CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5093, 20 July 1877, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Tho ordinary fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Present; His Worship the May™;. Councillors Mills, Moss, Dixon. Greenfield, U. Allen, George, and J. A. Aalln. > MINDIES. The minutes of the previous meeting were duly read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. The letters sent by order of the Council since last meeting were read, as also those rS °A letter was received from the Town Clerk of Christchurch stating that the conference of ' delegates will meet at noon on the Ist August A letter was received from the Colonial Secretary’s Office, stating that the Government were willing to contribute £IOO towards the cost of forming a portion of Lambton-quay. A letter from Mr. Blackett was to the effect that, owing to certain conditions imposed on him as an officer of the Public Works Department, he could not act as consultin'' engineer re the drainage scheme. Deferred to Public Works Committee. A letter was received from the secretary of the Education Board, asking that in laying out the Te Aro reclamation, a suitable site might be obtained for a public school. CORPORATION OFFICES. For the election of corporation offices the following tenders were received : —James Lockie, £6441; Rountree and Russell, £7157; Samuel Brown, £5699 ; Davies, Lockwood, and Deer, £6550 ; Merick and Rose, £5813. , ... Councillor Greenfield proposed that the tender of Mr, S. Brown be accepted. The motion was carried unanimously. SUSSEX SQUARE. A number of tenders were received for the formation of Sussex-square, South-side, that of Henry Stace for £255 being accepted. WATER BATE. The next business set down for consideration on the order paper was the fixing of a water M His Worship the Mayor remarked that the Town Clerk had acted on bis own responsibility in. this matter, and he (the Mayor) did not identify himself with the action taken.^ Councillor G Allen thought it a pity that there should be any manifestation of unnecessary differences* in connection with questions affecting important public interests. The Town Clerk remarked that the Mayor had refused to move in the matter, and he (the Clerk) had taken upon himself the duty of giving notice, as it was necessary that a rate should be struck. Councillor Moss moved that a water rate be struck of is. in the £. Councillor Greenfield was of opinion that the Town Clerk had exceeded his authority. _ Mr. Hester asked for permission to explain. The Mayor ruled that the Clerk could not then enter into an explanation. Councillor Moss said the whole question seemed to resolve itself into a question of difference between the Mayor and the Town Clerk. It was the duty of the Mayor to give the Town Clerk advice, but there seemed to exist an antagonistic and angry feeling, the result of which was anything but beneficial to the ratepayers, inasmuch as their interests were sacrificed in consequence. The Mayor had, as it seemed to him (Councillor Moss) neglected bis duty as a paid officer of the Council, in which capacity was his duty to. see that affairs connected with the Corporation were properly conducted. His Worship time after time had come to the Council with statements snob as that certain propositions were informal, or that business was being improperly performed, and this was so, as it appeared to him, simply because there was a difference between tbe Mayor and the Town Clerk, a difference so decidedly manifest as to be palpable to anyone who had watched or read anything of the proceedings of the Council. The conduct of the Mayor recently had been of a most peculiar character, one of the indications of which was that he did not now as heretofore sign the eheques. The Mayor reminded the last speaker that the Council had, by resolution recently passed, placed the direction of the affairs of the Council in the hands of the Town Clerk, Councillor George seconded the proposal that a rate of Is. in the £ be struck. He remarked that the Mayor had taken up a most extraordinary position, his chief aim apparently being to throw as much blame as possible upon the Town Clerk. He (the Mayor) had , quarrelled with the City Solicitor, and was at variance with the General Government, and seemed to occupy a position in the Council generally inimical to the interests of the ratepayers. He (Councillor George) considered that the Town Clerk could not, under the circumstances, have aeopted any other course than he had done. Councillor Mills said there was an evident ill-feeling existing between the Mayor .and the Town Clerk, and the present state of things in the Council was anything but satisfactory. His own opinion, which he had previously expressed, was that the direction of affairs should not emanate from, but proceed through, the Town Clerk. But the Mayor appeared to have taken offence at the views expressed by the Council with regard to his position, and the result was certainly not calculated to advance the interests of the ratepayers. The Mayor again remarked that the Council by its own action taken power out of his hands, and now certain members appeared to feel aggrieved at the position which he had been compelled by them to assume. It_ was a matter personal to the Mayor of Wellington, and so long as that minute affecting what was passed at the last meeting remained on the records of the Council, so long would the Mayor be placed in an unfair position, and one unbecoming bis important office. Councillor Mills remarked that the Mayor arrogated to himself a power to which he was not entitled. The Mayor gave this statement a flat denial. Councillor Mills repeated what he had said, and pointed out how the Mayor assumed a power he had no right to by transacting business in connection with the affairs of the Corporation in regard to which he had neglected to consult with the members of the Council. Councillor Greenfield regretted that the Mayor had taken up such a_ position. At the same time he was of opinion that certain mcmbfirs of the Council had tailed to treat the Mayor with the respect due to him as the chief magistrate of the city. The motion that a rate of Is. in the £ be struck was then put and carried. The Mayor protested against the resoluti on, and desired it to be known that he objected to the rate on the ground that it was excessive. THE WHARFINGER. The following report by the Wharf Inquiry Committee was received : « That they have sought evidence on various points regarding Mr. Reeves’ management of the wharf and his connection with Himmer and Reeves’ wharf, by asking tho attendance of Mr. Nicholas Reid, Captain Rose, Messrs. Crawford and Gannaway - (stevedores), and Councillor Mills. Mr. Nicholas Reid (whose evidence is appended to this report) alone attended. Mr. Crawford sent a letter (also appended) in which he states he has now no charge whatever against the Wharfinger or the management of the wharf. Councillor Mills (in declining to attend) also sent a letter to the committee appended hereto. Certain questions put by the Wharfinger to Eli miner, Reeves, and Co., with their answers; also, a telegram from the captain of the Maggie Patterson, denying the accuracy of Mr. Reid’s statement as regards him. The minutes of committee and other documents are appended. The committee are of opinion that so far as the evidence produced has gone none of the charges against the Wharfinger have been proved.” TOWN CLERKS REPORT. A report from the Town Clerk was read as follows “ 1. Re Water Rate.—l would ask the Council to strike a water rate for the nine months commencing on tho Ist instant. The usual notice has been given, and I have prepared the necessary estimate, from which it will be seen that a rate of 4 per cent, on all dwellinghouses using tho water and valued at over £l2

10s. perammm, 2 per cent. onaUdwelUng-houses not using the water and at over £l--10 s. on all dwelling-houses using tho water and valued under £l2 10s,, ss. on all dwellinghouses not using the water and valued under £l2 10a, 24 per cent, on all stores, as in tho previous two water rates, will be sufficient. As I verbally stated to tho Council at its last sitting, I am acting in this matter under the advice of the City Solicitor. “ 2. He Signing Cheques.— On the 13th mat. I had occasion to send to his Worship the Mayor for his signature to some cheques, when he informed Mr. Rainie, of my office, that he need not bring any more to him, as he would not sign them ; it will be therefore necessary that some fresh arrangement should be entered into. By resolution of the Council of the 15th September, 1876, the Mayor and any two Councillors were appointed to sign cheques. By section 107 of the Municipal Corporations Act;, no moneys shall be drawn out of the bank except by the authority of the Council, and shall be paid by cheque signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by any two of such of the Councillors as the Council from time to time authorise to sign cheques. Will the Council be pleased to decide whether all wages schedules, payments on account of contracts, &0., must bo first brought before the Council; and secondly, will you appoint two or more Councillors to countersign cheques ? “ 3. I beg to lay before the Council petition t» his Excellency the Governor to bring into force in this city the Contagious Diseases Act, for the purpose of having the corporate seal affixed thereto ; this petition having been prepared in terms of resolution of the Council. “ 4. I have also to ask that the Corporation seal may be affixed to the appointment of Mr. James Ames as collector. This is necessary to enable him to sue in the Resident Magistrate’s Court. “ 5. With a view to meet notice of motion by Mr. Councillor Allan, I beg to lay before the Council return of all private streets within the city. PUBLIC WORKS. The following report of the Public Works Committee was read : “ 1. Referring to the correspondence with Messrs. Barton and Fitzherbert, on behalf of Sir W. Fitzherbert, and the Council, re compensation for land taken in making road along Constable-street to Evans Bay, being part of town acre No. 867, and Messrs. Barton and Fitzherbert refusing to accept less than £2OO, —your committee recommend that that amount be paid to Sir W. Fitzherbert, and that he dedicate the land taken to the Corporation. “ 2. With respect to the plan of the city, required to be made in terms of section 190 of Municipal Corporation Act, the committee suggest that Mr. O’Neill make use of the plan prepared by Mr. Climie for drainage purposes. “ 3. On clauses 1 and 11 of Public Works Committee’s report of the 3rd instant, referred back to the committee by the Council. Clause 1, re alleged nuisance caused by a stable on Mr. Gear’s property, corner of Cuba and Ghuznee streets; the committee having reconsidered the matter see no reason to alter their opinion, viz., that there is no just cause of complaint. Clause 11, re drain for Quinstreet; on further consideration the committee advise that the Council should pay the cost of laying down drain. “ 4. On letter received from Mr. W. Neil, stating that he is unable to carer out his tender for Waiter-street drains, the committee consider that the deposit is forfeited, and recommend that fresh tenders be called for. “5. On a petition received asking far a crossing to be laid opposite St. George’s Hall, the committee advise that the application be granted. “6. On applications received from W. F. Oakes and the manager of the Union Bank, the Surveyor has been instructed to lay concrete foot pavement in front of St. George’s Hall and the Union Bank on the usual conditions. He has also been instructed to continue the foot pavement around the comer at the Martin fountain. “ 7. On a letter received from Mr. Johns, offering to lease section 59 of the Town Belt, the committee could not entertain his application, as the section is already let to Dr. Johnston. “ 8. On receipt of a report from Mr. Marchant, Waterworks Engineer, the committee recommend that he be instructed to call for tenders for fencing between Mr. Mitchell’s land and the Waterworks land, as well as between Mr. S. Baker and the Waterworks. “ 9. On the application of Messrs. Mace and Tolhnrst, asking for report as to progress in the matter of the extension of Cuba-street through town acres 210 and 211, the committee recommend that the City Solicitor be requested to press on with the matter to its completion. “ 10. With reference to circular received from theColonialSecretary’s Office re “pounds,” referred to your committee, they have to report as follows :—Having received reports from the Town Clerk and Inspector of Nuisances on the matter, they recommend—(l) That the pound be publicly notified. (2) That the fines be as before, viz., Is. per head for horses, cows, &c., per day ; 3d. per head for sheep, pigs, &c.,per day. If ted, fees at the same rate per head per day. That Constable Doran be appointed pound-keeper, receiving the fees as payment for his services. “ 11. Re morgue. The committee recommend that Constable Doran be also appointed to trike charge of the morgue, and that he be paid 15s. for every body taken in, the Council providing all sheets, &c., required; Further, that when practicable, a fee of £1 be levied for each body taken in. 12. Re kerosene store. The committee advise that when erected the kerosene store be let by tender subject to such charges for storage, &c., &c., as the Council may determine. The average receipts as reported by the Town Clerk for four years ending 30th September last, being at the rate of £l5O per year. “13. The committee are in receipt of a letter from the Secretary, Odd Fellows’ Society, accepting £2OO offered by the Council as full settlement of all claims re alleged encroachments, and recommend that the City Solicitor be requested to look after the interests of the Council as to the dedication or otherwise of the piece of laud. The £2OO to he paid on his recommendation. “ 14. On the application of Mr. Berg to erect a landing stage for boats opposite the Clyde Quay Hotel, the committee advice that his request he granted, the stage being erected to the satisfaction of the surveyor, and that it be removed at anytime on one month’s notice. “ 15. The residents and owners of property in Lorne-street having consented to pay half the cost of forming kerbing, &c., the committee recommend that, provided it is in accordance with the Municipal Corporations Act, the surveyor be instructed to call for tenders for the work, the drain being kept separate. “16. On the application of the secretary to the Builders and Contractors Association re charge for water for building purposes, and suggesting that meters might be used, the committee see no objection to the use of meters, the water being charged for at the rate of Is. per 1000 gallons. 17. A letter has been received from Mr. Easby, re valuation for water rates, but the committee are unable to entertain the request therein contained, as the time for appeals has long since expired. 18. The committee recommend the following works to be carried out : —Tory-street to be kerbed from the Albion Hotel to Viviaustreet on tho west side. A footpath to be made on one side of Riddiford-street, from Johnsstreet to Constable-street. Lamps to be erected at junction of Lorne-street and Cam-bridge-terraoe, Elizaheth-street and Broughamstreet, Pirie-street and Brougham-street. That the Surveyor call for tenders for tho extension of Hobson-street to Tinakori-road. 19. Tho committee recommend that Mr. O’Neill (Acting City Surveyor), be allowed forage allowance to the amount of £1 per week. 20. Accounts amounting to £IO9B 11s. Id. have been examined, and the committee recommend that they be paid. “ Instructions to the Surveyor.—To asphalte tho gutters in Cuba-street; to asphalte gutters in Larnbton-qnay from Lindsay’s to Hills; to asphalte gutters Molesworth-street; to execute repairs South-road; to accept Mr. Collie’s

offer to supply 200yds. gravel, for making asphalte, at ss. 6d. per cubic yard; to call for tenders for two mud carts; to call for tenders for sewers extension of Taranaki-street, Arthurstreet, and Abel Smith-street ; to block up Lambton-quay in places, so as to make the traffic even all over the road; to get contractor to erect fence in front of morgue; to put down crossing in Molesworth-street at Frasers-lane; to attend to gutters Abel Smith-street hear Taranaki-street; to repair road, &c,, junction of Tory and College streets; to attend to drain in Ingestre-street near its junction with Willisstreet; to lay concrete foot pavement in front of St. George’s Hall ; also, in front of the Union Bank, Lambton-quay and Featheratonstreet, and around the angle at the Martin fountain.” Clauses No. 1 and No. 4 were negatived, the remaining portion of the report was adopted. On the motion of the Mayor it was resolved that the sum of £2OO, compensation to the Odd Fellows’ Society, he paid at once, in terms of clause 13 of the above report. WAGES. The wages account for the past fortnight was laid before the Council and passed. Certain motions of which notice had been given at the previous meeting were postponed in consequence of the sitting having already been more extended than usual.