CITY COUNCIL.

— + The annual meeting of the Council took place to-day at noon, when the following members were present:— Hia Worship the Mayor, Councillors Gapes (Mayor elect), King, England, Vincent, Taylor, Chorrill, Cuff, Hulbert, Lambert and Thomson. MATOBAL DBCLABATION. The Mayor elect then signod and made the uaual declaration. INBTALIITION OP MAYOB. The ex-Mayor, Mr Ick, invested Mayor Gapes with the badge of offico and the keys of the cafe. In doing so he expressed his gratification at handing over the office to one who had previous experience which would enable him to discharge the duties with credit to the city and honour to himself. He felt sure that Mayor Gapes would exorcise tho same zeal, discretion and energy he had formerly ehown. DElirOß BALANCE. The Mayor here took his Beat, and announced that thero was a debtor balance in Bank of £512 Os ld. COUNOIUOB AYEBB. Councillor England called attention to tlie absence of Councillor Ayers. FINANCE. Accounts to tho amount of £100 14b ld were passed for payment. The receipts for the two weeks ending 13th inßt. were stated to be £937 10s 7d. The meeting then adjourned till Monday next. At (he invitation of the Mayor those pre-

sent retired to the Mayor's room, where a number of toasts, including "The Mayor," "The ex- Mayor," "The Council Staff," coupled with tho name of Mr Haskins, "The ex-Mayors," "The Chairman of Committees," &c, were proposed and duly honoured.