CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5374, 18 June 1878, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. A long and important meeting of the Public Works Committee was held yesterday afternoon. The first subject discussed was a proposition to transfer Mr. Saunders’ metalling contract to Mr. McKirdy, and consideration was deferred.—A deputation from the owners of property in Dome-street waited upon the committee to ask to have the street formed and kerbed. They were reminded that some time ago the Corporation had agreed to pay half the expense of the work, but no money had been received from the property holders. They were told that if they would raise £2OO the Corporation would undertake to complete the work.—Mr. Jones, residing in Taranaki-street, complained that his property had been interfered with by works lately carried out by the Council, and the City Surveyor was directed to inspect the same and report upon it.—A letter was read from the Gas Company requesting the Corporation to license gasfitters. Doubts were expressed as to whether they had power to do so, and the Town Clerk was instructed to consult the authorities upon the subject.— The matter of laying down guttering in Willisstireet, near St. John’s Church, was considered, but it was decided not to do anything until the permanent levels had been fixed.—A letter was received from Mr. J. 11. Wallace calling attention to the fact that in making some alteration to Wellington-terrace his fence had been buried. The City Engineer was directed to report.—A memorial was received from Barber and others owning property in Old Custom House-street, asking that the street should be lit and metalled. Instructions were given to have two lamps erected in the street, and the question of metalling was left to the discretion of the engineer.—The Town Clerk, Thames, wrote to say that twenty-nine municipalities would be represented at the conference to be held in Wellington.—A letter was read from the Customs Department offering to have all parcels of kerosene tested on arrival, provided that the Corporation rendered the necessary assistance. The Town Clerk was directed to acknowledge receipt of the letter, and to thank the Customs authorities for having taken action in the matter. —It was reported that a number of Councillors and the Mayor had visited the site of the proposed recreation ground on the Town Belt south of Newtown. The ground was considered very eligible, and it was recommended that 40 acres should be enclosed. The City Engineer was directed to prepare estimates for fencing and for planting the boundary.—A report respecting rates due by absentees was submitted, and it was resolved to obtain further information, to enable the committee to report to the Council on the matter. —A long discussion took place with respect to the position of Mr. Port and Mr. J. B. George in relation to sections of land on the Town Belt which they had recently leased, and which they were called upon to give up after they had spent considerable sums in clearing, fencing, and improving. The City Engineer was requested to examine the ground, and report as to the expenditure that had been incurred.—Attention was drawn to the fact that pemnssion had been given to cut the road to Kilbirme on condition that a fence should be erected on each side of it; but that the road was progressing, and there was no appearance of the fencing being commenced- The Engineer was instructed to see to this, and to take steps at once to stop the making of the road unless the fence was commenced. —Mr. Beeves requested permission to make a road through the Town Beit to the rear of his premises. The Engineer was directed to report upon the matter.