CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5800, 31 October 1879, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held last evening at the Municipal Buildings. Present—His Worship the Mayor, and Councillors Allen, Young, Logan, 'Miller, Brown, Stafford, Greenfield, Maginnity, Diver, and Thompson. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. A list of correspondence inwards and outwards was read. TE AKO RECLAMATION. The Town Clerk reported receipt of a letter from the City Solicitor, with reference to the progress of the Te Aro Reclamation Bill, which he read as under : “October 20, 1879. “The present position of this Bill is as follows:—The committee on the Bill sat for the first time on Monday last, Messrs. Ollivier, Lewis, Quick, and Stafford, appearing on behalf of clients opposing the Bill. Mr. Ollivier specially appeared on behalf of Messrs. Stewart and Co., who claim compensation for injury to their business as well as claiming in common with the other foreshore owners. The other gentlemen appeared for foreshore owners. After hearing myself and Mr. Ollivier, and taking some evidence, the committee adjourned until to-day. I was asked by the other gentlemen to consent, at this morning’s sitting of the committee, to an adjournment for a week, in order to permit of the opponents making certain propositions for settlement, and particularly with the view of their having an interview with the Council this evening. This I consented to, feeling that it would probably further the ultimate passing of the Bill. lam given to understand that the desire of our foreshore owners is, that the Council should carry out the arrangement made last year, namely, that they should purchase from the Council a slip of land adjoining their several properties, at a price equal in the whole to £45,800. “ (Signed) W. T. L. Travers, “ City Solicitor.”

A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Archibald, Mace, McLean, and Cohen, Mr. Ollivier acting as spokesman, then appeared, with the view of arranging for a conference with the Council to consider the foreshore question. It was arranged that the foreshore owners should meet the members of the Council in committee on Monday evening. ANOTHER COMPENSATION CLAIM. At the request of Councillor Maginnity the following letter was read : “Wellington, October 21,1879. “ 0. C. Graham, Esq., Town Clerk. “ Dear Sir, —We are instructed by Mr. Isaiah Fake to write jou respecting the injuries sustained by him through his falling in Daniel-street, for which the Corporation is liable, owing to there being no lights in the .street, as he has already informed you in his previous communications. We are informed by medical men that they cannot for some mouths to come form any reliable judgment as to the nature and extent of the injuries sustained by Mr. Fake. We are therefore not in a position at present to make a claim on Mr. Fake's behalf for any definite amount. As, however, owing to his being unable to work at his trade he is put to much inconvenience, we write this for the purpose of asking the Council to grant him a sum of money on account, say £IOO, such payment to be made without prejudice to his claim for more compensation when the full extent of his injuries is ascertained. Please lay this letter before the Council at its next meeting.—Yours truly, Duller and Lewis.” Councillor Maginnity said the man had not been able to work for twelve weeks past, and was likely to be laid up for some time to come. Looking at the result of Mrs. Hedge’s case, he thought the Council might grant Mr. Fake some money to enable him to tide over his trouble. He moved that the Council grant the sum of £4O.

The Mayor did not think they could grant any sum until they had some further information to go upon. Councillor Maoinsity then said he would withdraw the motion in order to relegate it to a committee.

After some discussion, the matter was referred to a committee consisting of Councillors Logan, Greenfield, Thompson, and the mover. BOROUGH WARDS COMMITTEE.

The Mayor reported that the committee appointed to take steps with regard to the proposed alteration of the wards had not met, but the Town Clerk had prepared a memo, upon the subject.

The Town Clerk read the memo, which referred the Councillors to two maps hung on the walls, one showing the present wards, and the other the proposed alterations. He said these alterations would not necessitate a fresh election of Councillors.

The Mayor thought it would necessitate a fresh election of all the Councillors.

Mr. Stafford moved that the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare a clause upon the subject for insertion in the Corporation Amendment Act now before the House of Representatives.

The motion was carried. FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

The following report was brought up : “ The committee beg to report that complete specifications have been prepared for the waterworks plant as approved by the Council, and recommend that in addition to calling for public tenders, particulars be sent Horae to a number of first-class pipe-manufac-turing houses, the tenders to he received not later than the 26th January, 1880, the plant to he delivered on the Wellington wharf in good order and condition within certain specified dates, to be subject to certain testa both at Home and on delivery, the price to include freight, insurance, and all charges, exclusive of wharf charges, and payments to be 75 per cent, on invoice cost, on delivery of shipping documents to the Bank of New Zealand, London, and the balance on receipt by the bank of a telegram advising their delivery in good order and condition.

“ The committee beg further to recommend that a small committee of the Council be appointed to confer with the city members and the City Solicitor in the event of any difficulty arising as to the Te Aro Reclamation Bill, with power to take such steps as may be deemed necessary.

“ The committee have also to report that the sum of £103,000 has been received on account of the City Improvements Loan, and recommend that the same be placed in the hands of the Bank of New Zealand on fixed deposit for the following periods ;—£15,000 at call, £15,000 at three months, £SOOO at six months, £3900 at nine months, £20,000 at twelve months, £20,000 at eighteen months, and £20,000 at twenty-four months.” The Mayor said this large sum of money was to be invested for an important work, and he thought the time had come when the banking of the city should be done by tender. He thought' this account should be free to all the banks in the city to tender for, and he threw out the suggestion for the Council to act upon.

Councillor Thompson thought the time had not yet come for such a step to be taken. He suggested that a committee wait upon the Bank a v - V, -aland to make the best terms possibk. :-ig of course that the Council decide thai i.r- account should be kept at the Bank of New Zealand. As one of the Finance Committee he had been present at the meeting, but left before it was over. He did not think the report would have been in its present form.

Councillor Greeskifld, with some warmth, objected to Councillor Thompson finding fault with the work of a committee of which he was a member. He however agreed with Councillor Thompson that the bank should be waited upon. Councillor Thompson haring made an explanation. Councillor Stafford said he was prepared to accept the views of the committee, who were quite able to deal with the matter. Councillor Diver thought an alteration would c.'i't a refieclion on the Bank of TSew Zealand which they did not deserve. . He did not care what hank the account was kept with, so long as it vra.* aiivantaijeAu? to the city. Aftt*r s>*me remarks from Councillor Allen, The Mayor disclaimed any intention to cast a reflection on the Bank of Xew Zealand, but bo looked upon the matter as a business affair, and on the sime footing as anything els© for which tenders were called. He thought that the time for making a change would never be regarded as opportune by the present Council. The report was then passed Councillors Greenfield, Thompson, and Logan being appointed the committee required in accordance with the second paragraph. The paragraph, with reference to investing the various sums named, was amended by adding the words “ upon such terms as could be arranged.*’ OFFICIALS* SALARIES COMifITTE*. The following report was brought up : “ The committee begs to report that in the present state of the Corporation finances it is advisable that the Mayor’s salary be considerably reduced, to take effect from the date of g assumption of office of the next Mayor, but that the amouut be decided on by tho Council.

“That the City Surveyor’s salary having been decided on before the appointment of the present surveyor, which appointment was conferred on him in open competition with the whole of the Australian colonies, as well as New Zealand, it is not desirable that the salary be reduced, at least during the present year, nor that of the assistant surveyor, Mr. Barton, nor of the clerk, Mr. Hickey. “ That the present extra assistant and extra clerk and chaimnau are not permanently appointed, their pay while actually employed being at the rate of 20s. and 10s. a day respectively. “That the reason why the committee do not deem it advisable to make any reductions in the salaries of the City Surveyor’s staff is that they find there is a considerable saving in comparison with tho cost of the staff in 1877, which, together with the amount of building fees collected last year—none having been collected in the previous year— make a total comparative reduction of £I7OO. “ That the City Valuer’s salary remain as at present, and that the Treasury clerk’s salary be increased from £l6O to £IBO per annum.” Councillor Logan was opposed to any reduction of the Mayor's salary. Councillor Young thought the present was a good time to discuss the matter, so that any o-entlcman standing for the office of Mayor would understand that the salary would be reduced, if not done away with altogether. Councillor Maglnnitv was opposed to a reduction of the Mayor's salary. He did not think Mr. Baird, the City Surveyor, was being paid too much, and he added his testimony to the efficient manner in which that officer had discharged his duty. Councillor Stafford opposed the adoption of the report, as it only picked out one item for reduction. He thought if any reduction was made it should be general. After some further discussion the report was lost on a division by 6 to 4, his Worship declining to vote. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AIDS COMMITTEE. This committee reported that the Benevolent Institute recommend that a building be erected within the grounds of the present hospital for the reception of the old and infirm patients, not considered as fit for hospital treatment. The committee deemed it advisable that consideration of the subject be postponed until the intentions of the Government on the whole question of charitable aid are made public. The report also stated that the City Surveyor had been authorised to have the hospital fence repaired at slight cost, and recommended payment of accounts amounting to £192 Cs. 2d.

The report was adopted. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

This report was considered, the following clauses being adopted after some discussion:— “The committee beg to report—l. That the Citv Surveyor has beeu authorised to lay down a suraph at the corner of Pirie and Austin streets ; also two chains of Gin. drain pipes, at an estimated coat of £2O. The committee beg further to recommend—4. That the usual annual grant of £25, in aid of the Volunteer Fire Police, be made for the current year. 5. That a free supply of water for organ purposes be granted to all the churches in the city if required, but to be used on Sundays only. 6. That a drain be laid down in Brown-street, at an estimated cost of £27 15s. 7. That a Sin. water main be laid down in Guildford-terrace. 8. That the time for the formation of Bullerstreet (private) be extended for sir months longer. 9. That leave be granted for the width of Joseph-atreet (private) to be reduced from 66 feet to 40 feet. 10. That a 2in. water service for fire purposes he granted to the new Wesleyan church in Taranaki-street. 11. That water service for baptismal purposes be granted to the Baptist church in Vivian-street. 12. That accounts amounting to £303 ss. 3d. be passed for payment.” Clause 2, “ That an application for a grant in aid of Bt. Peter’s peal of bells is referred to the Council," was, on the motion of Com cillor Greenfield, struck out on a division by 8 to 2.

Clause 3, referring to the Council a letter from the Associated Insurance Companies, on the subject of subsidy to the Tire Brigades, steam fire engine, caused the letter to be read. The’letter stated that £SOO per annum should cover all claims on the association for the support of the Fire Brigades and Fire Police, and also that the association was unable to subscribe to the cost of a steam fire engine. The association asked the Council to appoint Captain Asher a fire inspector. No one moving upon the subject the matter dropped. . IJpon clauses 5 and 11, a discussion .took place as to the necessity for husbanding the water supply as much as possible, as six inches had already been lost, and it was likely that a dry season would be experienced. ICE MAKING. A slight discussion took place with reference to the consumption for ice making of 140,000 gallons of water, and it was ultimately decided to refer the matter to the Public Works Committee. accounts. Accounts amounting to £3054 13s. 4d. were passed for payment. THE LONG-PROMISED MAP. Councillor Thompson asked what had been done with reference to the map of the city, which had been promised for so long. _ Mr. Baird said it would be some time yet before it was ready.

THE HULK OMEGA. The Matob said Councillor Allen, who had taken great interest in the hulk Omega, which the Council had recently purchased, recommended that the sum of £3O be .pent in taki.g the vessel on the Patent Slip and having her bottom inspected. __ The sum was voted, Councillor AtAGURfITT also recommending that Councillor Allen be made commodore of the Corporation fleet. (Laughter.) the recent prosecutions. Councillor Stafford asked under whose instructions the recent prosecutions had been inatituted against Hr. Love and othcrs for obstructing the footpaths. He considered that the object of the by-iaw was merely to protect the public, not to be a means of persecution. The Mayor said he was always against any attempt to too rigidly enforce the bye-laws, as that would be a mistake. The Town Clerk explained the matter at some length. The Inspector always consulted him in such cases, and had been merely doing his duty. Sir. Love had been previously convicted for a similar offence, and was fined in a nommal penalty, but he did it again, and it now turns out that the ground in front of his ebon is private property, although he had never raised that defence upon the first occasion The Council had been for years keeping this ground in repair under the impression that it was part of the footpath, and no objection been raised by Love to this. . With regard to Mr. Smith's case, tne _ shop windows he’d been recessed with a clear view of evading the bye-law. -Magistrate, had frequently bud down that shopkeepers should not place temptation in people a way as they did. M • Smit h had already been fined in a nominal penalty, and the present case had been adjoarned to enable him to call evidence in rebuttal of that given by Mr, Johnston. A constable who had witnessed the breach of the bye-law had, unfortunately, since been Inferred to Dunedin It was now his (the Town Clerk a) intention to call upon Mr. Love to enclose the n-round in front of his shop according to the terms of the Building Act, as the fence ha had

erected was a greater obstruction to traffic than tho goods were, and should any accident happen the Corporation would be liable for damages if they took no steps to have the ground properly enclosed. Mr. Stafford again said that the bye-laws should not be used as a means of oppression. An opinion was generally expressed that the Inspector had merely done his duty in the matter. MB. O’NEILL'S CLAIM. The Matob, in reply to one of the councillors, paid that Mr. O’Neill’s letter, rc flagging, was being dealt with by the Public Works Committee, who would report upon it. STEAM EIBE ENGINE. Councillor If iter moved, pursuant to notice, that immediate steps be taken to procure a , steam fire engine for the use of the city, and shortly stated the advantages to be derived in case of fire from such an engine. Councillor Thompson seconded the motion. Councillor Maoinnitt opposed the motion, and thought tbo insurance companies should do more for tho Fire Brigades than they do at present. Councillor Allen objected to the vote, and thought it would be an illegal one. Councillor Diver having made a vigorous speech in reply, the motion was lost on a division by 8 to 2. HOBSON-STBEET suspension BRIDGE. Councillor Allen, in the absence of Councillor Fisher, moved that a return he laid on the table, showing in detail the cost of the Hobsonstreet suspension bridge.—Carried. THE CLIMIE DRAINAGE SCHEME. Councillor Fisher’s motion, —That the resolution of .Tune 6, 1878, adopting Mr. Clark s drainage scheme, be rescinded, as being ultra vires in consequence of the resolution of April 12, 1877, and that tho necessary steps be taken to carry out Mr. Clitnie’s drainage scheme, Mr. Climie to be drainage engineer, lapsed in the absence of the proposer. COVERING IN DRAINS. Councillor Allen moved that the sum of £9900 3s. 10d., specially appropriated for drainage purnoses under the City of Wellington Doans Consolidation Act,' 1876, Amendment Act, 1877, be devoted to covering in the Ade-laide-road drain, tbo Tinakori-road drain, and the ‘Te Aro stream. Councillor Stafford seconded the motion. Councillor Brown supported the motion, and said he looked upon it as a very necessary work. ' Councillor Thompson should like to see a report from the City Surveyor ns to the probable cost of the work. Councillor Greenfield and Councillor Young supported the motion. After some further discussion the motion was carried. NEW STANDING ORDER. Councillor Logan moved,—“That on the occurrence of the want of a quorum taking place at a meeting of the Council, the chairman shall cause a bell to be rung, and allow three minutes to elapse before he vacates the chair, the above to be an addition to the Standing Orders.”—Carried. PUBLIC CLOCK. Councillor Logan moved,—That the sum of £7O be granted towards the erection of a public clock at the Wellington Athemeum. Ho said the clock would be a great public benefit. Councillor Greenfield seconded. A discussion took place, during which Councillor Maginnity said while he admired the patriotism of the gentleman who had presented the clock lo the Athenamm, he thought his patriotism should have gone a little further, and have led him to place the clock in position. He referred to the Hon. John Martin, who, in order that his name might be handed down to posterity, had presented the city with a fountain, but it cost the Council £3OO to erect that fountain. The motion was lost. The Council rose at 10.20 p,m.