September Moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Vaile, and carried, — That the City Treasurer be authorized to grant out of the City funds from time to time such sums as may be required by the Inspector of Nuisances in law proceedings for offences against the City By-Laws, the particulars of each amount so granted to be reported at the following meeting of the Council. Moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Somerville, and carried, — That the City [Surveyor be instructed to cause necessary temporary repairs to be made to the lower part of Queen-street from its junction with Shortland-street to the site of 'the Harbour Sited.

Moved by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. A'uile, and carried, — That the Charman he instructed to write to write to the Collector of Customs and intimate that his letter is deferred until the 4th of Sept. next for further consideration. Council adjourned.

Wednesday, 30th August, 1354. Present:—The Chairman, Messrs. Vaile, Finley, Somerville and Williamson. This was an Extraordinary Meeting, and the Chairman proceeded to state the reason for convening it, which was in consequence of a letter received by him, subsequent io the lust meeting, from the Collector of Customs respecting the occupation of the Market House; upon which he deemed it." his duty to convene the Council to take into consideration the nbject matter of the letter, as in his opinion fursher delay might be attended with danger to the welfare of the' City. The Chairman read the lettor he had received. It was moved by Mr. Finlay and seconded by Mr. Somerville : That that part of the Minutes of Council of the 28th inst., relating tothe postponement of the consideration of the Collector of Customs' letter to the 4th September,be rescinded: Ayes —Messrs. Finlay, Somerville and Williamson ; No —Mr. Vaile. Carried. Moved by Mr. Finlay, and seconded by Mr. Somerville — That the Market be let to the Collector of Customs for the use of the General (government for the sum of £4 10s per week, until required by the City Council, of which one month's notice shall be given, but that no alteration be done at the cost of the Council. Ayes Messrs. Finlay, Soverville, and Williamson. No-—Mr. Vaile. Carried. Council adjourned. Monday, 4th Sept., 1851. p reße nt—The Chairman, Messrs. Vaile, Kelly, Hark in, and Finlay. The Chairman laid on tbe table a letter, forwarded;by Mr. Geo. Graham, complaining of a nuisance existing near the Market House, at the corner of Fort-street and Queen-street, and requesting the early attention of the Council to the same. The Surveyor reported the work on which the City horses had been employed during the past week ; and that Cook-street required a side path and other repairs. Mr. Vaile gave notice, that on Monday next he would move"for a Committee, then to be named, to ascertain the most speedy, the most effective, and the most economical means of carrying into effect tbe provisions of the 29th and 30th clauses of the City Council Act, and report thereon. Mr. Vaile m >ved Mr. Ilaikin seconded—-

"That the bridge at the foot of Wyndham-street be forthwith lowered, and that the junction of that street with Queen-street be formed agreeably to a drawing shewn by Mr. Vaile at the > examination of that bridge, as appointed by this Council, which drawing was unanimously approved ns fit and proper to be adopted." Mr. Finlay, seconded by Mr. Kelly, moved an amendment — That Mr. Vaile's motion be not entertained, in consequence of its contents (the statement of Mr. Vaile's drawing having been approved and adopted) not having taken place. Amendment carried by the( hairman's casting vote. Ayes —Messrs, Finlay and Kelly. Noes —> Messrs. Vaile and Ilarkin.

The Standing Orders were suspended to enable the Council to go into Committee on the letter received from Mr. Graham; and the reports of the Surveyor and Inspector of Nuisances. Moved by Mr. Kelly, seconded by Mr. Finlay, and carried— That the Surveyor be empowered to work the horses as yhe may consider best for the interests of the City. Several accounts were passed, and the Council adjourned. Monday, 11th Sept., 1854, Present—Mr. Vaile (in the chair), Messrs. Ilarkin and Williamson. The Surveyor reported that the horses were employed in drawing stones to the gaol ; that he had given direction to the carter to bring three loads each day, making the .day's labour nine hours ; that he had shown several persons the City Reserves, and that £SO per aim. had been offered, for a term of five years, for section 35, to be useu as a brick-yard. Mr. Vaile's notice of motion for this day was ordered to stand over till next Meeting. The Standing Orders having been suspended, it was moved by Mr. "Williamson, seconded byMr. Ilarkin, and carried— That with a view to levying a proportionate rate for the purposes of the " Fire By-Law," the City Surveyor (assisted by the Clerk) be instructed to take the necessary steps to ascertain the area of each building within the boundaries of the City, with the names of the owners and occupiers thereof, commencing with the Middle Ward, and report thereon as soon as practicable. Council adjourned.

Monday, ]<h'ii Sept., 1854. Present—The Chairman, Messrs. Kelly, Vaile, Williamson, Finlay, and Ilarkin. The Surveyor reported that the City horses were employed drawing stones to the gaol, and that allotment 22, of section 24 (which might be a suitaale site for a Slaughter House) was to be sold at the Government Land Sale, on the 251h inst. The Inspector of Nuisances reported several eizures made on Friday last, in Queen-street, for obstruction of highways. The Chairman presented a petition from Mr. Cole, requesting permission to build a small shed on the east side of the Market House, for the sale of poultry and other produce for the supply of shipping. Mr. Vaile gave notice that on Monday next he would move— That the Treasurer bo instructed to make up the accounts to the Ist of October next, and furnish the Council, at its ensuing meeting, with a balance sheet, showing its sources of revenue, the dates and aunount'of cash received ; also a detail, d, full, and concise account of all disbursements and liabili ies." Mr. Vaile gave notice that on Monday next he would move—'"That the Surveyor be forthwith instructed to picket off the intended line of the footway curb on both sides of Wyndham-street, in order to give the owners of "houses the correct line for raising or lowering the same as the case may be." Mr. Finlay gave notice that at the next meeting of the Council, he would move that in accordance with clause 31 of tho City Council Act, that all streets take their rise from the line of houses, instead of from the centre of the street as shewn in the drawings. Mr. Vaile moved for a Committee, then to be named, to ascertain the most speedy, the most effective, and the most economical means of carrving into effot the provisions of the 29th and 30th clauses of the City Council Act, and to report thereon. Motion lapsed. The Standing Orders having been suspended, the Council wont into Committee on the reports of the Surveyor and Inspector of Nuisances, and the petition of Mr. Cole. It was moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Kelly, and carried— That a Committee be appointed, to consist of Messrs. Finlay, Kelly, Vaile, and Harkin, to inspect the allotment 22 of section 24, to be offered for sale at the next Government Land Sale, and to report to the Council, o t Thursday next, as to its eligibility as a site for a City Slaughterhouse.

The petition of Mr. Cole was deferred or further consideration.

Moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Kelly, and carried— That the City Surveyor (assisted by Mr. Finlay) be requested to preparepfans and specifications for the erection of a two storey building on the ground adjoining the Market House, for tne purposes of a Fire Engine House on the ground lloor, and a Council chamber and offices above. Council adjourned.

Thursday, 21st Sept., 1854. Present —The Chairman, Messrs. Kelly, Finlav, Vailc, Williamson, and Somerville. 'The Select Committte appointed on the l«th inst. to inspect and report on allotment 22, section 24, as to its eligibility as a site lor a City Slaughter House, reported that they had examined the allotment, and found that it was not an eligible one for a Slaughter House. The Chairman presented a letter forwarded by his Honour the Superintendent, transmitting a copy of a letter received from the Commissioner of Police, in reference to the insecure state of High-street, and requesting the earnest attention of the City authorities thereto. The Clerk reported that Messrs. Salmon and Co, had complied with the demand made upon them by the Council with regard to the seizure of two ploughs ; also that the "owner of the cart, &c, (seized) had promised to pay all demands. The Surveyor reported the receipt of a letter from the Harbour Engineer respecting the main, gwers, and stated -'that the bridge in Upper Queen-street had been thoroughly repaired. Mr. Vaile gave notice that on Monday, the 2nd October, he intends to move for a Committee, then to be named, to frame By-Laws for the 7, 8, and 31 " objects for which By-Laws may bo made," as set forth in the City Council Act. Mr. Finlay, seconded by Mr. Vaile, moved— That in accordance with clause 31 of the City Council Act, all streets take their rise from the line of houses, instead of from the centre of the street, as shown in the drawings. Motion negatived. Moved hy Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Somerville, and carried—- " That the City Surveyor be instructed to give notice to the owner of the excavated property opposite the Post- oflice in High-street, to erect a substantial fence on the High-street and southern boundary of the same without delay." The Standing Orders, on the motion of Mr. Williamson, having been suspended, the following resolution, proposed by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Somerville, was put and carried— " That the City Surveyor be instructed to furnish the Council with an estimate of the cost of forming and metalling Lower Queen-street, from the corner of Shortland street to its junction witk the wharf at the site of the harbour shed." Moved by Mr. Williamson, seconded by Mr. Kelly, and carried — " That the City Surveyor be instructed to report, as early as possible, as to the best situations for one or more City main sewers, and the points at which the same should be discharged into tho harbour. Council adjourned.

Monday, 25th Sett. 1854. Present—The Chairman, Messrs. Finlay and Vnile. Moved by Mr. Vaile, seconded by Mr. Finlay, and can icl—- " That the Treasurer he instructed to make up his accounts to the Ist Oct. next, and furnish this Council, at its ensuing meeting, with a balance sheet, showing its sources of revenue, the dates and amount of cash received ; also a detailed, foil, and concise account of all disbursements and liabilities." Moved by Mr. Vaile, seconded by Mr. Finlay, and carried—- " That the Surveyor be instructed to picket off the intended line of the footway curb on both sides of Wyndham-street,as soon as convenient, in order to give the owners of houses the correct line for raising or lowering the same as the case may he." On the motion of Mr. Finlay, the Standing Oders were suspended, in order to bring forward the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Vaile—- " That the Surveyor be instructed to have the bridge lowered at the foot of Wyndham-strect to the intended line of Queen-street, and that Wyndham-street take its rise from the line of houses instead of from the centre of Queen-street, as shown in the drawings of the City, as banded over to the City Council by the Fiovincial Government. Sundry accounts having been passed, the Council adjourned.