HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2338, 5 July 1887, Page 2

HAMILTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the council was held last night. Present: His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Scott, Dey, Bell, Knox, Tippcn, and Yon Stunner. New Councillors.— I The newly elected councillors. Messrs J. K. E. Hatrick and Greville Smith were introduced by Cr. Scott, made the usual declaration and took their seats at the table. Hospital Matters.— A letter was read from Mr Hay intimating that as the case against the Counties had been decided in favour of tlie Auckland Board counsel for the borough had, as agreed upon, accepted a verdict for the plaintiffs in tlio case of the borough. The plaintiffs, costs amounted to £4l 18s. —The Town Clerk explained that tlie whole of the money had been stopped out of subsidy—the letter was received. The Public Buildings.—The undersecretary for Public Works wrote as follows: “ Public Works Department, 18th June, 1887. Ro proposed Public Buildings at Hamilton.—Sir,—l am directed by tlio Minister for Public Works to forward for your information copy of a letter from Mr LeQuesne, offering to soil a one-acre allotment in Hamilton East, with sundry buildings erected thereon, to be used fur public offices for the Government and Borough Council, for the sum of £3300, and thus avoid the necessity of erecting th* proposed new buildings for that purpose. A copy of tlie reply which has been sent to Mr LeQuesne is also enclosed herewith, and Hon. Mr Richardson would bo glad if you would kindly iet him know tlie views of the Borough Council on the matter at your early convenience.—l have, etc., C. Y. O'Connor, Under-Secretary for Public Works.—His Worship tlie Mayor, Hamilton.” [Copt.] “ Hamilton, 2fitb May, 1887. —To the Hon. the Minister of Public Works, Hamilton.—Sir,—A difficulty having arisen about tlio site of the proposed public buildings here, I beg to submit the following offer for your kind consideration, which, if accepted, would effect a saving of about £3OOO. That is, my allotment No. 21, one acre, corner of Grey-street and Clydestreet, Hamilton East, with all the buildings thereon, consisting of the Waikato Hotel and Hamilton Hall under the same roof, all built of brick, outbuildings thereto belonging, and my residence, consisting of 11 rooms, “slate roof,” and brick stables and coach-house, for which I am prepared to take £3.300, or, it the half on which the Waikato Hotel and outbuildings is sufficient, £3000; their equal could not bo built for £OOOO. The site is all that can be desired, centrally situated, both for tho borougli and tho whole of the Waikato. As you know both the site and the buildings, I do not think it necessary to send yon further description, but should you think my proposal worthy of consideration I could send yon the plans of the main building,' whicli would give you all particulars. The hall is tlio largest room, 34 x 30ft. Trusting you will give the matter your favourable consideration and recommendation,—l have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant,—(Signed) P. LeQuesne.” “ 18th Juno, 1887. Ro proposed Public Buildings Hamilton, and your offer to soil Waikato Hotel and Hamilton Hail for same. —Sir,—l am directed by the Minister for Public Works to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 2titli nit., offering to sell your property at the corner of Grey and Clyde-streets, Hamilton East, for £3500, to bo used as public offices for tho Government and Borough Council, and in reply to state that a copy of your letter has been sent to the Hamilton Borough Council for their consideration.—l am etc.—o. Y O’Connor, Under-Secretary for Public Works.—P. LeQuesne, Esq., Hamilton.” In answer to Cr. Yon Stunner the Mayor said he received the letter about the 23rd Juno.—Cr. Knox asked what tho loan asw, for. —The Mayor said, inter alia “for tho erection of public buildings.”— Cr. Knox said in that case it was nouse to consider tlie matter.—Cr. Von Stunner said if they could get the buildings cheaper than by building them they should do so. He thought the letters should have been laid before the councillors before, so that they might have come prepared to discuss the subject. He moved, therefore, that consideration of tlie correspondence be deferred.—Cr. Jones, in seconding the motion, thought it was a part of tho origional scheme that work should be provided fur tlie burgesses.—Cr. Knox moved that the council go into committee to consider the question.—This was seconded by Cr. Von Sturmer and carried, and tho council went into committee.—A considerable amount of discussion followed.—Cr. Knox said tlio provision ol work was a primary object of the promoters of tlie scheme, and Cr. Jones agreed with this. Cr. Von Stunner on the other hand thought if a saving could be effected by purchasing the Waikato Hotel the council should take stops to secure tins. —The Mayor moved that the Government be informed that tlio offer bo declined as unsuitable.—This was seconded by Cr. Jones.—Cr. Tippen moved as an amendment that the offer be accepted. If they could save money ttiey should do so. It was likely that if they called for tenders for tlie buildings some outsider would get tlie contract, and’all tlie labour would be brought into tlie borougli, Tlio country was going In for retrenchment, and the council should follow suit. If they simply wanted to spend money that was another tiling, but the burgesses must remember that bye and by they would have to pay a largo sum in interest, while tlio buildings would bo pointed out as a monument.—Cr. Hatrick seconded tlie amendment.—Cr. Scott thought Hamilton Fjast had had its share of money. At the same time he was opposed to the erection of tlie buildings altogether.— Crs. Dey and Smith were of opinion that tlie building offered should"be inspected, with a view to determine its suitability.— The amendment was put and lost.—Cr. Smith moved as a further amendment, “That this council at its rising adjourn until 10 a.m. to-morrow to inspect tlio buildings, and decide as to tlieir suitability or otherwise." Tins was seconded by Cr. Von Sturmer. For the amendment there voted: Crs. Smith, Dey, Tippen, Scott, Bell, Yon Sturmer, Hatrick and Jones. Against; Cr. Knox and tlie ‘Mayor.—Cr. Knox then moved “That as the council apparently do not know their own minds

tho £4OOO bo returned to Wellington.”—The Mayor ruled that this was not an amendment.—Tho following telegram was also received: “Wellington, 28th June,—His Worship the Mayor of Hamilton,—Tlie plan of tlie site has been received, and has been referred to the Erigineer-in-Chief, who reports that he estimates tlie cost of tlie works required to make the site available at about £IOOO, and as the building itself, exclusive of supervision, is estimated to cost £4300 tho total at the least being £33oo—the Minister would like tube informed whether tlio borough council fis prepared to find all tile funds required to complete the work—including the levelling,etc., of the ground—after allowing for the £2OOO to be contributed by the Government Tlio Hon. Mr Richardson would also bo glad to know the views of the borough council on Mr Le Qtiesne’s offer, sent to yon with Die letter of the 18th inst. —C. Y. O’Connor.” Cr. Tippen said it was evident that tho borough would have to bear the additional cost.—Or. Smith moved that consideration of the telegram be deferred until after Mr LeQuesne’s building had been inspected.— This was seconded by Cr. Dey and carried, Cr. Knox only' dissenting. On resuming, Cr. Knox moved that the proceedings in committee be not adopted, but that in consideration of the fact that the buildings would cost far more than tho estimate, tlie council take up £4OOO worth of debentures and return them to the Government. Cr. Scott seconded the motion, and remarked that he would be very happy to see tlio money returned.—Cr. Jones moved, as an amendment, that the report of the committee be adopted. If they sent the money back they would be breaking faith with tho burgesses who had decided that it should he spent on public buildings.—This was seconded by Cr. Dey and carried. Encroachment on Roads.— Mr Joseph Mul lions wrote, complaining that Mr I. Coates was occupying portion of Macfar-lane-street, and cutting off communication with tlie river.—The letter was received, Charitable Aid.—The clerk said he had forwarded an account of moneys expended in relief to the hospital board, who had referred the matter back to the council. The Mayor was requested to interview Mr W. A. Graham on the subject. Day Work. —Applications for work were received from Messrs H. P. McPherson, B, Roadie, and J. Devitt. Cr. Jones said the council was in danger of becoming a charitable aid board. Ho would suggest that the work of cleaning nut the water-tables be let by tender.—Cr. Knox spoke to the same effect. After some discussion it was decided to refer tlie letters to the works committee for report at next meeting, Crs. Scott and Hatrick voting in favour of an amendment to revert to rota system. The Hamilton West Drain.— Mr Thomas Vincent wrote, again drawing the council’s attention to tlie dangerous state of the drain through his allotment.—The Town Clerk reported that the drain was very dangerous. Two young children had fallen into it, and might have been seriously injured.—Cr. Knox moved that tlie drain be piped with two-foot pipes.—Cr. You Sturmer asked whether a legal opinion had not been obtained which exonerated the council ? It would be cheaper to take tlie land and fence it in.—The Town Clerk read the legal opinion, which was to the effect stated hy Cr. Yon Stunner.—The letter was referred to tlie Legal Committee. Grantham-street.— The Works Committee were instructed to make some necessary repairs to this street. The Case of Mr O’Dea.-Mi' W. A. Graham forwarded account of expenses incurred in connection with this case. After some discussion the letter was received. A Complaint. —Mr 1). Cockhend wrote, complaining that the ranger had illegally impounded a calf of his, and turned some of his cattle off tlie cemetery reserve before the fees were due. The matter was referred to the Legal Committee. Annual Rate. —The resolution striking a rate of Is in tlie £ for the current year was confirmed. Poundkeeper’s Report. —The poundkeeper reported that 24 head of cattle and XX sheep had been impounded during the month, and four dogs bad been registered. Tho total amount of fees collected was £3 10s Id. Accounts. —Accounts amounting to £431 hs 9d were presented and passed for payment. Baths Committee.— Cr. Yon Sturmer said that, owing to the resignation of Cr. Edgecumhe the committee were unable to bring up a report as.to tlie propriety of removing tlie Hamilton East hath. He moved that Cr. Smith's name be added to the committee in place of Cr. Edgecumhe. Seconded by Cr. Bell, and carried. The Cattle on the Streets.—Cr. Scott, in accordance with notice, moved “That all horses, cattle &c 're allowed upon the streets of the borough, in future during tho months of June, July, and August, day and night.” Hespokejat some length on this subject, urging that the council should endeavour to afford some measure of relief to tlie poorer class of ratepayers, who were subjected to great hardship under tho present arrangement.—Cr. Jones seconded) the motion pro forma —Cr. Knox said he could understand Cr. Scott if lie wished to let the cattle out in the summer.—Cr. Scott said it was a matter of shelter,—Cr. Knox said the cattle wore not worth it. If the cattle owners wanted protection so also did the owners of gardens. If the council allowed cattle to be at large, the police would step in, so that the ease of the cattle owners would not bo improved.— Cr. Tippen moved as an amendment that cattle be allowed to rim during 12 calendar months in the year. This was seconded by Cr, Jlatriclc. Ho thought thoj' were not considering tho true interests of the working men, who were tho mainstay of tlie borough in imposing taxes upon them. He thought thsy should do all they could to induce, people to settle in the place.—Cr. Knox asked if the mayor could put a resolution which was contrary to law. —The Mayor held that the whole transaction was contrary to law.—The amendment was put and lost. For Crs. Tippen, Scott, Hatrick and Jones; against Crs. Knox, Smith,.Dey, Bell, Von Sturmer, and the Mayor. E’er tho motion there voted only Cr. Scott. It was therefore lost. Tenders. —The following tenders were received for works in Willoughby, Selkirk and Liverpool streets :—J. Dixon, £2 18s Gd, (clearing only) ; R. Waite, £fi 10s, the whole job ; W. Proctor, £4 19s do,, (accepted) ; R. Dellicar, £fi 7a fid do. This was all the business.