CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5202, 23 November 1877, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22. The Council mot at half-past 7 o’clock. Present —His Worship tho Mayor and Councillors Allen, Allan, Diver, Logan, Dixon, Mops, Macdonald, and Maginity. Councillor Diver signed the usual declaration made by a Councillor on taking his seat after election. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. A list of the inward and outward correspondence that had taken place since last meeting was read by the Town Clerk. PATENT SLIP KOAD. : A letter was read from the Secretary of the Karori-Makara Highway Board, asking that a contribution of £2O voted towards repairs of the road to the Patent Slip be paid. The Council ordered the amount to be paid. BY-LAWS. Tho Mayor said there was some little difficulty about the by-laws. Some additional bylaws lately passed were pronounced by the City Solicitor ultra vires, and the others it was recommended should be withdrawn, and be introduced as a separate by-law on a future occasion—This was agreed to. TENDERS FOR CARTAGE. , A letter was read from Mr. Stoce, contractor for carting, relative to the termination of his contract. It was referred to the Public Works Committee ; and the consideration of lenders for cartage was postponed until next meeting, no fresh tenders to be received

TRAMWAY WORKS. A letter was read from Mr. S. Brown, contractor for the tramway, stating that he had a quantity of surplus stuff, which he was desirous of depositing on the Cuba-street extension.— The matter was referred to the Public Works Committee. Councillor Maginity said he did not think it altogether desirable that the City Engineer should also be engineer to the tramway, not that he supposed for a moment that Mr. O’Neill would prostitute his position ; but care should be taken that the interest of the ratepayers as regarded the maintenance of the streets were not neglected on account of the tramway.. The Mayor said there was an overseer appointed for the purpose, who was paid by the Tramway Company, but was the servant of the company, and to him instructions could be given through the City Surveyor. MR. CLIMIE, C.E., AND MR. BELL, C.E. The following correspondence was read : “ Wellington, November 22, 1877. “ Sir, —I herewith hand you a copy of a letter I received vesterday from Mr. C. Napier Bell, and I should be obliged by your reading it at the Council meeting to-day. “ Erom the purport of the letter it would appear that Mr. Bell considers he is retained to confer with Mr. Clarke at Christchurch on my drainage scheme. I understood the decision of the committee to be that Mr. Clarke (if engaged at all) should act quite independently of Mr. Bell, who has already submitted his report, and I must protest against his being allowed to take any action in connection with Mr. Clarke. I consider lam quite justified in taking this course in consequence of the position assumed by Mr. Bell with reference to my scheme, and especially so as I was able to meet, and I hope to rebut, to the satisfaction of the committee, the numerous, but unsound, objections urged by him. Surely the arriving at a satisfactory conclusion would not be facilitated by my plans being introduced to Mr. Clarke’s notice by one who has indulged in wholesale condemnation of them.—l have, &e., “Dan. Climib. “ William Hester, Esq., Town Clerk.” “Christchurch, 19th November, 1877. “Dear Sir, —As there will not be time for you to get me copies of the sections before the arrival of Mr. Clarke, I have retained them for a day or two to take tracings of the sections. I will send them to you immediately that is done. —X have, &c., “C. Napier Bell. “ D. Climie, Esq., C.E.” “ Christchurch, November 19. “ Sir, —Your engineer has telegraphed to me to return him the original _ plan and sections which I brought away with me. I, have delayed doing so for a day or two in order to take tracings of them, because there will not be time to get copies from Wellington before the arrival of Mr. - William Clarke here, whose opinions on the drainage I understand the City Council are desirous of having. Tn my position of Consulting Engineer it will be necessary for me to confer with Mr. Clarke as to his views on the drainage of Wellington, so as to be able to act with your engineer, and to advise him when necessary ; and I beg to suggest that Mr. Clarke be informed of this arrangement.—l have the honor to be your obedient servant, “O. Napier Bell. “ His Worship the Mayor of Wellington.” Councillor Logan said it was desirable that Mr. Clarke’s opinion should be given perfectly independently. Councillor Allen and other Councillors concurred. Councillor Diver moved that the documents be referred to a special meeting of the Drainage Committee on Monday. This was seconded, put, and carried. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ACT. The Mayor slated what has already been made public as to the result of the deputation to the Premier, on the subject of introducing the Contagious Diseases Act into Wellington, on which occasion the Premier expressed doubts as to the wisdom of introducing the Act, and nothing definite was arrived at. TB ARO RECLAMATION. The Mayor said the Premier would receive a deputation on Saturday morning relative to the Te Aro reclamation. TENDERS. The following tenders for pipe-drain in Nelson-street Were read Webber and Co., £BB 165.; J. Maclean, £79 12s. Mr Maclean’s tender was accepted. For Aurora-terrace, Wesley-road—McCarthy and Co., £l9O ; T. Collopy, £2lO ; J. Macle ,n, £314 ; J. Brennan, £225 ; A. Cutler, £l7B ; D. Mahoney, £179 ; T. Hayes, £219. Mr. Cutler’s tender was accepted. Eor forming Hanson-street —O’Connor and Co., £136 ; J. Powell, £142 ; McCarthy and Co., £l3B ; J. Maclean, £l7O ; B. Beeves, £lll ; J. Dooley, £135 ; G. Pudney, £IBO ; T. Hayes, £453. The tender of Mr. Bee res was accepted. Eor gorse cutting in Hawker-street —W. Phillips, £ll ; J. Maclean, £l9. Mr. Phillips’ tender was accepted. For brick culvert on Cuba-street (58yds.)— Brennan and another £9 per yard, J. Maclean £567, J. Brennan £464. All the tenders being higher than the estimate of the City Surveyor no tender was accepted at this meeting. Councillor Logan suggested that the culvert might be constructed with timber. Councillor Diver thought if the work were undertaken at all it had better be done substantially, and moved to that effect. After some discussion it was resolved to call for fresh tenders for a brick culvert. For kerbing in Tory and Vivian-street Niooll and Moore, £4 Is. per chain; J. Watt, £4 2s Bd. ; A. Neilson, £3 19s. ; Eiordan and Co.. £3 10s. ; J. Maclean, £4 4s. ; B. Beeves. £3 6s. Mr. B. Beeves’ tender was accepted. It was agreed to call for tenders for a drain iu Alma-street. PUBLIC, WORKS COMMITTEE’S REPORT. The following report was read “ 1. On memo, from manager of Gas Company, dated 13th inst., informing the committee that lamps for meters are now being landed, recommended that these meter lampposts be used whore new lamps are required. “ 2. On letter from Air. S. Palmer (attached) in respect to the upstairs room at the Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade station, and also other unlicensed buildings, being let for public purposes, —Tlie committee recommend that if the hall at the W.Y.E. Brigade Station is found suitable for public gatherings it shall be licensed, and the consideration of payment of the fee left over. “3. On letter (attached) from Messrs. Travers, Ollivier, and Co., on behalf of Mr. B, Port, asking the Council to consent to the surrender of his lease of section 44 Town Belt, The committee cannot recommend that the request be granted, but if he find a suitable tenant, the committee see no objection to his being allowed to assign the lease. “4. The committee recommend that the Tow Clerk apply to the Insurance Companies’ Association for their contribution towards maintenance of fire brigade, due Ist April last, viz., £3OO. Also, for contribution of £250 towards cost of building station in Mannersstreet, jvs agreed upon. “5. On letter from Mr. E. O. Easby, of 19th inst., asking for a water main to be laid along Austin-street, southwards from Piriestreet to acre 356—Kecommended that the application be granted. “6. On letter from Hon. Secretary of the Athenamm, IGth inst., asking for a water service as protection against fire,—Recommended that the request be gi anted. “ 7. His Worship the Mayor reported that he bad received a telegram from Christchurch to the effect that Mr. Clarke was expected there about the middle of this month, and could not be detained many days. “ 8. A deputation waited on the committee in respect tojthe noxious state of Xinakoriroad stream running through their premises. Recommended that Mr. O’Neill report as to the advisability of covering in the stream, on the probable cost, on diverting it from private property, and carrying it along the side of the street, and as to whether some arrangement could not he made to flush the drain from time to time by damming back the water at a point higher up.

“ 9. The committee recommend that the Acting City Surveyor be instruct.d to report on the following matters, which have been brought before the committee, and on which they cannot make any recommendation until more fully informed:—On letter from Mr. R. W. Watson in respect to amount to ha paid him for land taken for extension of Taranaldstreet. Letter from Superintendent Webb, Volunteer Fire Brigade, in respect to fire escapes, &o. Petitition re formation of a 20ft. street to connect Tiuakori-road with Sydneystreet, as per letter from Mr. Marks, annexed hereto. Letter from Mr. A. Brown re nuisance caused by low chimneys on the premises adjoining his house. Letter from Messrs. Chisholm and Williamson re dangerous state of Mary-street, off Tinakori-road. “ On petition in respect to further water supply for Thorndon end of the citv, —Recommended that the Waterworks Engineer be instructed to report on same. If practicable the committee think the matter worthy of the support of the Council. “ 11. On report of Acting City Surveyor (attached) —Clause 1. Recommended that the Surveyor report further as to diverting the drain so as to bring it down a street. 2. Re Austin-street, —Recommended. 3 and 4, —Consideration postponed. 5. Suggestions re Grantroad sewer, —Recommended that they be agreed to. “ 12. Recommended that the attention of the Inspector of Nuisances be drawn to pool of stagnant water opposite George-street, Tina-kori-road, and also to one near Staples’ brewery. Murphy-street, and that he have them abated, as being dangerous to health. “13. A report on a letter from Mr. Thomas Bond agreeing to defray the drainage of part of town acre No. 282 is postponed by the committee pending report from City Solicitor.” THE ARCADE. The Mayor said a nice building was beingerected in Manners-street called the “Arcade.” It would be a useful building, and it wag, he thought, desirable to encourage the erection of such buildings. The promoters were desirous of erecting a verandah and balcony, of which he had a plan, and he would suggest that leave be granted to erect this verandah. Councillor Moss and others suggested that the matter should be referred to the Public Works Committee. This was agreed to. INSPECTOR OP NUISANCES’ REPORT. Councillor Allen asked if there was no report from the Inspector of Nuisances? The Mayor said there was not, but he had received a letter stating that the inspector wag ill. FIRE POLICE, The Mayor moved that £2O be granted to the Fire Police. Councillor Moss suggested that the amount should be £25. The latter amount was agreed to. Councillor Maginity said a new firebell was wanted at the Thorndon end of the town, and another was also required in Cook Ward. He ssid he would give notice on the subject at thenext meeting. MAP OP THE CITY. In reference to the map of the city which was to have been prepared a letter was read' from Mr. O. O’Neill stating that he had not received from Mr. Climie the necessary sections of the drains, &c. Councillor Macdonald said it seemed to him that amongst the officers of the City Council one did not appear desirous to assist the other. Surely Mr. Climie must have his fieldbooks and other data which he could furnish to Mr. O’Neill, and he moved that Mr, Climie be requested to furnish them. WATERWORKS. Councillor Allen said he should like to know when the waterworks would be finished ? The Mayor said Mr. Marchant had been delayed by the foundry in castings, hut what was required had been supplied on the arrival of the Zealandia, and in about a week’s time all would be complete. SPECIAL MEETING. It was agreed that the Council should meet in committee on Thursday next relative to the re-organisation of the officers of the Corporation. WAGES. The wages-shect for the past fortnight was passed. OFFICERS OF TEE CORPORATION. Councillor Macdonald said it was desirable that the officers of the Council should attend at each meeting of the Council to give any information that might be required of them, and moved to that effect. This was seconded, put, and carried. MOTIONS. The following motion was adjourned for a fortnight:—CouncillorCEOßGE to move, —That no money be expended by the Council on streets laid out by private persons, although the same may have become public highways within the meaning of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, until the same have been formed, metalled, kerbed, and drained by the proprietors of the lands adjoining the same, to the satisfaction of the Council. EXTENSION OP CUBA-STREET. The Mayor moved, —That the City Surveyor be instructed to carry out the extension of Cuba-street from Manners-street to the foreshore with as little delay as possible.— This was seconded, put, and carried .unanimously. INDIAN FAMINE RELIEF FUND. The following correspondence was read : “ Christchurch, November 19. “ Sir, —In reply to your communication on the subject of the Indian Famine Belief Fund, made at the instigation of the Lord Mayor of London, I have the honor to inform you that the appeal to the residents in the provincial district of Canterbury has been universally responded to. “The committee, with the co-operation of the manager of the Bank of New Zealand in Christchurch, has remitted the sum of £SOOO direct to the Madras Presidency through the Oriental Bank. “ After careful consideration, it was thought that it would be more immediately useful than by transmission to the fund- now being raised by his Lordship in London. “As the subscription lists are nearly brought to a close, I have felt it to be my duty to acquaint you with the result, and I am confident you will agree with me that our most heartfelt acknowledgments are due to our fellow-settlev-s for their very liberal contributions to fund, because this method of transmission to India would be more speedy than by a remittance to his Lordship’s fund in London, and as it was felt the required relief was urgent. “ It is extremely gratifying to me to be able to report so satisfactory a result. “It is an additional evidence that while severed by distance, we are still mindful of all legitimate claims which the country we love to'call ‘home’ may at any and all times bring under our notice. “ I am informed that at least a similar sum may probablybe the result of the contributions from the remaining portions of the colony of New Zealand. The desire to aid in this noble work has been unanimous in this district, and demands from me the most grateful acknowledgment—a feeling which I am sure your Worship will most heartily reciprocate.— I have, &c., Jas. Capes. To his Worship the Mayor, Wellington. The following telegram to Dr. Lemon from Mr. Knevitt, of Adelaide, was read ;—“ Please deliver to Mayors, N. Z., from the Lord Mayor, London, many thanks to you and colleagues for the splendid result of your appeal in aid of the Indian Famine Belief Fund.” TB ARO RECLAMATION. The Mayor asked leave to postpone his motion for adopting the report on the Te Aro foreshore for another fortnight. He was very anxious to have the work proceeded with, but before doing so it would be necsssary to have a supplementary report from the committee on the offers for a settlement of their claims which had been made by the owners of property abutting on the foreshore. And in connection with this supplementary report he would]‘suggest that it should be an instruction to the committee to turn their attention to some plan for the widening of Willis-street. It appeared to to him that now was the time to take up the matter. It was hardly likely that so favor-

able an opportunity would again occur, ibe owners of property in Willis-stveet wished to obtain a portion of the reclamation at the rear of their several sections on certain conditions, and one of these owners had proposed, and he thought the proposal a very excellent one, that they should get 20ft. of the reclamation on lease for 15 or 20 years at a nominal rental, on their undertaking that within that time the buildings in Willis-streot should be set back 15ft., when the leasehold at the rear would be converted into freehold, as compensation for the land given to widen the street in front. The name of Councillor Logan was added to the Te Aro Reclamation Committee. This concluded the business.