CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5313, 5 April 1878, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

The regular fo- tnightly meeting of the City Council was held last evening. Present : His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Councillors George, Macdonald, Greenfield, Allen, G., Dixon, Allan, Logan, Maginity, Hunter, and Fisher. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. A list of the correspondence inwards and outwards since last meeting was read. the police. • The Mayor s rid he had sent the following letter to the Minister for Justioe : April 3, 1878. Sir,—As Chief Magistrate of the City of ‘Wellington, I have the honor to direct your attention to the enclosed newspaper slip, cut from the Evening Post of 23rd March, and purporting to be a verbatim statement made by Mr. G. E. Barton, M.H.B. for the city of Wellington. As ihe statements made therein are of a most serious nature, I have to request that you will be good enough to inform-me whether Government have made any inquiry into the trutii or otherwise of the statements, and if not, whether i hey purpose doing so.—l have, &0.. J. DRAXSFiELn, Mayor. The Hon. the Minister tor Justice, Wellington. ,

The extract enclosed contained a statement made by Mr. Barton at a recent meeting, reflecting on the conduct of .a member of the police force.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS. The following letter was read : ■Wellington, 30th March. Sir,—There is one commodity you do do not invite tenders for. Sooner or later healthy public opinion will demand it. That commodity is money. The statement In the margin is either true or not. If true. I could name numerous road boards and municipalities that make financial arrangements so much more favorable to the ratepayers than the Wellington City Council’s are, that the Councillors who read the Southern newspapers must either invite competition for the Corporation’s account or abandon all pretension to the practice of economy. For the present I merely repeat that sooner or later public opinion mil demand that you invite tenders for the supply of money.—l am, &c., Henrv Greks* (a ratepayer). •The Town Clerk, Wellington. # Enclosed was the following extract,: —

Councillor Hunter j>ointed out that by allowing the credit balances to waterworks and drainage to be placed against the general overdraft a considerable saving in interest was effected, seeing that they only received per cent, interest on their credit balance, and the rate of interest on overdrafts was 9 per cent.

The Town Clerk explained that there was a misapprehension, as Councillor Hunter did not use the exact words accredited to him. Councillor Fisher asked what was the present arrangement >vith the Bank of New Zealand? The Mayor considered it best to leave the matter to the Finance Committee, as there were certain things he did not deem it advisable to make public at the present stage. Councillor Fisher gave notice of his intention to move, at the next meeting of the Council, that the various banking institutions in Wellington be invited to tender for the city banking account for the next three years. Councillor Hunter presumed that the letter came from Mr. Green in his capacity of bank manager, and not as an individual.' The Mayor took it to come from him as a ratepayer. The letter was referred to the Finance Committee.

TE ARO RECLAMATION. The following report from the Te Aro Reclamation Committee was read ; . ■ That the offer of the proprietors of the foreshore in the line of Willis-strcet, viz., that they consent to waive all claims for compensation for loss of water frontage, in consideration of their receiving 08 feet of the new reclamation, they to pay contract price for said reclamation, and of halt the width of the new street, to the eastward of their property, be acceded to, on the understanding that all the proprietors agree to the same. - That the committee he authorised to treat with the Wellington Gas Company for the purchase of such portion of their property as is required for the extension of Tory-street; and that, on such being satisfactorily arranged, the Corporation agree to grant a lease for 21 years of that portion of the foreshore to the north of the company's property referred to in the general agreement with them and other adjoining proprietors, but terminable on the issue of the conveyance of the same. That on the final layfng out of the streets and building allotments on the proposed reclamation, suitable reserves lie made for educational and charitable ( lie remainder of the report Was published in our issue of the 22nd March], The Mayor said it was desirable that there should be a unanimity of opinion on a subject of this kind. They had succeeded, with only one exception, in getting the whole of the parties interested to sign their names. The only ones who had not done so were the governors of the College, and there was now very little doubt about their being agreeable. They had a good idea of what it would cost to leave the matter over for a lengthened time. It would have been much cheaper to have had the work done years ago, and they could have got Tory-

street continued through the present gas works for a far less sum three years ago than now. He was advised by Mr. T?ohert Hart that unless the question of the rights of property were settled it would be utterly useless to attempt to carry the thing through Parliament. Unless they supplied every information as to how they intended to deal with the laud Government would not allow them to go on with the work. Any attempt to ride over the rights of the property holders would lead to the inevitable result of the works being stopped, and he thought it right to deal liberally with He moved that the report be adopted. Councillor Fisher, in seconding the adoption of the report, also expressed an opinion that they should deal with the matter in a large and liberal way. It was necessary that all disputes should be settled before the committee came before Parliament. Councillor Allan also supported the motion, but was of opinion that the claims should be settled by arbitration, and moved a motion to that effect. Councillor Hunter said it w;« a difficult thing to get persons of one mind in assessing matters of this kind.

Councillor Moss considered the conclusion they bad arrived at was a very judicious one. Councillor Maginity regarded one of the concessions as too much. Councillor Hunter believed they would find it on record that the parties were entitled to a water frontage. He had a distinct recollection of this having been granted to them. The report was carried unanimously. Councillor Macdonald gave the following notices of motion for next meeting:—lst. That the City Solicitor be authorised to draw up a legal contract between the Corporation and the owners of property abutting on the foreshore, binding them to compliance with the terms of the agreement. 2nd. That the City Surveyor be instructed to prepare a plan showing how it is proposed to lay out the land after the reclamation, with estimate of cost and probable value of same. 3rd. That the City Solicitor be further instructed to prepare the draft of a Bill to enable the Corporation to carry out the proposed works, said draft to be submitted to the Council at an early date.

A COMPLIMENT. Councillor Fisher said he had a singular duty to perform. A venerable and respected citizen, Mr. Carpenter, had rescued from the harbor some old Corporation papers, including an old burgess list, attached to which was the signature of Mr. George Hunter, the father of their present member. Mr. Carpenter recovered them from the water at once, and immediately took steps to restore them to the archives of the city, after carefully rebinding them. He proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Carpenter as a mark of recognition. The Mayor said he had looked over the papers, which contained some valuable information. The motion was carried nem. con.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT. The following report was submitted: — Ihe committee beg to report as under:—l. That the City Surveyor has received instructions to have the whole of the Adelalde-road drain cleared out; to have the present -rubbish depot covered with earth, and to report as to a suitable locality to which the latter might be removed. 2. That the City Surveyor has received instructions to make proper approaches to the various properties cut off by the recent formation of Austin-street. and that the earth removed therefrom is being utilised in covering up the rubbish depot. 3. That the City Surveyor and Town Clerk have received instructions to make suggestions as to - sundry amendments in the building regulations. 4. That the City Surveyor has received instructions to have the manufacture of asphalte for Corporation purposes removed to the Corporation property fronting the Te Aro foreshore. 5. That the rates on the premises belonging to Messrs. 51-ice and Arkeli and Eichard Egan, lately destroyed by Are, have been remitted. 8. That the footpath in Vivian-street, left unfinished, has been ordered to be completed. The committee further recommend I. That the drain in Featherston-terrace be lowered under the supervision of the City Surveyor; and that the Grantroad formation be continued past Mr. Johns' property into Cotteville-terrace. Estimated cos', £7O. 2. That the comet of May-street and Tinakori-road be kerbed, and the holes iu the street filled in. Estimated cost, £lO. 3. That Mr. Saunders and others have authority to remove earth from the Grant-road, under the supervision of the City Surveyor, provided that any damage hitherto done by improper excavation be first made good. 4. That Mr. James Thompson's claims for compensation be not granted. 5. That the Council do not take over Bute-street as a public street, but that the special requirements of the district be considered on their merits. C. That a drain be not laid down in Stoke-street, but that Mr. Tanner be granted permission to till up the gully with ti-tree scrub.

The report was adopted as read, with the exception of clause three of the second part. An amendment by Councillor Fisher, that Mr. Saunders be requested to replace the earth removed by him from Grant-road, being carried.

CITT VALUER S REPORT. The City Valuer submitted a report, setting forth that a new street had been laid oil in Cook Ward, leading from Brougham-street to Austin-street, passing through town acres -333, 331, 342, and 343,, contrary to the provisions of the Municipal Corporations Act. The report was referred to the Public Works Committee. REPORT OP INSPECTOR OP NUISANCES. The Inspector of Nuisances submitted the following report;— In accordance with instructions to examine into the state of the sewer off Majoribank-street I have the honor to report as follows I found on visiting the locality that a drain, consisting for the most part of 12-inch pipes, has been laid from the top of Mr. heckle's property down the valley as far as Mrs, Horan’s property; this is entirely covered over with earth until within a lew feet of Mrs. Moran’s boundary; from thence an open sewer, ab ut 2ft. wide by 3ft. deep, carries the whole drainage of the houses on both sides of the valley to the Roxburgh-street sewer, some few yards away. This open sewer was half filled with the most indescribable filth, the stencil from it poisoning the atmosphere lor a considerable distance, and causing a most serious nuisance to the neighborhood. I found on inspecting the closets that the occupiers generally employed the nightsoil contractor, with the exception of Messrs. Lockie and Shannon, whose premises were both fitted with waterclosets, Mr. Lockie’s running into a brick cesspit, which has an outfall into the sewer complained of; the other person, Mr. Shannon, has a water-closet with a large drain attached, and laid to the sewer through Mr. Rookie's ground and under bis house; this carries all his nightsoil, house drainage, &c., clear into the sewer complained of. Keferred to the Public Works Committee. THE NEW BUILDING REGULATIONS, The Town Clerk reported that owing to the pressure of business upon the Public Works Committee the proposed building regulations had not been fully considered, and it was desirable that the subject should be postponed. Councillor Fisher observed that it would be well to have the Council supplied with copies of the regulations in vogue throughout the colonies. The question was thereupon postponed. ACCOUNTS. A number of accounts were passed for payment, amounting to a total of £4554 6s. lOd.

TENDERS. A Dumber of. tenders received for various works throughout the city were. deferred for consideration by the Mayor, the City Engineer, and the Town Clerk ; for after confirmation by the whole Council, In regard to the laying of the water mains in Tasman-street the tender of Mr. J. McLean was accepted at £SB 13s. PROTEST. The Mayor announced having received a protest from Councillor J. A. Allan against the rescinding of the original regulations as to the water supply scheme. Consideration postponed until next meeting. THE WHARF HUB-COMMITTEE. Councillor George moved that the number of members of the wharf sub-committee be increased from two members to three. Councillor Macdonald took objection to the motion, as he thought it unnecessary, and likely to induce further expense without any equivalent. The motion was put and carried. REMOVAL Of NIOHTSOIL. Councillor George moved, —That, on the expiration of the contract for the removal of the nightsoil (Ist July, 1878), the work be undertaken by the Council, and a special rate be imposed to pay the cost; and that a regulation be made requiring every householder to have a box placed conveniently to the street, so that the household rubbish may be removed daily by proper carts in the employ of the Council. In proposing the resolution he stated that he was perfectly willing to accept it, subject to regulations to be drawn up afterwards, when the various schemes at present in vogue in other cities, Dunedin, for example, might also be considered. There was no doubt of the fact that the present system required alteration, and in the Interests of the ratepayers aa a

body, it should be superseded. .. The present contractor, it had keen said, made something like £4OUO per annum out of the contract. _ Councillor Fisher supported the motion, fully believing that the cost to the ratepayers would be very much less if the work was undertaken by the Council. Councillor Maginity observed that he would much rather see that fresh tenders were, called for, and the work conducted at the lowest possible rate, as the motiou, in bis opinion, meant in reality the imposition of an extra rate.

Councillor Macdonald observed that it was perfectly useless to argue against the present contractor, as he had a good knowledge of the fact that the Council had previously tried its hands at the business and failed ; and further, that Mr. Saunders had tendered in the usual way, when his offer was accepted. Councillor Allen, although agreeing with Councillor Maginity to some extent, stated as his belief that he did not by any means think a special rate necessary. Councillor Hunter, in a few well-chosen remarks, expressed his approval of the proposition on, considering, as he did, that it would be for the benefit of the whole community. Councillors Logan and Dixon briefly expressed approval. Councillor Greenfield offered remarks in objection, stating that the Corporation would require to expend a considerable amount of money in the purchase of a new plant, &0., after which Councillor Moss followed on the same side, and observed that there were a large number of people in the city by whom the services of the Council, as proposed, were not required at all. Being of that opinion, he was therefore bound to oppose the motion in the shape presented beforethem. Councillor DixON made a few remarks on the subject, observing that it was hardly fair to compel persons to pay a rate for the services of a nightman whom they might not require. After which.

Councillor George replied, contending that those people who stated they did nit require the nightman were breaking the law, to the suffering and disadvantage of their neighbors. In fact, to a £SO householder, with even a 3d. rate, the cost per annum would only he 12s. 6d., a fee which was iu no way a burden to the poorer ratepayers. He, however, had no objection to the resolution being carried, “ subject to regulations to be approved of by the Council,” Councillor Macdonald objected to any addition being made to the resolution, which was then agreed to.

RATEABLE EXPENDITURE. Councillor George, with the permission of the Council, withdrew the following motion in his name, —That a return be furnished showing the amount expended in the four wards of the city since September last, and also of the rateable value of the property of the same wards respectively.

WHARFAGE INCOME. Councillor Hunter moved, —That a return be prepared showing the total yearly income of the city of Wellington from the wharf during the past seven years. He observed that he had no desire other than that the Council should be furnished with a clear account of the receipts derived from all sources—a matter in which they all felt every interest. The motion was agreed to. WATERWORKS INCOME.

Councillor Hunter moved,—That a return be prepared showing the total yearly income of the city of Wellington from the water works since producing income. The motion was seconded and carried. LAHBTON WARD WATER SUPPLY.

Councillor J. A. Allan moved,—That taking into account the immense amount of valuable property situated in Lambton Ward, and with a view to its greater security, steps be immediately taken to take advantage of the additional 200 feet of fall from the new reservoir, by laying down a special service of high pressure pipes, available only in case of fire, direct from the reservoir along Willis-street and Cambton-quay as far as the new Government buildings. Councillor Moss stated that he would second the resolution pro forma, although at the same time he did not intend to support it. He took that course, as the Government, he well knew, would at its own cost lay on the ten inch main from the Corporation drain to the Government buildings, and there was therefore no necessity for the Corporation to go to the expense. Councillor Allan, with that explanation, accordingly withdrew his motion.

THE CITT WATER SUPPLY. Councillor Fisher moved,—That having regard to the future requirements of tbe city, and with a view to provide greater facilities for carrying on local manufactures, the City Surveyor, or some other competent person, be instructed to report upon all available sources from which can be obtained a water supply which will be at all times adequate and reliable. In a speech of some length Councillor Fisher observed that the question of water supply had been discussed for some time back. The Press had taken it up very properly, and be was also glad to see that Mr. Travers had interested himself in regard to it, showing, as be had, by his statistics, that, even in the face of the fact that the catohwater area was very much deficient for a city of its size, there was nothing to allow for the causes of diminution in the supply, in the shape of percolation, evaporation, &c. He. alluded to tbe report they had received as to the quantity for each of the population, and which showed leas than was usually allowed in other places, and contended that not even only in that respect, but with a view to the progress of the city in the shape of getting manufactories established, it was necessary to have a thoroughly comprehensive scheme; and especially seeing that the population might be expected in the course of a few years to be greatly increased. In fact, taking the number of the present population, it was not too much to expect that in the course of seven years or so, they would have something like 40,000 inhabitants, and with such a number, and no doubt many engaged in trade and manufactures, a proper water-supply was a matter of the very utmost importance. Councillor George supported the motion with a few brief remarks. Councillor Moss took a similar course, and stated that he would wish to know whether in the event of a storm, and a heavy rainfall, the Corporation would in the present reservoir be able to store water sufficient to fill it.

The Mayor, after consulting with tbe Engineer, observed that he understood there was some small defect in the tower at the reservoir before it could be filled, but that would be made good in a few days. Councillors Dixon and Macdonald supported the motion, the latter observing that it would be very advisable to have the opinion of Mr. Clarke on the subject, and especially as that gentleman was about paying them a visit.

Councillors Allen and Logan likewise supported the motion, the latter gentleman quoting statistics to show the quantity of water they might to have secured for the increasing population of the city. He observed that the present watershed merely comprised an area of 520 acres, and showed by a lengthy list of calculations that the present storage capacity of the reservoir was altogether insufficient to meet all the various' requirements they might expect to have. They would not only require a supply for domestic and manufacturing uses, they would have to provide for the drainage scheme as well, and therefore they should see that they had a good supply. Councillor Hunter stated that although ho by no means objected to the motion, he trusted that in_ the future the Council would be in any resolution they might arrive at by their experience in the past. He then rea report, made in 1871 to the City Council, as to the estimated capacity of the city water supply, and which was then calculated to be sufficient for a population of over 40,000 persons, observing that they had been induced to that conclusion by what had been stated to them. In the face of that, however, they had the statement of Mr. Travers, who was ho doubt well qualified to give au opinion, so that it behoved _ them to be careful for the future. Again, it was supposed that the reservoir was in a condition to retain water,

and hearing that' through'some defect,in the tower they had not hitherto, been able to secure a full supply, he would like some, explanation as the cause. .. ■ • '

The City Engineer briefly explained that some considerably delay had, been occasioned throug the fixing of the ' valves, but the work would be completed in a few days, and then the full complement of water might be stored. In' answer, to Councillor Hunter, the Engineer further stated that there .was no defect whatever in the work, and that the delay which had occurred could not have been well avoided. Councillor Hunter continued to observe that in making the inquiries he had no desire to oppose the motion, and he trusted that when the subject was gone into again it would be effectually and permanently dealt with.

Councillor Greenfield expressed surprise at the great amount of talk which had been indulged in upon a simple matter in regard to the tower, which could easily be properly completed, ami especially seeing that there was no defect iu the work at all. After some observations from Councillor Fisher in reply, The Mayor stated that he could not allow the motion to be put without saying a few words on the subject. He did not like to hear Councillors run down, as it were, their present water-supply scheme, before having a fair opportunity of judging of it. The new reservoir had never yet been really tried, and there were some people who endeavored to make out there was not a sufficient supply, although they had statements to show that when properly filled there was a supply for three months, and at the very least, at the minimum calculation, for two mouths. He would however give his support to the motion, knowing as he did that the population was rapidly increasing. and that applications for water-supply were coming in to the Corporation every day. Councillor Moss wished to make an explanation on the subject, but he was ruled out of order, and the resolution was then agreed to with the addition “ supply pipes to be at least two feet in diameter, and approximate cost of works to be given.”

THE NEW CORPORATION BUILDING. Councillor Fisher moved, —That the architect for the new Corporation building be requested to report as to the reasons why the building has not been completed by the contract date, Ist February. He stated that the Town Clerk had sent a very courteous note to the gentleman in question, from whom he had received no official reply. Such a state of things was not fair to the Council, and especially seeing that the architect, as one of their officers, was in duty hound, like any other paid servant, to treat them in a proper manner. Councillor Macdonald stated that he had every pleasure in supporting the motion ; but he nevertheless felt bound to enter his objection to the terms in which it had been brought forward. It was well known that Councillor Fisher bad a personal grievance against Mr. Turnbull, who was a gentleman well known and everywhere respected throughout the city, and who should be treated accordingly. There was no harm in asking for any information on the subject ; but in doing so it behoved the Council to see that their officers were treated with due courtesy and respeot. After some remarks from Councillor Allen, who observed that Mr. Turnbull had alwaays treated him conrtenusy enough, The Town Clerk explained that although he had not received a written reply to his communication he was informed that the delay had been occasioned through some difficulty iu getting possession of the property, and that there was also another temporary cause which had operated towards delaying the completion of the building. Councillor Fisher contended that he was perfectly justified in bringing his motion forward, as Mr. Turnbull had sent no written reply to the Town Clerk’s letter of the 4th January; besides, he was not going to allude to a certain gentleman who went round for votes amongst Councillors in order to get his plans adopted. Councillor Macdonald : It’s a lie, sir. The Mayor objected to the observations which were being indulged in, and threatened if they were continued to leave the chair. Councillor Fisher went on to observe that it had behoved him to write professionally upon one of the grossest jobs that was, in his opinion, ever perpetrated ; but that was no reason why he should be prevented alluding to the matter with the view of getting public information.

The motion was then agreed to. REORGANISATION COMMITTEE. Councillor Macdonald suggested to the Mayor the advisability of taking steps to provide an assistant to the City Engineer. The Council adjourned at a quarter before eleven o’clock.