WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 4915, 22 December 1876, Page 2

WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Wellington City Council was held yesterday afternoon at four o’clock. There were present—His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Mills, Moeller, Cleland, Moss, Allen, Greenfield, and Dransfield. The Mayor said that, in taking the chair, for the first time, for a second year of office, the members of Council must permit him to thank them for the courtesy and consideration which he had invariably received 1 at their hands in the past. He had already taken the opportunity of thanking the ratepayers for the confidence which they had so generously reposed in him by an unopposed' re-election, and he would strive to prove to them, as far as he possibly could, that their confidence was not misplaced. The annual election of Mayor had it? advantages and its disadvantages. By it the ratepayers could always get rid of an unpopular Mayor; but a man might be unpopular and yet very useful. Those who knew -what a changeable quality popularity is would not attach over-much importance to it. The grand rule was to do right —to be honest and true and take things as they came. One of the disadvantages of an annual change, more especially if large works were about to-be initiated, was that i ’ must take a new-comer some time before he can pick up all the links of the chain, and the -iwss of time in this way not unfrequently meant loss both of money and opportunity. One advantage of re-election he certainly felt on that occasion—that was the better knowledge he had of his colleagues. In taking the chair this time last year he claimed their respect for the office which he had the honor to hold ; he had then no other claim upon them ; but he ventured to expressthe hope that in process of time he might perchance gain from them some .personal regard. He believed he was not quite mistaken in that hope, and he thanked them most cordially. They had experienced on the whole a very pleasant year, and he trusted that the good feeling which had hitherto prevailed would continue in full force. He was quite satisfied that a strict adherence to order in the conduct of their business wasvery necessary to its being comfortably and correctly carried on; and although it sometimes seemed hard upon a member to prevent him' saying something that he had forgotten whenhe had the proper opportunity of saying it, he hoped the Council would support him in maintaining the rules laid down for their guidance. All of them, he was sure, forgot some of their best things when speaking, and only remembered them when too late to be of use. This would be a very busy year for the Council; and when he reminded them of the - amount of money they would most likely have to expend upon public works, they would alii recognise the necessity of exercising a large measure of prudence, care, and economy. As they were aware, there was a sum of £50,000 for drainage ; another sum of about £20,000 for wharf extension. They had already accepted a tender for close upon £20,000 for waterworks extension, and it would in all probability require another £IO,OOO for main pipes! and reticulation, so as to diffuse the water supply as widely as' possible. He reckoned they would have close upon £15,000 to expend upon the maintenance of the streets and the opening up and formation of new streets. And, looking at these sums,, it was clear there would at least be a demand for labor in the city of Wellington during the year 1877. He hoped that the working men would have health and comfort in the enjoyment of their wages, and he further hoped that this Council, by their prudent management, would be able to make this coming year one that would be eminently progressive hnd beneficial to their constituents.

The Town Glebe then read the following annual report of the auditors : Wellington, December 20,157 G. Sin and Gentlemen, —We have the honer to inform you that we have audited the accounts of the city of Wellington for the year ending the 30th day of Sep tember, 1876, and have to report upon them as follows : ■

1. Statement of Revenue and Expenditure, pages 2 and 3.—There is an error of sd. in the bank balance, which should be £13,822 Is. 4d.: there is also a corresponding error of sd. on the opposite side, the gross expenditure being £13,331 11s., instead of £18,331 10s. 7d„ as stated. With these exceptions the account is correct. We would suggest that in future the whole of the vouchers of the Corporation should bear the initials of his Worship the Mayor, as evidence that the accounts have been duly passed by the Courier!. There is an item, ‘‘Opening of Martin Fountain,” £2O. While a receipt is produced signed by Mr. Martin, there is no minute that the expenditure was ever authorised by the Council. 2. Statement of Assets and Liabilities, pages 4 and 5. —The large portion of the items in this account appear to us correct. We would, however, remark that no value anpears attached to the items under the heading ‘‘ City Reserves,” although ledger accounts have been ■opened for the item, mid values entered therein; thus an accurate statement of the contents of the ledger is not presented. This will prove embarrassing In future audits. We would also point out that in consequence of this omission the statement shows a large balance of liabilities over assets, which does not really exist. 3. Statement, Assets and Liabilities, Waterworks Account, pages 6 and 7.—The estimated value of the waterworks, as shown hero, does not agree with the balance brought down last year and passed by the Council as correct, although disallowed by the auditors. If in the prepiration of the statement the conditions contained in clause 46 of the Wellington Waterworks Act. 1871, were carried out, the actual state of the account would be shown far more clearly.

4. Statement of Profit and Loss Waterworks Account. pages 6 and 7.—There are several errors in this statement. The “rates received in 1876" should be £3853 2s. lid., not £3858 2s. Bd.; the “ additions and assessments.” should be £215 6s. 9d., not £2lO 7s. there should also be a debit of £3 for costs of sum mons, the real balance being therefore,'£l9l6 3s. lOd. This account is otherwise correct.

We have not thought it necessary to go into the question of the differences existing between the auditors of last year and the Council respecting the balancing of various accounts; we have examined the accounts on the basis given by the Council, and have made our remarks accordingly. We note that a system of double entry has been in l troduced, but would suggest that there is still room for considerable improvement in the method of keeping the accounts; our experience during our term of office leading us to believe that unless the Connell obtain the services of A practical accountant as a per ■

manent member of their staff. the books of'the city will never be kept as they should be. We would suggest that a careful examination of the various Acta under which the Corporation are empowered to carry on their business will show that certain provisions arc therein made, that sinking funds should be created, and accounts kept showing the position of such sinking funds. We are of opinion that a statement of such sinking fund accounts should have been incorporated with the general statements. - We have not thought it part of our duty, to wade through the large mass of details connected with the wharf business. We have satisfied ourselves that the cash received and cash expended are correct, the expenditure being duly supported by vouchers, aithough the item, working expenses £0485 5s ld, ls rather deceiving; £I6OO of that amount should have been deducted, and divided into wharf plant and interest expenditure accounts. There are a large of minute details connected with the wharf accounts the accuracy of which should be testified to by a special audit officer, as they are clearly out of the province of the city auditors. . nrfl • Xu conclusion, we would suggest that *?Z value In an audit, the suggestions made by the city auditors each year are worthy of consideration, and we note that many which we think were not unimportant suggestions, made in previous years, have been completely ignored. T. Kennedy Macdonald ) Auditors. S. Carroll ■ > A statement of accounts for the past year was also read, and will be printed in accordance with custom. In answer to Councillor Moeller, the Mayor said the expenditure for next year would be double that of last year, hut he thought it would not exceed the receipts. Councillor Cleland regretted that the Council’s little speculation re the removal of nightsoilhad been the opposite of profitable. He noticed that there was a balance of £4OO shown on the wrong side. The Mayor made one or two remarks on the auditor’s report, and remarked that, as he had previously stated, the wharf account should be audited in the same way as the other accounts. He reminded the Council he had suggested that there should be a monthly audit of the accounts; then, as it would be remembered, the auditors required more in the way of payment than the Council felt justified in giving. Councillor Cleland moved that the report Seconded by Councillor Mills, and carried. The Mayor then submitted a statement of the affairs of the Corporation, prepared by himself, which he thought would be found useful, and asked the Council to sanction its being printed. It was resolved that the statement referred to should be printed. This concluded the business of the annual meeting.

ORDINARY MEETING. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.

CORRESPONDENCE. The Town Clerk read copies of a number of letters despatched by order of the Council since last meeting. The only letter received was a complaint m reference to delay in carrying out some drainage work in Ghuznee-street. The MaTOR explained that orders had been given by the Council some time ago that the work should be performed, and that the delay had arisen in consequence of the want of pipes. He intimated, however, that the work would now be proceeded with at once, the pipes being ready. TABANAKI-STREET. ■ Tenders for laying drains, &c., in Taranakistreet were opened. That of Mr. Keeves, for £417 155., was accepted. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. The' following report of the Inspector of Nuisances was read and adopted ; I have the honor to report that during the last fortnight I have issued five summonses, as follows Two against expressmen for being off their stand (withdrawn): one for unlicensed hawking, and two against expressmen for being off their stand (to bs heard to-morrow) The summons mentioned in my last report was withdrawn on payment of costs, amounting to 15s. I beg most respectfully to inform the Council that clauses 32, 33, and 31 of Fart I. of I3th schedule of the ilnniclpal Corporations Act are not generally acted upon. These clauses provide for the issue of licenses to builders to deposit material on the street, erect hoarding, &c., and putting up light. The enforcing of these clauses would, I believe, be a great benefit to the public. THE TOWN HALL QUESTION. ’ The committee appointed to inquire into the above, reported as follows ; The committee having taken the subject remitted to them by the Council into their consideration, recommend that, with a view to arrive at a more definite idea of the work, designs be advertised for, a premium of £2OO being offered for the best design, leaving it optional with the Council to pay the premium'and take plans, or to employ the architectmaking the design, at 5 percent, commission on cost, to supervise the building; also to give a second premium of £73. The committee suggest /or the construction that there should be alternative plans of brick or wood, or brick for first floor and wood above, west of building not to exceed £IO,OOO. Specifications to accompany plans, and also estimate of cost. Town Hall to been second floor, with organ niche 80ft. by 60ft., four to six rooms, with separate smaller hall, with all necessary conveniences. Offices required for the City Council would be—Town Clerk's office, about 20ft. x 16ft.; public office, 25ft. x 20ft.: Mayors room, 30ft. by 20ft.; surveyor’s inner office, 20ft. x 1611.; surveyor's second outer office, 26ft. x2oft.; inspector’s office, 16ft. x 12ft.: spare room, about 20ft. ‘ x 16ft.; spare room, about 26ft. x 20ft.: housekeeper’s accommodation, three rooms; safe. All spare room to be occupied by chambers or offices for letting. Size of land, 170 ft. I 78ft. Western frontage, 170 ft. to Featherston-street ; southern frontage, 78ft. to Panama-street; northern frontage, 78ft. to Brandbnstreet: eastern frontage adjoins back' of Provincial Buildings. Plans to be sent In to the Town Clerk by the 28th February next, each set of plana to be marked by some motto, the name of the architect "using such motto to accompany plans in sealed envelope.- ; ' Councillor Allen observed that he had not changed his mind on this subject, and should therefore move that consideration of the report be allowed to stand over for twelve months. Councillor Moeller seconded the motion. Councillor Mills remarked that this matter had been very well ventilated already; and he would say no more now than to express Ids conviction that the work proposed to be taken in band was really necessary; that in fact the time; had come when such a building was wanted; and they now had an opportunity of erecting it which might not occur again for ten or fifteen years. The motion was then put, and carried by 5 to 2. ' PUBLIC WORKS. The report of the Public Works Committee was read as follows; 1. The committee have to report that the contractor for. Elizabeth-street has been authorised to commence work. , 2. The committee recommend that an application from Charles Marshall f»r leave to setup a coffee stall on wheels be granted, on condition of the stall being neatly made, subject to the approval of the City Surveyor, and that the applicant pay a hawker’s license. 3. Onapplication from Major Heaphy for the water to be laid (in towards his cottagoin t eat of Dr. Feathorston’s former residence, in Tinakori-road, the committee recommend that the application be granted on his paying cost of service. 4. A second tender from Mr. Hart re storage of kerosene has been received; bat the site not being a suitable one, the committee were unable to accept it. 5. The committee advise that estimates be prepared, with the view to the formation at an early date of Adelaide-road, Crawford-street, Carringtonstreet, Hanson-street, and Epunl-street. 6. The committee recommend that the drain ordered t« be pat down in Sydney-street be extended about SO yards, making in all about 150 yards. 7. On the application of Mr. Emony for a water supply to Little Taranaki-street, it is recommended that so soon as the drain now being laid down is finished the water be laid on. 8. Recommended that Willis-street above the Scotch Church be called " Upper Willis-street," and street plates altered accordingly. . 9. Instructions have been given to the City Surveyor as followsTo repair asphalts in Molesworth-street; erect lamp-post at corner of Tasman-street and Sussoxsquare ; report re state of appliances for watering streets with saltwater; report on repairs needed in Mulgrave-street; level and repair lower end of JHajoribanks-street; and kerb footpath on the north side along hotel promises to Roxburgh-street. Councillor. Moeller suggested that instead, of dividing Willis-street as Upper and Lower Willis-street, it should be called Willis-street South and North; but this was rejected and the report on the question agreed to. The report was then adopted. WATERING THE STREETS. A report prepared for submission to the Public Works Committee re the use of salt water for watering the streets, was read to the Council by request. It appeared that the arrangement entered into with Mr. Mills, for raising the water by means of the engine employed at the foundry, had proved unsuccessful, the engine not being sufficiently powerful; and Mr. Mills hod consequently sustained considerable lose, and was obliged to give orders for the discontinuance of pumping by means of -the engine, as the work of the foundry was being interrupted. The report suggested that two courses were open to the Council: either to pay 12s. per day to Mr. Mills for the use of an engine and provide the fuel and labor themselves, or to pay £2 and provide nothing. In reply to Councillor Allen, Councillor

J Mills said there need not necessarily be any binding as to time. . Councillor Moeller thought there should be a legal agreement between the contracting P “oa the motion Allen, it was agreed to pay £2 per day to Mr.. Mills, that amount to cover the entire cost df lifting the water into the tanks. THE WHARF EXTENSION. Councillor Moeller asked why no report of the Wharf Committee had been brought up, as to the resolution passed by it to expend a considerable sum of money on its extension. He was not present at that meeting, and understood that any resolution passed by a committee required to be confirmed by the Council. The Mayor remarked that every member of the Council except Councillor Moeller was present at the meeting of the committee when that resolution was passed, and informed Councillor Moeller that the Public Works Committee were appointed with full power to act, that having been resolved by the Council. RECLAIMED LAND. Councillor Mills moved that a deputation be appointed to wait upon the Government, with the object of ascertaining whether they would hand over to the Council the land now in process of reclamation, and pay the cost. The resolution was agreed to, and the Mayor, and Councillors Dransfield and Mills were appointed a deputation to wait upon the Government. . NOTICES OP MOTION. The Mayor gave notice that at the next meeting of the Council he would move the following motions ; “1. That the Council appoint the City Surveyor as Inspector of Buildings for Public Meetings.” “2. That the Council appoint Mr. J. H. Marriott as Registrar and Collector of Dog Tax for the city.” “3. That the Council petition his Excellency the Governor, in terms of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, section 30, to alter the boundaries of the city, so as to include therein certain portions of the foreshore, land reclaimed from the sea, and all other land which ought reasonably to be included in the city.” “4. That it be remitted to the Public Works Committee to revise the by-laws of the city, and report thereon to the Council." The Mayor also gave notice that at next meeting of the Council, which shall be made special for the purpose, he would move the following motions “1. That the Council shall, by special order, alter and in part repeal the regulations for the general conduct of the meetings of the Council to the following extent, and no further :— (a) Add to clause 3—First in the order of business the words, ‘ questions to be asked.’ (6) Repeal clauses 4, 11, 29, 42, 49, 50, 51, and 55.”

“2. That the Council shall, by special order, adopt the following by-law * All buildings, parts of buildings, or enclosures within the city, used or intended to bensed forpnblic meetings or as assembly rooms, or as a theatre or music hall, or dancing hall, or for any public performances or amusements whatever, shall, upon application to the Town Clerk, be inspected, and, if found suitable for the purposes set forth in the application, shall be duly registered and licensed, upon payment of one or other of the under-noted fees, and under such rules and regulations as the Council may from time to time enact in that behalf.’ License Fee—'£2o per annum, payable in advance ; or s payment of sa. for each meeting or performance, before such meeting or performance is held.”

“ 3. That the Council shall, by special order, adopt the following by-law : —‘ Every equestrian or driver of any vehicle who shall be found riding or driving at more than a walking pace round the corner of any street or thoroughfare in the city shall, upon conviction, forfeit a sum not exceeding 40s.’ ” “4. That the Council shall, by special order, adopt the following by-law ; —* That the Council may,, in, their discretion, deprive of his license, for such period as they may think fit, any cab or hackney coach driver or owner convicted of making an, overcharge on any passenger carried in his vehicle.’ ” “ 5. That the Council shall, by special order, authorise the extension of Cuba-street, Tara-naki-street, and Tory-street to the Te Aro foreshore, and that aU necessary steps shall at once be-taken to have this resolution carried into'effect.”