CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5420, 10 August 1878, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held last night in the Council Chambers. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Dixon, Allan, Allen, Logan, George, Hunter, Diver, Maginity, Macdonald, and Greenfield. The minutes of the previous meeting having been confirmed, A deputation of residents in Austin-street waited on the Council asking to have the street formed. Mr. Hutchison, on behalf of the deputation, handed in a memorial signed by nearly all the residents and purchasers of land in that street. It was stated that the formation of the street would cost about £260. The Mayor replied that the deputation would receive an answer by next Tuesday night. He thought the work was such as might very well receive the favorable consideration of the Council. Two letters were received from the Municipal Conference, tendering a vote of thanks to the Mayor and Councillors for the kindness they had shown to the Conference; also, a vote of thanks to the Town Clerk for similar favors.

The report of tlie Finance Committee, as already published, was passed with a slight alteration in clause 4,

Councillor Diver moved, —That the Mayor be authorised to call a public meeting of the ratepayers for the object of receiving their views as to the necessity of borrowing a sufficient sum of money for the formation of streets.

The Mayor intimated that it would be better to make the motion in the regular way. It was ultimately resolved that Councillor Diver should give notice of motion at the next meeting rc the Mayor calling a public meeting of ratepayers. It was resolved that the debate ou the hospital and charitable institutions should be postponed, also the debate as to the public library report. Ou the question of the Public Works Committee's report of July S, relative to information required by Sir John Goode, Councillor George moved that the question be postponed for a month. Councillor Maginity moved as an amendment that the debate be struck out altogether. Councillor Hunter remarked that he thought it would be foolish to set aside the suggestions made by such a practical man as Sir John Goode. - It was ultimately resolved tbit the matter be postponed. The Public Works Committee report of Oth August was adopted as printed, with but very few alterations. As regards Clause 15, “ compelling persons occupying dwellings in any portion of the Town Belt receiving fourteen days’ notice to quit, and failing their so doing, that they be ejected without further notice," —the Council were unanimous in striking the clause out. The following letter re the cemetery site was read : Colonial Secretary's Office, August 2,1876. Sir,—l have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 13th ultimo, forwarding a copy of a report laid before the City Council by a committee specially charged to investigate and report on the best site fora new public cemetery. The Colonial Secretary directs me to inform you that the Government have no reserve available for the purpose, and consider the acquisition of a suitable site_ a matter for local arrangement. If, however, legislation is required for the purpose, the Government will give the Corporation as istance in carrying a Bill through Parliament.—l have, &c., G. S. Cooper. Thu Town Clerk. Councillor Hunter thought it was a question that ahould receive the' earnest consideration of the Council. Councillor Allan said the present cemetery being in the centre of the town was a disgrace to the city. There was not a more important question that could be discussed by the Council. He thought that nowhere else in the Southern Hemisphere would a cemetery be found in the heart of a town. Councillor George thought that the better course would be to refer the matter to tho City Solicitor, to ascertain what power the Council had to obtain the land. Councillor Hunter said the Council would not he doing their duty if they did not deal with the matter. It was resolved that the letter be referred to the Committee on Bills. ■ .. : The following tenders were accepted for kerbing Abel Smilh-streat :—J. Powell, £3 6s. per chain. Metalling Martin-square, C. McKirdy, £l5O 12s. Diay stand, Custom House-quay, 0. McKirdy, £ll9. ; , - Accounts amounting to ■ £6669 Is. 3d. were passed for payment. Councillor Macdonald moved,—That resolution of 3rd July, 1877, relative to Town Belt section No. 59, now in the occupation of Dr. Johnston, bo rescinded, and that the said section bo reserved for recreation purposes. Councillor Macdonald suggested that the City Engineer should report on tho claim made by him for the land. Councillor Allen thought that all expenses incurred by Dr. Johnston ahould be submitted to the Surveyor. ■ . i It was resolved that the motion should be pass, with the addition that Dr.; Johnston should be"recouped for auy outlay as reported by the Surveyor.”. Councillor Macdonald moved that private courts and alleys should not he leas than 10ft. wide. Councillor Hunter remarked that he thought the question would be dealt with by a higher tribunal. He understood it was one of the matters that had been dealt with by the Municipal Conference, and such being the case, he would ask Councillor Macdonald to adjourn tho question. ' . Councillor George seconded the motion. The Mayor remarked that the present question was one that had received considerable atttention from the municipal delegates. At the same time, however, he saw no objection to the Council ventilating the matter. After some little discussion the motion was carried. Tho Council then adjourned.