CITY COUNCIL.—This Day.

Auckland Star, Volume x, Issue 2781, 2 April 1879, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.—This Day.

THE fortnightly meeting of the City Council wan held this' afternoon. The following councillors were- present :—The Mayor and Councillors Goldio, Fleming, Thompson, Hay, Buchanan, and Isaacs. THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. A letter was received from Mr J. W. Cawkwell, urging tho Couucil to take over the Institute preparatory to its incorporation under the Public Libraries Powers Act, which stop had been advised by tho Board of Education. The writer stated that the Institute was now languishing tot want of funds, and unless the Council came to the rescue there would be no alternative left for tlie management bui to shut it up. The matter was referred to tho Goner a Purposes Committee. A DISPUTED I..EASB.

Mr James Harris wrote with reference to the sale of the lea.se of the premises at the corner of Sliortlaitd and Princes-streets. The writer stated tfiat tho auctioneer (MiGreenwood) had become the purchaser, but as he had not obtained the consent of the Mayor aud Councillors to bid his bid, was not a valid ono, aud therefore that the proEerty should revert to the next highest idder—the writer himself. In a further letter Mr Harris stated that tho auctioneer had avowed his willinguess to relinquish the property for the sum of £100. The letters wore referred to the General Purposes Committee, upon tlie motion of Councillor Goldie, who thought the charge was a serious one, and demanded the fullest inquiry. An application by Mr A. I'lermng for an extension of ltase iv Murket reaervo was referred to tho General Purposes Commit tec. ST. JAMES'S CHURCH. The Council declined to accede to a request by Mr J. M. Alexander for tlie removal of earth from tho western boundary. STItKKT CROSSING. An application by Mr J. M. Lennox for an asphalt crossing to connect Queen-street with Upper Queen-street across Waketieldstreet wiis referred to the Public Works Committee. DEFECTIVE DRAINAGE. Tlie City Surveyor reported", iv reference to a letter by Messrs Smith Bros., that the defective drainage ill High-street could not be remedied until the street is formed.

An application for the share of lioenso foes due lo Onchuuga was granted. ■ A letter from Mr, D. Nathan, with rcforeuco to the drainage of the Stand, was referred to the Public Works Committee, the Surveyor to report thereon. Mr McTcvish's resignation of the office of City Auditor was received. i'Tho Cquncil declined to reduce the pricp of water supplied to Mr Booth's baths. A letter from Mr Stewart, with reference to water supply to this locality, was referred to tho Works Committee. PUI3UC WORKS COMMITTKK.II The report of this Committee contained tho following recommendations :—(1.) That Mr Erringtou report on tho capabilities of tho Water Supply—what quantity is available in dry weather, and how much water in running'to wasto. (2.) That the Council do not entertain the proposal coutaineel in tho letter of Messrs Wavren and others ro purchase of allotment for erection of Masonic Hall. (3.) That Mr Best's application for compensation bo not entertained. (4.) That the Surveyor attend to the drainage of tho surface water oil" Jermyu-street, so as to obviate further complaints. (5.) That with reference to Mr Yank's letter re drainago in Lower Hepburn-street, the Surveyor's suggestions for the laying of 30ft. of new piping, at a cost of about £8, be adopted. (6.) That a sum of £10 be expended iv the improvement of Pratt-streot. (7.) That the necessary legal steps be taken to change the name Drake street to Victoria-Htree'; West, and that the petitioners bo informed that the Council has no power to alter tixed levels. (S.) That Avith reference to Grahamstreet, the Council do not accede to the prayer of Messrs Bartly and others' petition. (9.) That Mr Grey and Messrs Eraser and Tinne be written to and requested to abate tlie smoke nuisnnce complained of by residents. (10.) Thiitthclevels of Beach road, submitted by the Surveyor be advertised. The following matters -were deferred : — Letter from B. McKerras re White-street drainage ; replication from S. D. Hanna for wcigh-bridgo; aiid Cr. Buchanan's motion re water supply.