CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5335, 3 May 1878, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held yesterday at 4 o’clock. Absent, Councillor Moss. The Town Clerk laid on the table the annual statement of accounts, together with the auditors’ report, which were as follows: Estimate for General Bate, Ist April, 1878, to 31st March, 1879. REVENUE.

Wellington, 30kh April, 1878. To His "Worship the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Wellington. Sir and Gentlemen, —We have the honor to inform you that we have examined the various statements put before us by the City Treasurer, and we beg to report as follows, viz. ; 1. Abstracts of the receipts and expenditure for the half-year ending March 31; and 2. Abstracts of receipts and expenditure for the ysar ending at same date, — These accounts are correct with the exception of a discrepancy of three (3) shillings. The account for water supplied at the wharf has been credited with three shillings more than actually received, and consequently the receipts for wool-pressing, &c., are stated at three shillings less than they should be. There is also a small discrepancy of 2d. in the books kept at the wharf, one lodgment at the bank being called £94 19s 4d, whereas the coiTect amount os shown iu the Corporation and bank books is £94 19s. 6d. ’ Wharf. Tolls Account.—This we arc glad to find is now introduced into the books 'of the Corporation, and we have audited same from the commencement, a period of seventeen months. In, examining the vouchers we notice a considerable sum is charged to this account which in our opinion should belong to wharf general account; the items of wages and salaries being nearly 50 per cent, of the total amount received fer tolls. Included in these items we find honorariums paid to Councillors as members of "Wharf Committee, but wo know of no clause in the Act authorising payment to Councillors, but only to the Mayor. A sum of at least £ISOO, debited to general account, and credited to tolls account, would, wo think, placs these two accounts on a more equal footing.—Wo have, &c., John W. Stevenson,) G. M. Kebbell. | Auditors. The consideration of the statement and report was postponed to a special meeting of the Council, to be held cn the 2nd Monday in May, as provided by law.

SITTINGS OF THE COUNCIL. Councillor ITsmiu ; Mr Mayor, the ’ meeting of the Council at this hour is distinctly, opposed to a resolution of the Council I have been informed that a round robin has been signed by certain members of the Council, authorising, so far as in them lay, the meeting of the Council at this hour. I am not aware that any unofficial act upon the part of certain members of the Council can supersede a recorded resolution passed in the ordinary and proper manner. I protest myself, as the mover of the resolution that the Council should meet at the hour of half-past seven o'clock—a resolution which* was moved distinctly with the object that the public should have an opportunity of being present at our meetings,—as mover of that resolution, I protest against any departure of this sort. It is impossible that the general body of the ratepayers can have any opportunity of attending the meetings of the Council. We have now greater security against misrepresentation from the fact that we have greater competition in newspapers; but when we had fewer newspapers it was of the greatest importance that the public themselves should have an opportunity of being present to judge of the action of the several members of the various wards. That great danger is to a great extent removed. I maintain that the resolution, which has not been rescinded, must be acted upon until it has been rescinded. There is no power, there can be no power, of departure from it, no matter how many members of the Council choose to give their sanction. I also protest upon this other ground,—l object to the meetings ofthe City Council being subordinated to the annual dinner of any society or association, it matters not to me what. I make that remark because I see by the papers that the meeting of the City Council is postponed because the annual dinner of the Builders and Contractors’ Association is to be held this evening. If I am wrong in that, the papers are to blame and not I, I protest most strongly against the meetings of the City Council being subordinated to the dinners of any society whatever, I care not. what. Having entered that protest I shall say no more. The Mayor ; I think you have said a great deal. Every member of the Council excepting yourself has requested the meeting to be at this hour.: I do think, seeing that a large majority of the Council have expressed opinions of that kind, it is sufficient for me. Upon any future occasion if 11-12ths of the Council ask me to alter the hour of a meeting I shall do so.

Councillor Fishes : It is a question upon which I shall always be perfectly willing to stand alone. ’ ?

It appeared that a memo as follows had been signed by eleven Councillors :—“lt is proposed to alter the hour of the meeting of the Council on Thursday, 2nd May, to 4 o’clock instead of 7.30. Councillors who are agreeable will please attach their signature.” Councillor Magiknitt : Cr. Fisher has taken credit to himself that the meetings of the Council were through his action called for half-past seven. It was due to the action I took in the matter. I moved that the meetings of the Council should be held at half-past seven, and the motion was seconded by Councilor Hunter.

Councillor Fisher : It is a very small matter, and the books of the Council settle that point. [The books ef the Council show that Cr.. Maginnity moved, and Cr. Hunter seconded, “ That the meetings be held in the evening at 7.3o.”—This was carried.] MB. PHARAZTIS’S APPEAL.

A letter from the Hon. O. J. Pharazyu was read, in which he objected to the manner in which his appeal against his assessment had been opposed. He trusted the Corporation would see their way to reduce the assessments, and would reimburse the expense he had been put to in the Assessment Court, £3 16s. He would leave out of the question the annoyance he had been subjected to by having a distress warrant issued against him. After the letter had been read a discussion ensued, and a suggestion of the Public Works Committee, that no action should be taken in the matter, waa agreed to.

The Tows Clbbk informed the Council that Mr. Pharazyn had appealed to the Minister of Justice to have the amount of the costs reduced. The Mayou urged that they should let the matter stand where it was. Councillor Fisher moved that the costa should be refunded to Mr. Pharazyn.

Councillor Hunter strongly objected to such a course being taken. They should uphold the action of the officers of the Council, and the case had already been decided by the Resident L Magistrate’s Court. He strongly condemned Mr. Pharazyn’s action in the matter.

KEROSENE. Councillor Fisher seized an opportunity to allege. that some peraou had boon greatly favored in a matter connected with the wharf and kerosene. , The Mayor ruled Councillor Fisher out of order. Councillor Fisher : I mention it simply to show the influences that prevail here. - The Mayor: Keally Councillor Fisher I must keep you in order if I possibly can. You have repeated statements which were made before, when a full explanation was given. It is most unfair that any member of the Council should take an. opportunity to make statements. in order that they may be published, without the persons reflected upon having the rieht to reply. It is most unfair. Councillor Fisher : The statements are perfectly true. . The Mayor : It is most unfair.

PUBLIC "WORKS COXnriTTEE S REPORT. Clause I.—TJmfc tlio whole , question of granting permission for tho formation of now streets is under consideration, and that several applications have been ordered to stand over until after consultation with tho City Solicitor. This clause was agreed to after a protest by Councillor JTishkb against the conduct of the Council in. not preventing streets 40 feet wide being laid out by land speculators, when the law provided that tho width mint be 66 feet. The rest of tho report, as follows, was adopted:— Clause 2. —That the committee approve and confirm the action of the Inspector of Nuisances in reference to sundry nuisances in the Te Am drain. Clause 3.—That notice has been sent to IVXr. Turnbull of the urgent necessity for pressing for the completion of the municipal offices at as early a date as possible. Clause 4.—That the City Surveyor has been instructed to report on sundry applioations, as under, with estimate of cost.—3letailing Victoria*phuJo; covering over or filling iu drain in Cambridge-terrace; forming or metalling Martin-square; replacing fence destroyed by formation of Austin-streot Clause 5. That Hr. G. T. Prummond has been granted leave to remove earth from Grant-road, under supervision of tho City Surveyor, WHARF COMMITTEE.

Tho report of the committee, as follows, was read :• Ist. That, in accordance with tho request of-the General Government, a detailed statement la boins prepared, together with the necessary plans, to bo laid before Sir John Coodo, C.E., in reference to tho remt«dl oltbo Council that that gentleman bo asked to re&P|pPthe best means of utilising the capabilities of tho narbor. 2nd. That the City Surveyor, now in charge of the wharf, has received instructions to gi\ehla immediate attention to the necessity of mooring posts, steps for boat accommodation, and asupply of gas-lamps. Councillor Maginnity thought it unnecessary to incur the expense which would attend an inspection of the harbor by Sir John Coode, but Councillor Hunter pointed out that it was not probable that Sir John Coode wouldbe able to come to Wellington. The report was adopted. CEMETERY. The report of the Cemetery Committee, as follows, was adopted : 1. That the question of rendering the present cemetery innocuous to the inhabitants of the city, by means of contour drains, has been submitted to Air. Clarke, C.E., and that gentleman has reported adversely to the same. 2. Tenders of various sites for the proposed cemetery in various districts la the neighborhood of Wellington have been received, and a sub-committee, consisting of Councillors Logan, Allen, and Maginnity, has been appointed to view the same, as well as any others which may be suggested to them, and report to tho Council. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. The report of this committee was adopted. That they have gone into tho question of the cost of maintenance of the Wellington Hospital as at present conducted under the supervision of the General Government, but have deferred reporting finally on the subject until they obtain detailed particulars relative to the Hospital Trust estate, and probable cost of erection of the new hospital building on tho Adelaideroad reserve. TE ABO RECLAMATION. This committee reported as follows : In pursuance of the authority vested la them by tho resolution of Council, dated 4th April, ISIS, they have entered into the following agreement with the Wellington Gas Company:— That tiro land, the property of the said company, required by the Corporation for the continuation of Tory-strect to tho Te Aro foreshore, 50ft x 330 ft, be purchased for the sum of £1600; possession to be given on payment of the same, but not before Ist January, 1879, unless with consent of Gas Company. Interest to be paid at the rate of S per cent, per annum. Purchase money to be paid not later than Ist January, 1881. Tho Corporation to grant a lease of 66 feet depth of tho proposed reclamation to the north.of the other portion of the Gas Company’s property, say 214 feet, for 21 years from Ist May, 1878, at a rental of £1 per annum, terminable on completion of conveyances. of the 66 feet depth of reclamation to tho whole of the proprietors of the foreshore, in terms of the above agreement. The reclamation of the above portion, 66 x 214, to be made by the Gas Company at their sole cost and expense, and not to bo reimbursed for the same, ESTIMATED REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE. The Mayor said he gathered from the statement of the Council’s estimated receipts and expenditure for the coming year that there would be no reduction in the amount of the rate of one shilling in the pound. Those who were cognisant of the financial position of the Council would know that tho present was not an opportune time for making any reduction. He would move that a rate of one shilling in the pound for the ensuing year be levied. —Agreed to.

. Note,—ln tho above estimate no allowance has teen made for the contingent losses which might arise from any unforesen accident, or for wear and tear of plant or sinking found; moreover, it is found that in the profit and loss account for tho last eighteen months the scale of rates, as shown in the above estimate, results in an actual loss of £5 10a. 7d. May 2,1878. Estimate yoß*Wateß Bate, 1878-0, prom Ist April, 1878, to 31st March, 1870. ESTIMATE© RECEIPTS.

WATER BATE. The following statement was tabled : Estimate for "Water Rate, IS7B-0, from ISt April, 1878, to 31st Alarcu, 1870. ESTIMATED RECEIPTS. £ a. d. Rates on houses taking water (£121,101), at 4 percent .. .. .. .. 434-4 3 3

May2, 1878. - The Mayor pointed out that a rate of 4 per cent, for consumers, 2 per cent, for nonconsumers, and2j for stores, were not sufficient. This was such an important question that probably the Council would like time to consider It, and he would move that it be postponed for a fortnight, r 'iSSncillor Aheh seconded the motion. ment, and moved that a rate of 5 per cent, for dwellings; 2J per cent, for non-consumers, and 2J per cent, for warehouses, be struck. Councillor Greenfield seconded the amendment. There was no doubt that 4 per cent, was too small a rate to cover the expenditure. Councillor Fisher desired to move that warehouses should be charged 3 per cent, and dwellings 4 per cent. The Mayor said stores were being charged by meter as well as at the rate of 2J per cent. Councillor Hosier thought it was very little use to argue with a member of the Council who was afraid to vote when a question came up, and went out. They were bound down by the Act as to the rate on warehouses, and they could not charge more than 2J per cent, unless the law was altered. It would be futile to come to a decision in defiance of the law. It was no use for any one to get up and talk about poor people and the hardships they were made to suffer, and it was no use trying to humbug the citizens by suggesting that they should have a large water supply, if they were not prepaied to pay for it. Councillor Maoinbity intimated that ho' would second Councillor Fisher’s amendment. Councillor George’s amendment was put, and lost by the _ casting vote of the Mayor, who deemed it his duty to give an opportunity for further consideration of the subject.

TENDEIIB. Tenders for Waterworks plant were referred to the Mayor, Councillor i’iaher, the City Engineer, and tha Town Clerk, with power to accept one. This conrse was adopted so that the successful tenderer might write to England by the next mail, “ , ' i ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £lOl7 7s. 2d. were passed for payment. PLIMMEB’S WHAM’. Councillor Eishejs informed the Council that ho had seen an advertisement in the papers inviting tenders for erecting a shed on Elimmer’s wharf. He referred to the large business done at this wharf, something like £4OOO per annum, to the prejudice of the Queen’s wharf, and asked what position Plimmer and Beeves were in as to the wharf. The Mayor said the water into which the wharf ran did not belong to tho Corpora-

tion. When the grant of the present Te Aro foreshore was made to the city this portion of the harbor was the property of tho Provincial Government. It was a : part of tho grant to Dr. Beathorston as Superintendent of tho province. b;ow it was vested in the General Government. When ha heard of tho action taken by the owners of the wharf ho requested the Town Clerk to address tho General Government on the subject. He had himself been to the Government once, and he was waiting for further information on tho matter. There had not been any privileges granted by tho Corporation. The Council then adjourned.

£ s. i i. £ s. d. Profits on kerosene store .. 100 0 0 Kents—Market Reserve .. $25 10 0 Reclaimed land .. 2074 11 0 Town Belt .. 1607 14 6 4,067 15 6 Licensee—Borough stage and hackney carriage 120 0 0 • Porters & boats 11 0 0 Drivers .. 3 10 0 Hawkers 75 0 0 Cart ICO 0 0 Hotel 1800 0 0 Packet ,, 20 0 0 Pawnbrokers .. 20 0 0 Wine and spirit 160 0 0 Auctioneers’ 440 0 0 Public Hall , 100 0 0 2.909 10 0 U.M. Court fines 80 0 0 Profits on weighbridge 200 0 0 Profits on wool pressing, Queen’sBond.&c, 4,000 0 0 Registration of dogs 70 0 0 Subsidy from Government 9.772 10 6 Rate at Is. in the it on £207.605 rateable value 10,350 5 0 £31,739 i 0 EXPENDITURE. £ 8. rt. Street watering ., 200 O 0 Law expeases., 200 0 0 Pire Brigades., .. 300 0 0 Street lighting 1,600 0 0 Salaries .. , 1,500 0 0 Wages 6,000 0 0 Printing, advertising, and stationery 600 0 0 Compensation to A. P. Stuart .. 3,050 0 0 Completion of municipal offices, and furniture 4,031 0 0 Interest on portion of loan 1,800 0 9 Charitable aid 1,300 0 0 Election expenses, auditors’ fees. &c. . 100 0 0 Balance available for other purposes ; Road metal, street formation, materials, timber, plant, tools, cartage. , gravel, smiths work, &c,, &c. 11,080 1 0

Rates on houses not taking water (£17,513), at 2 per cent.. 350 6 2 Kates on stores (£44,552), at 2} per cent.. 1113 16 0 Additions (new houses, &c.) 200 0 0 Water to machinery .. 300 0 0 "Water supplied at wharf .. 650 0 0 "Water supplied to Government- .. .. 300 0 0 Interest on deposit account COO 0 0 £836-4 4 5 JE3TIJ1ATSD EXPENDITURE, £ 9. d. One-fifth of salaries .. .. . 720 0 0 Wag&s—Turncock, reservoir-keepers, &c. 608 8 0 Tradesmen’s accounts and sundries 500 0 0 Interest on loan, £80,000, at 6 per cent.. 4800 0 0 Balance 1735 16 5 £8364 45

£ 8. d. Bates, on hotuea taking water (£121,101 at 5 per cent. .. ., .. 6055 4 1 Hates onhouaesnot taking water (£17,813 at 2J per cent 415 0 5 Hates on stores (£44.552), at 2} per cent 1113916 0 Additions (now houses. &c.) 200 0 O Water to machinery;. : 300 0 0 Water supplied at wharf ■ .. .. C50 0 0 „ to Government soo 0 O Interest on Deposit Account 600 0 0 £0064 0 6 ESTIMATED EXPBKDITUHE. £ 0. a. One-fifth salaries .. 720 0 0 Wages—turncock, reservoir, keepers* &c 603 8 0 Tradesmen's accounts and sundries 500 0 0 Interest on loan £80,000, at 0 per cent. 4800 0 0 To provide for. sinking fund'and contln gencJea, at the rate of Si per cent, on amount of loan .. .. «. 2300 0 0 Balance 133 18 6 £0604 6 6