CITY COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 147, 24 June 1887, Page 5

CITY COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the above body! was held last evening. Present: His Worship'the Mayor (in the chair), and Councillors Phillipps, Goldie, Crowther, Cooper, Swales, Davies, Holland, Garratt, Treuwith, Kidd, Parsons, Dignan, Laßoehe, Buchanan, James, Lennox and Evans. Cγ. Laßoehe introduced the new member for the Graf ton Ward, Mr Edward Parsons, who made the customary declaration. Correspondence.—Letters were received and dealt with as follows: — From E. B. Parsons, Secretary of the Auckland Gas Company, requesting the Council to fulfil the engagement made with the Company in the early part of last year. This was with regard to the exchange of a piece of land for city improvements. The Company being agreed to the exchange, wished the improvements to be effected. A memo, from the Engineer was to the effect that a retaining wall • would be required in the. first instance.— Referred to the Streets Committee. From Edward Bartley, asking that the sewer in Quay-sfcreefc might be continued to the Sailors' Home, now in course of erection, in order that he mighb connect therewith. The Engineer's memo, was to the effect that this would cost LIOO. He recommended that the applicant should drain direct into the harbour. — Referred to the Streets Committee. From Edward Bartley, asking for the usual permit to erect a dwelling in Symondsstreefc for Sir William Fox.—Resolved that the plans be approved. From Mrs Shea, stating that she was unable to pay the coniractors for connecting her residence with the main sewer, and asking that the Council would defray the cost. —Referred to the Finance Committee. From the Secretary of the New Zealand Frozen Meat and Storage Company, forwarding an objection to the excessive valuation put upon the property of the Company. —Resolved that the letter be received, and that the writer be informed that the Council have no power to alter the valuation now, as an objection had not been lodged at the time appointed. From the Secretary of the Harbour Board, forwarding the following resolution recently arrived at by the Board : " That as the work of formation, etc., of Hobson-street, referred to in the Engineer's report, is within the boundaries of the city, the City Council be requested to cause the work of formation, etc., of Hobson-street to be done as suggested by the Engineer;" also forwarding plans and copy of report, which showed the cost of proposed work to be LB9 9s.—Referred to Streets Committee. From Wm. Gray, Post Office and Telegraph Department, Wellington, stating that a site had been set aside for a fumigating house, oven, etc., for mails, near the Wynyard Pier, on part of the Railway Reserve, subject to the approval of the Council.—A memo, from the Engineer was to the effect that he considered the site selected suitable—Referred to the Legal Committee. From Thomas Ussher, objecting to the valuation for water-rate of his cottages situated on the Great North Road.—The Mayor suggested that consideration of this letter be deferred until the end of the year. —It was ultimately resolved to inform Mr Ussher that the Council were unable to do anything in the matter at present. From David Hunter, Mount-street, suggested that the Council should join him in the erection of a dividing fence between lots 14 and 13, or as an alternative, offering, if permitted to occupy temporarily lot 13, to erect a picket fence, put the ground in grass, and pay a rental of Is per month and other stipulation.—Referred to Endowment Committee. From Thomas Searell, architect, stating that Mr Seccombe purposed erecting a new hotel in the place now occupied by the Governor Browne Hotel, and if he did so according to the present levels he would naturally oppose any alteration afterwards. He therefore asked for definite information upon the matter prior to taking action —Referred to the Streets Committee. From James Knight, stating that the drainage now being laid in Gaol Road would prevent the recurrence of any damage to William Thompson's property in Gaol Road.—Resolved that the Council regret they cannot entertain this and similar claims. From Andrew Sommerville, asking for compensation on account of a landslip in Southstreet. A memo from the Engineer stated that ho could do with the earth that had slipped. — Resolved that a reply in accordance with this memo, be forwarded. From L. H. Neumegen, asking for a lamp in Park Avenue.—Resolved that the letter be referred to the Streets Committee. From James Blackman, calling attention to the accumulation of storm-water on his allotments in Sarsfield-street.— The report of the Engineer pointed out that the natural watercourse had not been left open. — Resolved that a

reply in accordance be forwarded. From the Accident Indemnity Company, suggesting that the Council employes should be insured, and submitting particulars.— Eeferred to the Finance Committee.—The Mayor said that it might be advisable to insure the Fire Brigade. Petitions.—Cγ. JDavies presented a petition from the butchers, praying that the Council would reduco the rates charged at the Abbatoirs to the same rates as those offered by the Tallow Company.—Referred to the Endowments Committee. The Legal Committee's Report.—This report recommended as follows :—Letter from Town Clerk, Newmarket, re omnibus fees.—That application be declined. Letter from Thomas Smart, re dismissal.—That your Committee have no recommendation to make. Letter from T. B. Hannaford, re Jubilee. — Your Committee report same as referred to the Jubilee Committee; Letter from John Buchanan, re presentation. of oil painting of Sir W. 'Fox.—That Mr Symons and Mr E. Bartley be requested to act as a hanging committee, in conjunction with the Library Committee, for paintings to be placed in the Art Gallery. Letter from W. S. Cochrane, Secretary of Anglican Cemeteiy Guardians, Waikomiti, re divisional guardianship at cemetery under Act.—Your Committee have no recommendation to make other than that Mr Cochrane be informed that the Council have not in any way exercised the powers vested in the denominational guardians by the Cemeteries Act. Petition from ratepayers of Freeman's Bay, requesting completion of tram lines.—Your Committee recommend that application be made to the Tramway Company to run cars to Freeman's Bay as formerly. Memo. ■ from City Solicitor, enclosing amended offer by S. White re auxiliary water supply, Edgecombe's Creek —That

previous arrangemenb be adhered to. Letter from William Head, re drain Vermont-street — That Council adhere to former decision. Memo, from Town Clerk, re fire, Council Chamber " That plans and specifications of the necessary, repairs and alterations to room and furniture be prepared and submitted to Council for approval. Application for night watchman (99 received), referred to selectsix— STourCommitteehave selected the following applicants who have been notified to attend on Thursday, 23rd inst., at 7.15 p.m. : Charles Goodman, John Simes, W. Donaldson, George Hardy, John Creamer, J. S. Webley.—A ballot was taken, when Mr Webley was, appointed, Mr Hardy securing the next highest number of votes.— The report was read and adopted. The Streets Committee's Report.—This Committee recommended as follows: Letter from Resident Engineer (J. Coom) re condition of continuation of Commerce-street, near Railway Station.—That a reply be sent in effect of City Engineer's report, viz., the right-of-way is the property of thy Government, and. hot

a public road, as intimated some _two j years since, when, it was proposed to; kerb and channel the street.—Letter: from Town Clerk, Newton, re repairs Great, North Road, estimated to cost £78.—That; one half cost of work be paid on the repairs being effected to the satisfaction of the] Engineer, and that the amount.be charged; to the Karangahape Ward. Letter from E. j A. Ashcroft and Co. re electric lighting.—j Your committee have, authorised the work to be at once proceeded with,. viz. :—Queen-street, by four arc lamps of 1,200 c.p. each ; and side street by means of six incandescent 30 c. p. each. Petitiop from residents of Hepburn-street, re condition of footpath—That a reply be senfcj in terms of Engineer's report, ' viz.,j the Clerk of Works has been _in.-j etructed to make . the necessary repairs** and place wood shoot across path abj junction with Picton-street. Report by. Engineer re cab stands (on the motion of , Cr. Buchanan)—That tenders be called for-' such works as may be required during 12 months at per yard in terms of speciiica-ri tions to be prepared. Memo, from Engin-.; eer re stock (report by Halsteadenclosed)—,: Committeehavenorecommendation to make.; Memo, from Engineer, re repairs to outlet o£>, main sewer—Your Committee recommend; that the work be done by tender. Letter \ from George Fraser and Sons, offering to; place Hampton's patent fire bars ia Western Springs Station boiler at an esti- \ mated cost of L7O, and if not satisfactory, j remove same—That the offer be accepted l so far as .permitting the bars to'; be placed as a test, out without any., present or future liabilities to the Council. Be water supply to wharves—; That, for purpose of experiment, a meter,, of sufficient size not to impede the pressure,be fixed at the city end of the wharf. Letter from Resident Engineer (J. Coom)----re condition of road leading to Railway Wharf —That necessary repairs be effected, j in terms of the City Engineer's report.,! Letter from Secretary of Harbour Board, j re city sewers and sewage—That arrange- j menthas been made for meeting of joint ; committees. Petition from ratepayers of! Wellington-street, re condition of road and-1 footpath—That a regly be sent in effect otj Engineer's report,<7*viz. : Repairs are now \ being made, and a fence has been erected i on the dangerous part of the north side ! of the street, while the south sidaj will be trimmed and made safe. Peti-J tion from Auckland Builders' and Con-. I tractors' Association and others, requesting-1 that works in Hobson, Upper Queen and) Shortland-streets be authorised at an early ; date—That Mr Pond be written to . for \ information as to completion of deed for. j signature by Hobson - street property | owners ' and others; and would, ad- i vise a reply to petitioners that the Coun- j cil is anxious to do all in its power,! to facilitate the carrying out of work 3 j alluded to. Petition from ratepayers, Ex- ! mouth-street, requesting formation. —Your. \ Committee have referred same to the' ■ Karangahape Ward, members. A lengthy \ discussion ensued upon Clause 2, and. Councillor Garratt defied the Council, to compel the Karangahape Ward to pay the sum referred to. The vote of the ■ Council was taken upon the matter, when j only the three Karangahape members: voted against the clause.—The report was adopted. The Finance Committee.—This reportwas read and adopted. The recommendations were as follows: i?e memo, from Town Clerk, re National Bank agreement.—Your ' Committee have made an arrangement with , the National Bank of New Zealand (Ld.) ' which they recommend the Council to adopt. ' Letter from Knight andFowler,re asphalting. \ —That it is inadvisable during wet weather ! to proceed with work. Letter from T. • Catran and Company re drainage across ■ Scotland and Ireland-streets. — That i Council not having ordered the work ; decline any liability. Letter from th© '. Secretary Hospital and Charitable Aid j Board re Smallpox Hospital. — That the ; building be offered, to the Board at the ori- j ginal cost (L 224) less 26-per cent. Letter from Elizabeth Blakey,requesting remissioa •' of rates, L 6 12s BJd, Customs-street,— That one-half the amount be remitted, ou condition that the balance is paid withia two months. Letter from Edward Mills, requesting remission .of rates, LI 14s B£d, West-street.—Your Committee recommend' that the rates be remitted. • Waterworks Report.—The returns from this department showed receipts for the past fortnight as follows : Fees, L 723 10s 8d : No. of new services, 10. . "•• Building Inspector.—This officer reported having issued building permits as j follows since last meeting : North Ward, i 19 ; South, 9 ; East, 12; Porisbnby, 2; '. Grafton, 1; and Karangahape, 1. Total, 44. - Sf*O; Tool-Housk. — The following tenders were received for the erection of a tool- i house at Waikomiti :-Maughan, L 37 13s ;' J. Duff, L 49 ; A. Burns, L3S ; Conlon and Co., L 44 15s 6d ; R. Lovett, L 44 15s ; En- ' gineer's estimate, L 33. —Maughan's tender j was accepted. . •••-.'

Kerbing Upper Queen-street. —The fol-, lowing tenders were received for this work: i —Shelwin and Co., L 37 2s 4d; D. Me- ; Donald, L 35. 6s; E. Smith, L 36 16s; J. Aspinhoe, L3B 15s 2d ; T. Read and Co., L 37 19s; Colson and Co., L 35 6s lid; J. Brown and Co., L 43 14s; E. Dunn, L 46155. : —Engineer's estimate, L3B. —■ McDonald's tender was accepted. Fire-Bell Tower.—Tenders for .the erection of a fire-bell tower in Karangahape Road—A. Burns, L 67 4s; Maughan and Co., L7l 18s ; Coulson and Co., LB2 7s 2d; Larkins and O'Brien, L 94 14s Id; H. Small, L 149. Engineer's estimate, L6o.— The tender of Arthur Burns was accepted.. Fixing of Street Levels.—The levels of the following ■ streets were fixed as advertised :—Hackett-street, Mercer Road, Tweed-street, • Melford - street, Waitangi • Road, Cameron - street, Percival Parade, Swift; Avenue, Sey-mour-street, Dedwood Terrace, Carolinestreet, Ring Terrace, Vine-street. - The levels of Emmett-street were not fixed, there being a number of objections lodged and supported in person. Committees.—Cγ. Phillippswasappointed as a member of the Streets Committee, and Cr. Parsons was. appointed to the Legal Committee. ........ Costley Bequest.—The Mayor moved the following motion: "That this Coun r cil proceed to . elect five menibers of the Council as an investment, committee ; that ■ the accounts in connection .with this bequest be kept by. separate account, and similar to the provisions contained in Section 190, Municipal Corporations Act, 1886."—The motion was adopted, and the following were appointed an Investment Committee :—The Mayor, Messrs Crowther, Evans, Goldie, and Garratt. This concluded the business.