CITY COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 128, 31 May 1901, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

The oirdinury fortmig-h'tlyl .meetiing of the Auckland City Council was held last evening. After the investiture of the Mayor (Dr. Campbell) in the Mayoral robes Jlk Worship vacated the chair, which was tlion taken by the Deputy "-layer (Mr A. Ividd). There were also present Councillors J. Stichbury, J. Court, J. H. ilannan, F. K. liaume, P. Dignan, .1, T. -Julia-;, T. T.

Masctield, A. E. Glover, J. W. Hcwson, H. T. Gurratt, A. Kosser, J. Patterson, :ind C. J. Parr.

Fire Inquiries. — The Auckland Chamber of Commerce forwarded a .series of resolutions passed at a recent meeting suggesting1 to the Underwriters' Association that, with a view to minimising' their losses, and, as a result, reduce rates, an enquiry be held as to the orig-iu of every lire, and that the Association appoint inspectors, who shall report the condition of all risks. —Referred to the Leg-al Committee. 'Dog Ik>giistoation:.—Mr L. Stan-ton; wrote asking- for a three months' extension of his term as collector of dog- (regdstratuon fees for the city, at a commission of 2/ a head.—Letter received. Harbour Board Representative,—A li"Uer was ;read from the Harbour Board notifying' the Council of the resignation of Mr Goldie, one of the Council's representatives on the Board, and requesting- the Council to fill the vacancy. — Cr. Hew.son proposed Cr. Julian for the position, and Cr. Stichbury proposed Cr. Dig-nan, while Cr. liosser proposed Cr. (Hover. Cr. Glover withdrew, and Cr. Julian was elected by fci votes to G.

Overcrowding1 of 'Buses. — The Women's Christian ,Temperance Union wrote again urging the necessity for strong action in the matter of the overcrowding of 'buses and trams, and suggesting1 the appointment of an assistant traffic inspector during the football season.— Referred to the Legal Committee.

Irregular Time-table.—Mr J. S. Kkld, of the Tramways Company, wrote complaining1 oi1 the irregular time of departure of Pansonby 'buses from their stands, and of the conduct of a 'bus-driver in stopping- on the tram line to pick up passengers and so blockingthe progress of the tram. Mr Kidd suggested a bye-law defining stopping places-, and starting- times.—Referred to the Legal Committee.

Platform Permit—Mr W. E. Hutch i.son, contractor, asked permission to erect a platform 90 feet long over the premises in Lower Queen-street occupied by Messrs McKeown, Green, Coleman, Ah Chee and Reynolds, immediately behind the reception platform.—Granted, subject to the approval of the engineer.

Unsightly Buildings. — The Parnell Borough Council wrote drawing the Council's attention to the state of disrepair of that portion of the Strand lying between the boundary of the borough and the railway viaduct, and to some most unsightly and uninhabitable buildings fronting the Strand, which the Borough Council understood were condemned as insanitary by the police some time since.— Referred to the Streets Committee.

Offer of Land.—Mr J. J. O'Brien wrote offering to sell an allotment at the corner of John and James streets, Ponsonby (now used as a road) to the Council,'so that it might continue to be used as a road. Referred 10 the Streets Committee.

New Swift Avenue.—Mr S. D. Hanna wrote asking tlie Council to sell him the road known as New Swift Avenue, running from Hackett-street to Ring Terrace, which is not now used as a road. Referred to the Streets Committee.

More Light.—Twelve landlords and tenants in Grahame-street wrote drawing the attention of the Council to the fact that the street was without a light. Referred to the Streets Committee.

Tent in the Park.—The W.C.T.U. of N.Z. wrote asking for permission to erect a tent in the Albert Park on the day of the visit of the Duke of York, for the purpose of selling refreshments. On the motion of the Chairman it was decided to decline the request.

Cycle Track.—The secretary of the Cycle Roads League wrote stating that the League could not contribute towards the cost of a cycle track through the Domain, but might be in a position to assist in a month or two. Letter received. The Water Scheme. —With reference to the Streets Committee's recommendation that tenders be called for one a,nd a quarter miles of iron piping for tl»e Nihotapu water scheme, the Chairman said that the work would complete the Nihotapu water scheme. The Streets Committee hoped to get the water in by the beginning of next summer. Cr. Stiehbury complained that the committee had made the recommendation without consulting the Finance Committee. Cr. Patterson thought the whole scheme had been bungled. Cr. Masefield said the work was absolutely necessary if they wanted the water in next summer. Eventually the commit- i tee's recommendation was carried.

Streets Committee. —The Streets Committee reported as follows: —-(1) M. McDermott, permission to erect signboard, Fort-street: Declined, being contrary to by-law. (2) Secretary Diocese of Auckland, permit to erect temporary platform outside window, Victoria Arcade: Granted, subject to work being done to the satisfaction of Engineer. (3) Royal Reception Committee, as to strengthening of verandahs: Left in the hands of the City Engineer. (4) Auckland Electric Tram Company, asking permission to use the top of their verandah in Queen-st. for the accommodation of persons on the occasion of the Royal Procession: Permission granted subject to the approval of the Engineer. (5) Post and Telegraph Department, as to the repairing of the streets after the erection of telegraph poles by Council men at the Department's coat: Approved. (6) F. B. Winstone, re nuisance caused' by horses standing in Wel-lesley-street: The Engineer has been instructed, to disinfect the roadway. (7) Scenery Conservation Society, re tree planting in streets: Report thereon by Superintendent of Parks: A reply to be sent that no trees are available for the purpose. (8) E. Porter and Co., re land for widening William-street: A reply to be sent that as the widening of this street will benefit their property and the Council will be under the cost of forming the road, it is considered no compensation should be asked for the four feet proposed to be given by Messrs E. Porter and Co. (9) Your committee recommend the Council to invite tenders at once for the supply of one and a quarter miles of 15 inch cast iron pipes for the Nihotapu water supply. (10) E. 0. Wasely, offer to sell lot 36, parish of Karangahape, 90 acres: The matter was left in the hands of the Chairman. (11) H. Fraser, submitting price for-

cutting and' delivering timber at water race, Nihotapu: Fraser's offer accepted at a cost of about £80. (12) W. Higham, furnishing information as to logs in creeks on Council's property, Nihotapu and Huia: Report thereon by Water Engineer. Reply thanking him for informal ion, and stating that ike Council will consider the advisability of appointing a ranger next summer. (13) -Suit and Collier, re exchange of land, Vv ri Ilium-street.: Recommended that negotiations be entered into to acquire four feet to widen William-street, in-

stead of the 15 feet proposed. (14) Your committee rcconnntnU that 20 additional lamps be erected, and that the Streets Committee be instructed to report where these are required. (15) Purchase of steam road roller: A 15 ton compound pressure steam road roller has been ordered from Messrs Aveling and Porter, Limited, Rochester, England, (10) Stone crusher: The Engineer to prepare plans for shed for stone (.•rusher and that he report what engine power will be required. (17) \Y. Henry, offering to lay tramway to new site of settling tank. Titirangi, for £150. The offer was accepted, provided the work be done under the supervision of and according to specifications to be prepared by the Engineer. The report was adopted.

Legal Committee.—The Legal Committee reported as follows: — (1) Town Clerk, re draughts in Art Gallery: The work to be done as suggested by Crs. Hewson and Julian, viz., the closing of the southern end of the corridor. (2) Librarian submitted tenders for cork carpet for Library and landing: Your committee recommend the Council to obtain cork carpet for the Library and landing at a cost of £39 ?./. (3) Inspector of Police, re cabmen driving persons to immoral houses: Received. The report was adopted.

Finance Committee.—The Einance Committee recommended: Ratepayers, Auckland, 7-e rating- on unimproved values—Your committee recommend that the information as obtainable from the Council's books be furnished; recommendation adopted. Pavilion Charges.—Cr. Oaxratt moved, as per notice: "That the admission fee to the pavilion of the Domain cricket ground be reduced from one shilling- to sixpence."—On Cr. Stiehbury's moti.on the motion was referred to the Cricket Ground Committee.

Departmental Returns.—Cr. Tlannan moved as per notice, "That the treasurer and rate collector, also the heads of departments, be directed to supply monthly to the Finance Committee a full statement of all outstanding- rates, licenses or fees from any source they have failed to collect." After a short discussion the motion was carried.

Municipal Corporations Act.—Cr. Hannan asked as per notice, "If the delegates appointed by this Council to meet and consult with outside local authorities re the bringing into operation of clause 264 of 'The Municipal Corporations Act, 1900,' have yet reported to the Council the result of the deliberations."—^fessrs. Kidd, Glover, Eosser and Hannan were appointed a new committee to consult in the matter.

Tenders.—The tender of Thomas Billing-ton ( EI3S 13/8) for the formation of works in Karaka-street, and that of Beaney Bros (£145) for repairs to road roller, were accepted. Cycle Roads League.—The Auckland Cycle Roads League forwarded a letter specifically stating- their objections to the mode of road-making in vogue in Queen-street, and statingthat the League would maintain its right to address the Council in its own way. The City Engineer reported that in effecting- the repairs the roadway had been thoroughly picked up and reg-ulated before laying- clown. Experiments had been carried out with small metal in Queen-street, and had proved to be altogether useless for heavy traffic. Experiments had fully demonstrated that only strong 2J-inch metal of the class of stone available would withstand our heavy traffic.' If they possessed stone equal in hardness and toug-hness to Guernsey granite, the suggestions made by these gentlemen would be practicable in every particiilar. The letter was received.

Drainage.—A deputation from the Eden Terrace Road Board attended re the drainage of Suffolk and Manning streets. The deputation wished the Council to complete the drainage in question. The deputation were requested to put their request in writing-, when it would be considered by the Streets Committee.

Asphalt Paving.—The agent for the Nenehatel Asphalt Company wrote offering to pave Queen-street with six inches of cement concrete and two inches of val de Travers compressed asphalt at 23/ per square yard, and to maintain same free of cost for five years, or to maintain the same for fifteen years following on these five years for 9d per square yard per year. Referred to the Streets Committee.