CITY COUNCIL.

Press, Volume XVIII, Issue 2472, 1 April 1871, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

Friday, March 31. A special meeting of the City Council was held yesterday afternoon, at five o'clock, on matters pertaining to the Governor's visit. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Crs. Hart, Anderson, Bishop, Pratt, Hobbs, aud Sawtell. His Worship said that from all the telegrams received from the Governor, it seemed to be his wish that his reception should be as private as possible, but he thought that this was omv Mm,ui„i, „„ Ilto Dj.uellciioy wuW , hardly express a wish in any other way. It seemed to him that it would hardly be'right of the City Council altogether to ignore the visit of His Excellency the Governor, but that they should take some steps to welcome him. It rested with the Council to say what wastobedoue in the matter. He held in his hand a telegram from his Excellency, in which he stated that they had arrived at the Ashburton, and expected to reach the Selwyn station about seven p.m., finally arriving at Christchurch about eight o'clock. His Excelleucy the Governor would be met at the Selwyn by his Honor the Superintendent, Colonel Packe, and Major Wilson, and his Honor did not think it was necessary that the City Council should proceed there to meet his Excellency. The question for decision was whether the Council, as such, should officially meet his Excellency on his arrival at the Christchuroh station.

Cr. Anderson thought it was scarcely necessary for the Council to attend at the Christchurch Railway station, as the lateness of the hour at which his Excellency would arrive prevented any formal reception beinc given to him by the Council. Cr. Bishop thought it would be far better it the Council ascertained from the Superintendent when his Excellency would hold his levee, and then wait upon him officially Cr Pratt thought it would be the best plan tor the Mayor to wait upon his Excellency and welcome him to the city, and at the same time enquiro when the levee would be held, so that the whole Council might attend. b It was resolved that his Worship the Mayor wait upon his Excellency the Governor, and ascertain upon what day the levee would be held.

The Mayor said he thought that the Council should take some steps to entertain his Excellency during his visit to the city. He thought they should not allow his Excellency's visit to pass altogether unnoticed. The Town Clerk said he understocd that it was intended to get up a grand conceit during the Governor's visit.

Cr - • BISH OP agreed with the Mayor. He thought that if something was not done it would show a lack of courtesy on the part of the city. l

Cr. Sawtell pointed out that it would be a very strange thing to see so many of the public present at the reception of his Excellency at the Christchurch Railway station, and the City Conncil not there officially. He thought they would be showing a very great want of courtesy indeed if they absented themselves on that occasion. Cr. Pratt concurred with Cr. Sawtell. It would look very strange to find the City Council absent, as a body. After some discussion, Cr. Hart moved " That the Mayor and City Council meet at the Railway station at half-past seven to welcome his Excellency the Governor on his arrival in Christchurch." Cr. Calvert seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

The Mayor was requested to forward a telegram to bis Honor the Superintendent informing him that the Mayor and City Council would meet his Excellenoy at the I Christchurch Railway station, i The question of a dinner to his Excellency the Governor was mooted, but it was reso ved to leave the matter for further consideration as it was not known what the movements of his Excellency would £ during his stay. J It was arranged that the Council should i meet at 11 a.m. on Monday, to further consider the matter.

Cr, Hart then brought under the notice *' ! the Couucil the question of contrrtmt*' -*' the sports proposed to be held, ea "" to next, on the U.C.C. grp.u.ndj. " Tuesday that looking at the, foo* " " de thought a portion of th« tnat tu is was Excellency the Gov*-- reception of his contribute to-war-" .;' nor ' tne Council should fore move—" *.|-: u f_ir c cost - H e would there-j from tl- funri;^ 1 * he ! um of £I <> be granted «-,ense"_ S t£ °* . in aid of the yensc, ot the athletic sports." Cr iS,™ bonded the motion. «_w* 9? * oved M *»» ameudmejit«ne sum of £5 be granted." I

Cr. Anderson seconded the amn,,i He thought that £5 was quite _f «? n _ Jnt - they could afford. q as as Cr. Hart said that he thought ♦»,-*. - the City Council to give *" on „„ Wt lor like this was very mean, and no ashamed to belong to a Council Jhw lnioßt be so niggardly as°this. He hone 1£ C ° Ultl here would not a~rce to ~ ! lcmern - Indeed, so much dkl he°f c n t 0 * member of the committee feit as a inclined to tell them to keep the *¥ mUCh Cr. Bishop pointed out that ~ Wnen Unpaid what was coming due there I V* actually be a deficit, therefore bethought ,t was as much as they"^

Cr. Anderson could not understand th sudden burst of liberality on the dS? it i -° friend opposite (Cr. Hart.) That c™ •,, l3 had during the whole time he'had bSS? J r Council, acted as the champion of «T nn ° in fact, hardly had he become scat before he warned the Co Unc Tw hl ? spending too much money. ag!Unsfc by l ?toT ndme,lt t * hcn P ut «»i carried The Mayor then read the notion« public holiday, which was ordered to be pX The Council then adjourned.