CITY COUNCIL.

Press, Volume XII, Issue 1618, 15 January 1868, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

The nomination of candidates to fill the places of the four retiring members of the Council, viz., Messrs Tombs, Jameson, Ruddenklau, and Duncan, and also that of Mr W. Hislop, who resigns hie seat, took place yesterday at noon, in the Town hall. The attendance was not very large, which may be attributed however to the event clashing with the races. The chair was taken at twelve o'clock by Mr W. Wilson, as chairman of the late Council. The Chaibmak, in etating the objects for which the electors had met together, namely, for eleoting fresh councillors, reminded them that the members now retiring were eligible for re-election, and he also requested that persons who had not paid their ra,tes would take no part in the proceedings. Before proceeding to the nomination of candidates, he called upon them to elect two gentlemen to audit the accounts for the past year. Mr St. Qtjbntin proposed, and Mr M. B. Habt seconded, that Messrs John Ollivier and E. C. J. Stevens be chosen to do the work, and no other individual being proposed* they were appointed. The Chaibman then called upon the electors present to nominate a person to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr W. Hislop, of whose term of office nine months remain unexpired. Mr J. C. Bbookb rose and said that h e should propose a gentleman who was well acquainted with the requirements of the city, and who also took great interest in its aff-iire-He had much pleasure in proposing Mr J. C. St. Quentin, as a fit and proper person to fill vacancy. Mr Geobge AMiBK seconded the nomination. Mr F. A. BISHOP proposed Mr Sheppard. That gentleman was well known to all, and as he was a good man of business, and had plenty of time to devote to the duties, they could not do better than to elect him. The nomination being seconded, the Chaibmak enquired whether any other elector had a candidate to propose, and on receiving no response, called for a show of hands, which he declared to be in favour of Mr Sheppard. Mr St. Qtjentin demanded a poll, which was fixed to take place this day between the hours often a.m. and 4 pm. The Chaibman then called upon the electors to propose candidates in the places of the four retiring members. I Mr D. Naiek, in proposing Mr George Allen, referred to many of the works that had been carried out by the lafe Council, expressing ' his dissatisfaction at the expense incurred, as some of the works were of little use. He believed Mr Allen would do what he could in the way of economy. He also thought that a shilling rate was unnecessary, as he was of opinion that if the works of the city were carried out economically, a sixpenny rate would be sufficient to meet the expense. He had much pleasure in proposing Mr George Allen as a fit and proper person to be a member of the City Council. Mr J. H. Tompkdts seconded the nomination. Mr BBOOKS proposed Mr E. Eeece, who he was confident would do his duty conscientiously. The nomination was seconded by Mr J. C. Angus. Mr Gbtbbsox then proposed Mr Andrew Duncan for re-election. He felt that he had the sympathy of all present when he eaid that Mr Duncan was a man well fitted for the position. He was a practical man, and one who alweys went straight to the point. Mr Angus seconded the nomination. Mr W. Calyebjc then proposed Mr J. G. Ruddenklau for re-election. He had worked with Mr Ruddenklau as a councillor for twelve months and knew him to be straightforward and conscientious. In reference to what had fallen from a previous speaker regarding the late Council, he believed that the Council had done its duty, and if any mistakes occurred in the works carried out they arose from errors of judgment. It had been found that a shilling rate was barely sufficient to cover expenses. Mr Ruddenklau would be an advocate for consistent economy, and he had great pleasure in proposing him for reelection. Mr W. Lxaks seconded the nomination.

Mr Thomas D. Jonbs, in rising to propose Mr David Nairn, said that he differed from Mr Calvert in saving that the Council had done all they could. He considered that a shilling rate was entirely beyond what was necessary for carrying on the works of the city. With the balance at present in hand and what they had to collect there would be sufficient to bear the expense of effecting works for the next twelve months, and he did not I see why the ratepayers for 1867 should pay for works to be carried on in 1868.. The nomination of Mr Nairn was seconded by Mr Daymonde. Mr Ghierson then proposed Mr Jameson for re-election. During the past year great benefit had accrued to the city by the works carried out, which might be observed by any one who went round the streets. He felt great confidence in Mr Jameson, who was a straightforward man of business, and he was of opinion that they could not have a better man. The Rev. T. R. Fishes seconded Mr. Jameeon's nomination, and in doing co remarked that every care ought to be taken to render the appearance and the healthiness of Christchurch as perfect as possible, as it would be the means of inducing people to settle here, and thereby amply repay any expenee that might be incurred. Mr Flatbl proposed Mr M. B. Hart for election. Mr T. D. Jones, in seconding the nomination, dissented from the views expressed by Mr Fisher. If they let it go forth to the world that they wanted a shilling rate for this, and another for that, and so on, they would create a bad impression, and thereby keep people from coming here. He believed in keeping the city in order, but at a reasonable expense. Mr Bbooke then proposed Mr Tombs for re-election. That gentleman did not say much, but what he did say was to the purpose. The electors would do well to re-elect him. Mr J. L. Wilson was then proposed, but declined to stand. There being no other candidate proposed, the Chairman called for a show of hands, which he declared to be in favour of the four old members —Messrs Jameson, Tombs, Duncan, and Ruddenklau. A poll was then demanded by Mr George Allen, and appointed to take place this day between the hours of ten a.m. and four p.m. The proceedings then terminated.