MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

West Coast Times, Issue 671, 18 November 1867, Page 2

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

The Council met on Friday evening, at 7.30. Present, His Worship the Mayor, Crs Button, Higgin, M'Beth, Ecclesfield, Paterson, Boyle, and Prosser. The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. THE DUKE OF EDINBUEGH. The Mayor said 'that ho had to announce that a requisition had been presented to him, asking him to convene a •public meeting to consider the necessary steps to bo taken to secure a visit from H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh to Hokitika, and he had accordingly convened a public meeting, to be held at the Prince of Wales Ope^a House, on Monday afternoon. He might mention that, from a conversation which he had held with the Hon. tTohn Hall, he did not think there would be much diffiralty in getting H.R.H. to visit Westland, in fact the only difficulty would be as to whether timo would allow the Duke to come. APPOINTMENT OP ASSESSOBS. The Mayor said that he wished to bring under the notice of the Council the necessity of appointing two assessors, in order to make the"valuadon of the town. On the last occasion the cost of valuing the various properties was Ll5O, but he believed that at present it might be done for a less sum. He might also mention that he wished for leave of absence for three weeks or a month, and during that time he believed that every member would receivo a copy of the new Municipal Act which had passed the General Assembly during the last Session. It was a most important measure, and one deserving the careful study of each member of the Conncil. So far as he had had an opportunity of considering it, he thought it would be to the interests of the Corporation to come under its clauses as much as possible. He would state that the Hon. John Hall had pointed out that,' under it, the fines inflicted for breaches of the bye-laws would become the property of the Corporation, and thereby a considerable addition to their revenues would be made. The Act itself was very lengthy, but thoy would have tho privilege of selecting certain portions under which they could act. THE MESSENGEB. The Town Clerk said that, although the matter had never been advertised, he had received several applications for the appointment of messenger. It was resolved that the appointment be advertised for at a salary not exceeding 30s per week, the party selected beinl under the control of the Town Clerk, .who had power to dismiss him, subject to the approval of his Worship the Mayor. ADDBEBB TO THE GOVERNOB. The Town Clerk read a letter from the Superintendent of Canterbury, enclosing

a letter from his Excellency Sir George Grey, in reply to the Address of the Corporation on his leaving the Grovernment of New Zealand. ME BALFOUfi's BEPOBT. A letter was read from the Goldfields Secretary, enclosing a copy of Mr Balfour's report on the beach and river protection of Hokitika. — Received. COBBESPONDENCE. A letter, which had been addressed and previously considered by the Public Works Committee, was read from Messrs Slater and others, asking that the tramway of the Hokitika and Greymouth Company might be removed from the east side of IS orth Eevell street to the centre of the road. Letter froni Mr Maurice Dowling, asking permission to erect a verandah with posts in front of his premises. — Granted, subject to the old rule. Letter from Mr John Hornby, asking permission to lay a box-drain across the pavement on the market reserve. — Granted. Letter from Mr Wright, resigning his situation as messenger, and asking that the salary due to him might be paid to Mr Baines. — Referred to Finance Committee. Letter from Mr W. Hine, asking permission to erect four horse-posts in front of his premises. — Referred to the Town Surveyor, with power to act. SEPOBT OP THE PUBLIC WOBKS COMMITTEE. The Town Clerk read the following report from the Public Works Committee :—: — No. 30.— Public Wobks Eepobt. loth November, 18G7. To the Members of the Town Council. Gentlemen — Your Committee mot on the Hfch instant, and have the honor to report. Ist. That the deputation, consisting of Messr3 Dick and others, upon the subject of the open ditch in Tancred street, attended and informed your committee " that if the prayer of the memorialists was granted, they had no doubt that the ratepayers most interested •would subject themselves to a special rate, in accordance with clause 88 of the Municipal Ordinance. Your committee informed the deputation that they would instruct the Town Surveyor to report the probable cost, and communicate with the memorialists on a future day. Subsequently, the Surveyor gave in the following report : — " I have examined the open ditch in Tancred street, and estimate the cost at L2B per chain to put in a box culvert and cover the same up to the level of the formed street. The length of the culvert would require to be eleven chains, makin" a total cost of L3OB. 2. The deputation asking for a right-of-way to be made on the east side of Eevell street attended your committee, who have the honor to recommend to the Council that a portion of reserve 438 bo set aside as a right-of-way for the purposes contained in the' memorial of the Ist instant, and that the parties interested in section 130 inform the Council what they are willing to take for their interest in the last-named election. 3. A deputation, consisting of Mr Dalrymple and others, waited upon your committee as to the state of Stafford street ns contained in a memorial dated the 24th ultimo. Your committee informed the deputation that this should be one of the first works entered into when the Corporation are in a position to carry it out efi'ectually, and that in the meantime the Surveyor should receive instructions to make an approximate estimate of the cost. The Surveyor has since given in his estimate at L 360. 4. The sixth clause of the Public Works report No. 29, referred back to this committee by the Council with power to act, was considered, and your committee resolved that the request of Messrs Simon and Blanches to open ground on tho Nortli Beach for mining purposes be granted, subject to the approval of the Town Surveyor, and that the applicants deposit the sum of ten pounds as a guarantee to the Corporation that the ground shall be re-placed by the applicants to the satisfaction of the Surveyor. 5. The report of Mr Johnson, of Melbourne, upon the analysis of well water from the wells in Hoiitika was adjourned for the consideration of your committee. 6. Your committee considered the report of the Inspector of Nuisances of the Ist instant, and instructed tho Town Clerk to write to Mr Broham, calling his attention to the practice of the nightmen depositing tho night soil within the boundary o f the town, and to request that the police will assist Mr Clayton in preventing a recurrence of this nuisance. 7. JNo. 3 of the Inspector's report contains a recommendation that the box drain be enclosed in the right-of-way from Gibson's Quay

opposite Roysc, Mudic and Co.'s store, and which your comraitteo recommend should be done at once. 8. The box-drains suggested by tho Inspector to be placed in Beach street ami Itevell street South are recommended to stand over for the present. 9. A letter directed to this committee was produced by tho Town Clerk, signed by Mr Slater and' other ratepayers in Revell sh'cet North, praying that the Hokitika and Greymouth tramway may be removed from the east side of Revell street to the centre of tho said street. Your committee, having fully considered the subject, recommend that tho prayer of tho petitioners be granted. E. Peosseh, Chairman. Certified correct, John Lazab, Town Clerk. , November 15, 1867. The report was adopted, with the exception of clause 9, which was ordered to be considered in committee of the whole Council. EEPOET OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. The following report from the Finance Committee was received and adopted. Keport No. 14. FINANCE COMMITTEE. ' November 15, 1867. To the members of the Town Council. Q-entlemen— Your committee met on the 11th instant, and have the honor to report that they have appointed Councillor Button their chairman for tho municipal year. Accounts, including salaries, miscellaneous items, scavenging, stationery, repairing wells, &c, amounting to £186 12a Id were paßsed for payment, and cheques drawn for the amount. Your committee have to report that the amount of debts collected during the month of October, is £531 Is. The overdraft at the Bank to date, £235 8s 7d, this includes the following payments to date : — Beach protection ... £120 0 0 • Planting willows ... 62 10 0 Labor pay-sheet ... 20 13.0 Return J. Hurst's deposit ... ... 11 0 0 Pay-sheet (Labor) ... 3 17 3 Draining swamp ... 130 0 0 Fourth instalment, Park, Weld, "'and Tancred streets ... 300 0 0 Third instalment, Gibeon's Quay ... 100 0 0 Total, £748 0 3 The Town Clerk reported that the amount of the second moiety of rates collected to date to be £2176 19 6d, leaving a balance uucollected of £2461 6s 6d. C. E. Buttox, Chairman. Cr Prosser presented a memorial from certain inhabitants of Hamilton street, complaining of tho surface water in that locality. Referred to Town Surveyor, with power to act. CAMP STEEET. Cr Boyle asked why the repairs of Camp street had not been proceeded with. The Town Surveyor replied that there was a difficulty at present in obtaining the necessary gravel. A notice of motion standing in the name of Cr Barllctfc was, on the motion of Mr Button, postponed. THE TOWN CLEEk's BALABY. Cr Boyle moved " That the Town Clerk's salary be reduced LIOO per annum, and that his salary for the year be the sum of L4OO, to be paid monthly." He said that he believed tho present Town Clerk discharged the duties of his office most efficiently, but in the present state of their finances he thought that L4OO was as much as they could afford to pay. Cr Paterson seconded the motion, and said that- he did so purely from motives of necessary retrenchment, and not that he had anything to complain of respecting the manner in which the Town Clerk performed his duties. Cr Button thought- it highly desirable that this matter should stand over until, from a report of tho Finance Committee, they saw how matters stood. He quite agreed with Cr Boyle in his remarks as to the highly efficient manner in which the Town Clerk discharged the duties of his office, and at tho same time he could not agree with reducing the salary unless indeed an urgent necessity for doing the same was shown to exist. That necessity had not been shown, and he should therefore move as an amendment, "That the consideration of tins matter stand over." Cr Prosser had much pleasure in

seconding the amendment because he thought it highly desirable that such an important step should not bo taken until after tho Council had first ascertained that there was an absolute necessity for such a reduction. Cr Ecclesfield said that when the present enormously high valuation was reduced, the Corporation could not expect to be in the possession of more than L3OOO or L4OOO a year, and if the present high rate of salaries was to be continued, there would be but little left for street improvements. Or Higgin said that wilh regard to the remarks made by Cr Ecclesfield he (Cr Higgin) thought that although the value of certain property might be reduced, yet tbat others would be rated, which had never yet been rated at all. He, therefore, thought that the reduction of their revenue would not be so great as that estimated by Cr Ecelesfield; under these circumstances he must, therefore, support the amendment moved by Cr Button. Cr M'Beth said that he could but agree with all that had been said respecting the.efficient manner in which the Town Clerk had discharged his duty, but at the same time the unpleasant necessity existed of making reductions, in fact it was a necessity which the public loudly demanded should be carried into effect. Cr Boyle said that he must p^rcss his motion. Formerly the Town Clerk in Dunedin, who was a most efficient officer, had been paid LSOO a year, and in addition when ho left the Council gave him a gratuity of L2OO. But it was found necessary to reduce the salary,, aud another person had held the office, aud ho (Cr Boyle) was sorry to say that everything had gone wrong. As things were now in Hokitika, they could not afford to pay high salaries, and therefore ho felt compelled to press his molion. The Mayor said that in allusion to what had fallen from Cr M'Beth as to tho feeling of the public for a reduction of salaries, he (the Mayor) knew that many of the candidates at the late elections had promised large reductions, but this he had never done ; in fact he stated that it was by [far the best policy for them to secure the services of the best men by paying them high salaries. As to the remarks of Cr Boyle, respecting the salary of the Town Clerk at Dunedin, he (the Mayor) would point out that Cr Boyle had himself admitted tbat when a high salary was paid tho work was well done, but as soon as the salary was low another person got the office, and everything had gone wrong. With reference to the remarks of Cr Ecclesfield, as to the anticipated falling off 1 of the Corporation revenue, ' he (the Mayor) would recommend the Councillors to study tho new Municipal Act, aud they would then find that new sources of revenue were open to them. That Act too would greatly increase the duties of the Town Clerk. Under these circumstances he could not consent to the reduction of the salary of the Town Clerk who was a most efficient officer, as he believed that in order to secure the services of a good man they musfc pay him a good price. He knew very well that the reduction of salaries was made a popular cry at the late election ; in fact one of the candidates had offered to superintend their public works gratuitously for six months, but this cry he had never joined in, nor would ho do so now. He should support the amendment, for lie knew the new Act would bring much additional labor on the Town Clerk, and moreover, until they had a report from the Finance Committeo ou the subject, he thought that the motion was premature The Council divided on the amendment. Ayes 4— The Mayor, Crs Higgin, Prosscr and Button. Noes <L— Crs Boyle, Patterson, M'Beth aud Ecclesfield. The Mayor said that ho should give his casting vote with the ayes. Crs Ecclesfield and Boyle objected to the Mayor giving a deliberative as well as a casting vole. Tho Town Clerk pointed out that the late Mayor, Mr Bonar, had given both a deliberate and a casting vote. The Mayor referred to tho standing orders, and said that he had no doubt as to his right to both votes. ("Continued in page 4.J

Council. — (Continued, from page S.J Cr Boyle wished the opinion of the Town Solicitor to be taken on the subject. The Mapor ruled that Cr Boyle was out of order. THE TOWN STTBVEYOE's SALABY. • Cr Boyle, by leave, moved the following amended resolution :— " That the Town SuWeyor's salary be L 250 per annum, and that he be allowed private practice. Cr Button said that there was only one difficulty in the way of this, and that was that he did not consider the sum named vras sufficient to remunerate the services they would require from the Town Surveyor. Perhaps Cr Boyle would consent to alter it to L3OO. Cr Boyle would consent to the alteration. Cr Prosser said that all these motions had been brought forward with to little consideration. He thought it would have been much better if a sub-committee had been appointed to inquire into the whole of these matters. Cr M'Beth feared that if the Surveyor was allowed to practice privately it might interfere with the discharge of Ms official duties. The Mayor said that he believed this motion, if canied, would not be beneficial in its effects. The experiment had been tried before and had turned out to be a failure. He had no doubt, however, that the present Surveyor would approve of the change, as it would be beneficial to him, but he did not think that it would operate well for the interests of the Corporation. The very fact of the Surveyor being a servant of the Corporation, and yet seeking for private practice, would lay him open to favoritism. He knew this haa existed in Dunedin, although the ] Surveyor there was a man of most irreproachable character. ' j The motion, as amended, was then passed. THE TOWN SOLICITOR'S SALAEY. Cr Boyle moved — "That the Town Solicitor's services be dispensed with, and that this Council do, at all times, when a Solicitor's opinion is required, apply to one and pay for the same." The motion, not being seconded, lapsed. INSPECTION OF THE STBEETS. Cr M'Beth moved—" That the Public Works Committee be empowered to inspect the whole of the streets within the town boundary, and report with respect to the requirements of each locality for the Municipal year, giving a rough estimate of the money required to execute the necessary works, with a view to guide the Council in the appropriation of the town revenue." Cr Prosser seconded the motion, which was passed. THE COTTNCIIi CHAMBER. Cr Prosser moved " That the holes in front of the Council Chamber be filled up with gravel at once." Cr Higgin seconded the motion, which was passed. TOWN SECTIONS. Cr Prosser moved '"That the Town Clerk write to the Goldfields Secretary, asking the number of applications for town sections at 20s and 30s per foot, and the amount that will be realized by such sale. Also, to inform this Council what steps the Government intend to take for the protection of the beach, and the continuation of the wharf as recommended by Mr Balfour." Cr Higgin seconded the motion, which was passed. - THE SOUTH SPIT. Cr Button moved—" That the Town Surveyor be instructed to estimate the cost of constructing a landing place at Lagoon Town, on the South Spit. Cr Boyle seconded the motion, which was passed. THE NEW MUNICIPAL ACT. Cr Prosser moved — " That a sub-com-mittee, consisting of Crs Button, M'Beth, Paterson, and Boyle, be appointed to report to the Council, if it be desirable, to take advantage of the new Municipal Act." He said that he thought it very desirable that the Council should consult with Mr Harvey on the matter. Cr Button seconded the motion. The Mayor said that he was of opinion that each member of the Council should investigate the Act for himself. The Act was not intended by the Government to be taken in its entirety, but it was divided into parts, any of which might be selected as being most suitable to the Jocality where it was desired to bring it into operation. The motion was then passed. THE FIRE BRIGADE. A deputation from the Fire Brigade, consisting of Captain Macfarlane and Mr Hudson, attended the Council. Captain Macfarlane said that the members of the Fjre Brigade wished to ascertain whether the Council would vote a sum of money for the whole year. The amount required would be L3OO, and he might mention that the Brigade at prerent were wholly out of funds. The Mayor said that the sum voted by the old Council was L2OO. The Council were fully alive to the value of the sei - vices of the Brigade, and he could assure the deputation that the matter would be most carefully considered. Captain Macfarlane said that the brigade were quite content to leave the matter in the hands of the Council. The deputation then withdrew. Cr Prosser moved — "That the matter be referred to the Finance Committee, with the view of considering whether some temporary assistance could not be J granted at once to the brigade." Cr Button seconded the motion, which was passed. The Town Clerk was directed to advertise for tenders for the appointment of assessors, and also for the appointment of scavengers. The Council then adjourned fora quarter of an hour. HOKITIKA AND GBEYMOUTH TBAMWAY COMPANY. IN COMMITTEE. The Council then resolved itself into Committee of the whole, for the purpose of considering the Bth section of the Beport of the Public Works Committee, having reference to the removal of the rails of the Hokitika and Greymouth Tramway from the east side of North Eevell street to the middle of the street. Cr M'Beth was voted to the chair. Cr Button said that he believed the eeb'ng of the inhabitants of that portion of Eevell street to bo that the rails should be removed to the centre of the street. : Cr Paterson quite agreed in the propriety of removing the rails. Since the, kerbing had been put down on the east viriride of the street drays were prevented "''' from discharging their loads at the various stores along the line of tramway. He believed that the expense of removing the i; '}.•> would not be great, as he had been

informed by a contractor that it could be done for LSO. He would move that clause 8 of the Eeport of the Public Works Committee be adopted. Cr Ecclesfield seconded the motion, and said that he thought it highly desirable that the rails should be removed, so as to allow carters to discharge their loads on the east side of North Eevell street. If the rails were removed to the centre of the street there would be no danger of the trams coming in contact with other vehicles. Cr Higgin would ask the Town Surveyor whether he considered it necessary and advisable to remove the rails to the centre of the street ? Cr Boyle said that no doubt the expense of removal would come heavily on the the shareholders, but of course the interests of the people ought to be consulted as well. The Town Surveyor said that he thought the tramway would be better in the centre of the street, although it would be quite possible to drain the street efficiently with the tramway in its present position. Cr Button would move as an amendment that the matter be adjourned to the next meeting. Although they might wish to look after the interests of the people they must recollect that in doing so they had no right to do injustice to the Comsany.5 any. He thought it desirable that a eputation from the Company should be invited to attend the Council, and also a deputation from the inhabitants of North Eevell street, so that the Council might be put in possession of the whole facts of the case. He would therefore move that the consideration of the matter be postponed until to-morrow evening. Cr Boyle seconded the amendment. Cr Paterson was quite willing to do justice to the Tramway Company, and would consent to an adjournment until tomorrow evening, although he saw no reason why the question should not be settled at once. The Mayor said that he could not understand why Cr Paterson should support an adjournment and yet wish the question settled at once. He (the Mayor) agreed with Cr Boyle that this matter should be settled on public grounds, and he thoroughly agreed with the opinion of the Town Surveyor that the rails had better be in the centre of the road. But when the question was formerly before the Council on an application for permission to lay down the rails, it was mentioned that in Nelson, in New Zealand, and Birkenhead, near Liverpool, the tramways were ordered to be placed at the side of the street, and permission was therefore granted to the Hokitika and Greymouth Tramway Company to lay down their rails on the east side of North Eevell street. He was perfectly well aware that the Company had not vested rights in the matter, and that if the Council ordered them to remove the rails that they must do so, but at the same time he would point out that tramways had been declared to be one of the greatest means for promoting the prosperity of Westland, and therefore it was for the interests of the public that they should be extended as much as possible. He had no doubt that many of the inhabitants of North Eevell street would be glad to get the tramways out of the town altogether. Just as many persons opposed the introduction of railroads into England, because they interfered with their private interests ; in fact he must state that he suspected the object of the present movement to be to drive the tramways out of the town. However beneficial to the community the tramway might be yet he (the Mayor) had no hesitation in saying that the Company had no protection, and were entirely at the mercy of the Council. He quite agreed that it was necessary to protect the interests of the citizens, but at the same time they should be careful not to do injustice to others. Cr Paterson had stated that the expense of removing the rails would be only about LSO, but he (the Mayor) believed that it would be nearer L2f 0. Cr Paterson. —Question. The Chairman — The Mayor is speaking to the question. The Mayor said that he had no wish to injure the inhabitants of the east side of North Eevell street, and he thought that matters might be so arranged as to give ample time for- drays to discharge their loads at the stores on that side of the street. With the view of giving further time for considering the matter, he should support the motion for adjournment. Cr Boyle. — Did the late Council order the tramway to be laid down on the side of the street. The Mayor. — Yes. Cr Ecclesfield. — After a long discussion permission was granted for that. It was never intended that the tramwny should be in the centre of the street. The Chairman. — I attended here as one of a deputation, and the Council distinctly decided that the tramway should be in its present position. Cr Prosser could sec no reason why the matter should not be disposed of at once. Cr Higgin did not see how the street could be properly drained, with the rails in the present position, and he should therefore support the original motion. After some remarks from Crs Boylo and Paterson, The Mayor said that the Company had been taken by surprise. They knew nothing of the memorial that had been presented. The motion for the adjournment was then put and passed. Cr Paterson moved that deputations from the memorialists and the Company be invited to attend at the next meeting of the committee. The Chairman then reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again. The Council then adjourned to Saturday evening at eight o'clock. Adjourned Meeting. The Council met, pursuant to adjournment, on Saturday at eight p.m. Present — His Worship the Mayor, Crs M'Beth, Button, Prosser, Boyle, Paterson, and Ecclesfield. THE HOKITIKA AND GEEYMOUTH TBAMWAT. " The Mayor said there had been some irregularity connected with this mutter, which, if he had been aware of at the time the memorial was brought forward, he thought it would have been his duty to have prevented it from being brought before the Council. As it was, he thought it right to bring it before the Council. The Municipal Act requires that petitions improperly signed should not bo received, and it had been ruled by the Council that even if a single signature to a petition could be proved to be forgery it ought not to be received. The memorial purported to be a petition from the ratepayers of North Eevell street. The petition purported to be signed by tliirty"nine ratepayers. Ho had been informed that since last night the directors of the Tramway Company had had an opportunity of investigating this petition, and they stated that out of these thirty-nine signatures thirteen were not ratepayers

at all, and there were thirteen others whom the secretary of the company could find no trace of. He had brought this matter before the Council, leaving them to decide whether the petition should be received. The Town Clerk said that the last Council had taken the opinion of the Town. Solicitor as to the signatures to a petition, and that gentleman was of opinion that a petition ought not to be received which contained false signatures, and he read a letter from the Town Solicitor to that effect. The Mayor said that there was another point connected with the memorial which he wished to bring under the notice of the Council. Thememorial had beenaddressed to and had been received by the Public Works Committee, and had been considered by them without having first been brought before the Council. This was decidedly irregular, as the memorial ought in the first instance to have been presented to the Council, and not to the Public Works Committee. Cr Button thought that the petition should be received, as there was a very great difference between forged signatures and parties signing by mistake. Now it had not been proved that a single signature? was fictitious, if, however, that had been done he (Cr Button) would at once say " throw the petition out." No doubt also it was irregular for the petition to go before the Public Works Committee before it came before the Council, but that had bean waived, for the Council had proceeded to consider the petition. He would move that the matter be proceeded with. Cr Ecclesfield said that he had much pleasure in seconding the motion, and he expressed his supnse at the remarks made by his Worship the Mayor. Cr Paterson said that he did not think on examination that one forgery would be found in the thirteen names mentioned by the Mayor. Ho would also state that the reason why the report was first brought before the Public Works Commitee, was that the Contractor should not bo delayed in making the road. The motion for the reception of the petition was then passed. IN COMMITTEE. The Council then resolved itself into Comittee of the whole, for the purpose of considering clause 9 of the Eeport of the Public Works Committee. Mr M'Beth in the chair. ' Cr Button said that he wished to ask the Town Clerk whether any distinct understanding had been given to the Hokitika and Greymouth Tramway Company that they were to remove the rails at any time when required to do so, and also to place them were required. The Mayor said that he had admitted last night that the Company were entirely at the mercy of the Council, He might mention however that the Company would very likely take up the rails whether they were required to do so or not, and place them in another street. The rails had all been laid down under the direction of the late Town Surveyor, Mr Armson. Cr Button — Was any permanent bine applied for? The Town Clerk — I am not aware of any - Cr Button inquired of the Town Surveyor whether he was still of the opinion that it would be better for the line to be in the centre of the street P The Town Surveyor —Yes, I am of the ' same opinion. Cr Button — If the line were in the centre of street would it be more convenient for general traffic ? The Town Surveyor — I do not think that would make much difference. My only reason for wisliing it to be in the centre of ihe street is that I think it would bo more convenient for drainage. Cr Button said that last evening he was very anxious that an adjournent should take place, for he was then totally ignorant of the terms under which the Company laid down the rails. Since then he had obtained ihe necessary information, and he found that by having the rails removed the public would be benefitted and no injustice done to the Company. He would therefore move that clause 9 of the report of the Public Werks Committee be adopted. Cr Boyle seconded the motion. The Mayor said that he should propose a motion the object of which would be to gain a little time, and he "thought he should be able to show the committee that the Company had considerable claims not to be interfered with. The only reason which had been assigned for the removal of the rails was, that they would interfere with the contractor, Mr Hope, in the formation of the street. He wished to ask the contractor whether there was anything in the contract with Mr Hope, or the specifications, with reference to the removal of the rails. The Town Surveyor — No. The Mayor — If this resolution passed the Council, would you have to make another specification !J! J The Town Surveyor — No. The Mayor said that, when he had previously referred to the position, he had not exhausted the remarks which he had to make. He had stated that thirteen of the persons who signed it were not ratepayers, and thirteen could not be found. Now it was of the utmost importance that the Council should be informed that the majority of the inhabitants were desirous of this change. He was] informed that the whole of that particular district had been canvassed for signatures to the memorial, to which only thirtynine could bo obtained, and of this number ho had already disposed of twentysix. He would proceed to analyse the signatures. Of these two were working carpenters, four were publicans, three of whom kept houses on the east side, and one on the west side of the street — there was one person described as a bank messenger — one milkman, one bricklayer, one painter and one shoemaker. Now he did not think that any of these persons could reasonably complain that they were injured from drays not being able to get to their premises. He had also been informed that ten of the persons who signed the petition were draymen, and indeed one drayman had asserted that it was his intention to endeavor to drive the tramway out of the street altogether, for it interfered with their business, and prevented them from obtaining such large profits as they would otherwise get. Three storekeepers had also signed, two of whom resided of the west side and one on the east side of the street. He (the Mayor) would ask the Council to favor his motion for an adjournment of the matter for one week, so that the views of the majority of the residents in the district might be ascertained. There was another reason why the Directors wished for an adjournment, and that was that an offer of a considerable sum of money ha<t been made to them if they would remove the tramway from Eevell street and carry it along Scwell street. He might mention that the directors felt at present disposed to accept this offer,

but still they wished for time for consideration. He ask the Surveyor whether the delay he asked for would interfere with the operations of the contractor in making the street. The Town Surveyor — I do not think it would. The Mayor said that at this critical juncture in the affairs of the Company he trusted that the Council would grant the delay asked for, for if the negociations now pending were carried out there would be no necessity for directing the rails to be removed to the centre of Eevell street as should the Council grant the necessary permission, the line would be carried along Sewell street. For these reasons he begged to move — "That the further consideration of the question be postponed for a week. 1 ' Cr Button said that he would be in favor of an adjournment for a week. Cr Prosser could see no reason why the matter should not be settled at once. The question for them to decide was whether the tramway should remain where it was, or be removed to the centre of Eevell street. As to the removal of the tramway to Sewell street, when that came before the Council he should offer no opposition to it. He complained of the remarks which the Mayor had made respecting the Public Works Committee. A deputation from the memorialists — viz., Messrs Whittaker, Pulling, and Clarkson — was introduced. Mr Clarkson said that the signatures had all been obtained in a few hours, and the signatures were all genuine. The tramway, as it now lay, was a great hindrance to business on the east side of the street. He might mention that the draft of a petition had been prepared, praying for the removal of the line altogether, but on consideration they came to the conclusion that by removing it to the centre of the street the public would be benefitted and justice done to all parties. Only one of the residents who had been asked to sign the petition refused to do so. Mr Pulling complained that the tramway injured trade in that part of tho town, by carrying the diggers and others coming from the Arahura right past °the stores and public-houses, and thus preventing them from spending their money. Mr Whittaker expressed himself in favor of the removal of the tramway altogether. He was a carter. The following deputation from the Hokitika and Greymouth Tramway were then introduced, viz., Messrs Klein, Hansen, Henderson, Kellock, Freidlein and Lynch. Mr Klein pointed out that the Tramway conferred a benefit not only on the inhabitants of North Eevell street but on the public at large. He believed that the whole town would if required sign in favor of its being continued. Mr Lynch thought it very unfair that a dozen or twenty men should try so to influence the Council as to induce them to order the removal of a work which was a benefit to the whole town. Cr Prosser inquired whether the Directors would guarantee the expenses supposing the contractor recovered damages against tho Corporation on account of delay imposed by them in the execution of his contract? Mr Kellock said that they would be willing to do so if the question was postponed for a week. Mr Hansen trusted that the question would be delayed for a week, to give time for the Directors to consider what they would do\ Mr Henderson said that the removal of the tramway to the centre of the street, would cost the Company Ll7O instead of LBO. He also pointed out that the tramways which had been laid down in London ran along the sides of the streets. Cr Boyle said that he would now second the motion for adjourning the question for a week. The Mayor remarked that precisely the same objections as those raised by the deputation from the memorialists against the tramway had been urged against railways in England. Cr Boyle said that he thought it would be only fair if the Council directed the tramway to be removed that the Corporation should pay half the expense. Cr Prosser could sec no necessity for an adjournment. He thought the matter had better be decided at once. The Council then divided on the motion for adjournment. Ayes, 3 — the Mayor, Crs Boyle and M'Beth. Noes, 3 — Crs Ecclesfield, Prosser, and Paterson. • The Chairman gave his casting vote with the ayes. The Mayor moved " That the chairman do report progress, and ask leave to sit again. It was now discovered that some of tho members having left the Chamber, a quorum was not present. The Chairman accordingly left the chair and the meeting lapsed.

"We have llobarL Town files to the Ist, and Lnunceston to the 2nd instant. Great uncertainty prevails as to whether Tasmania is to bo visited by tho Prince, but, should he coino he will be most heartily welcome. Referring to the contemplated ball at the G-overnment House, the " Mercury" says that " the Government House list will be taken first, but with a view to its extension on that occasion. There could be no other principle on which to regulate these admissions, with any pretensions to propriety, or any chance of success. It would be monstrous for the stewards to think of sitting iv judgment on whom they should admit, and whom not. The ball is to bo given to his Boynl Highness by the people of Tasmania, and not by a very small coterie." As the Southern Cross left for Melbourne, Lieutenant-Colonel Dwyer was loudly cheered by a number of H.M. 2-14 th Eegiment, who had assembled to witness the departure of their colonel. As the steamer was leaving the wharf, Colonel Dwyer acknowledged in the usual manner this testimony of the high estimation in which he was held by his regiment. A jockey, named Taylor, has sustained considerable injuries by being thrown from liis horse and tho animal rolling upon him. A curious case was tried at Hobart Town on Thursday, before the Chief Justice. Tho amount claimed was L2O, for work and labor done, such work, &c., being the) procuring of a child suitable to become the heir to defendant. Three years a<*o, according to instructions from defendant, the plaintiff advertised for a boy for the above purpose, and had some fifty or sixty applications for tho situation. The lad chosen by Mr Jnraan as his adopted son was an ignorant, ill-clad child named Sams. He was taken to the tailor's and " smartened up." For a lew days all wont well, and defendant might bo seen parading the lad about the city j bub soon, from the lad's ignorance, defendant discoverod that ho was not suitable for his purpose, and consequently disputed that plaintiff had earned the L2O according to tho agreement. His Honor also inclined to this idea, and the jury found for defendant accordingly.