CITY COUNCIL.

Press, Volume XVIII, Issue 2491, 25 April 1871, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

CHRISTCHUKCH. Monday. April 24. The Council held its weekly meeting last night at the usual hour. Present the Mayor Crs Hart. Jones, Bishop, Anderson, Sawtell' Hobbs, Calvert, and Pratt. ' FINANCIAL. The Town Clerk reported the receipts during the week to be as follows :—General city rates, £83 15s ; watering rate, £2 9s 4d* scavenging, £G Hs 5d ; licenses £1 ; rent of market place, 7s ; total, £94 5s yd. The balance at the Bank was stated as being £ r>3l> Is 2d. Accounts to the amount or £46 10s 6cl were passed and ordered to be paid. city siravEYon's report. The report of the City Surveyor was read as follows : —" Tenders will be laid before the Council this cveuing for carting 1000 cubic yards of broken metal from Fisher's . quarry, and delivering the same on the principal streets of the city, also tenders for the formation of Worcester street, from Barbadoes street to the East Town Belt, a distance of 18J chains. In the specification the contractor is required to cart part of the surplus earth from between Barbadoea street and the East Town Belt, to make good the hollow places in that portion of the street between Baroadoes street and Latimer square, and he will also give a price in his tender for forming the 9J chains, so that the Council can complete the whole street if they think fit. " Offers will also be laid before you for supplying 100 bushels of good oats, and delivering the same where required. I append to the report the printed form of notice for the Council to fill in the date to be received, and also the time they wish to keep the offers open. Mr Bailey's men are this day engaged in making further improvements to the tank in High street. " The labor gang have been engaged during the past week in various works throughout the city." The City Surveyor's report was then considered seriatim. TENDERS FOR CARTING STONE. The following teuders for carting stono from Fishor's quarry were opened and considered :— s. d. Wm. Parish jun., per cubic yard ... 2 II James Towers, ditto 4 0 Hadfield and Bright, ditto 3 9 — Hayward, ditto G 0 Thomas Lewis, ditto 4 0 Cole and Tayler, ditto 3 10 J Partridge and Co., ditto ... ... 4 6 Cr. Calvert moved that the tender o£ Wm. Parish jun., at 2s lid per cubic yard, be accepted. Cγ. Jones seconded the motion, which was agreed to. TENDERS FOR FORMATION OP WORCESTER STREET. The following tenders for the formation of Worcester street were then opened :— £ 8. d. Partridge and Co., per chain ...10 0 John Matthews, ditto ... ... 0 6 11 Thomas Marshall, ditto 19 0 (From Barbadocs street to Latimer square—extra work, £5) ... 5 0 0 Some discussion ensued as to whether the tender sent in for 6s lid per chain was made in good faith, the price being so low ; after which Cr. Jones moved —" That the tender of Partridge and Co. be accepted." Cr. Hobbs seconded the motion. Cr. Pratt moved—"That the Works' Committee be requested to ascertain the cost of the remaining distance, so that the whole street might be formed, and to arrange if if possible with the same party. Cr. Calvert said he thought it would bo far better if the Council accepted the tender for the long length, and allow the Works' Committee to arrange for the completion of the shorter length. The motion having been seconded was agreed to, and the whole motion, with Cr. Pratt's addition, put and carried. TENDER FOR SUPPLY OF OATS. The following tenders for the supply of 100 bushels of oats for the horses of tha Council were then opened and consideredJohn Butterfield, per bushel, 2s; W. R.: Mitchell, 2s fid. Cr. Sawtell moved—" That the tender of John Butterfield at 2s pyr bushel be ac« cepted." Cr. Hart seconded the motion, which was agreed to. THE TANK IN HIGH STREET. Cr. Anderson said that Mr Bailey's men had pumped the water out of the tank with a view of ascertaining where the weak pointa were, and they were now putting down a second layer of concrete, which the Works Committee hoped would be successful. MISCELLANEOUS. Cr. Bishop moved—" That the City Surveyor be requested to cut the branches of the trees overhanging the river on Oxford terrace west." He wished to point out that the trees were now hanging some distance into the river. Cr. Anderson said that if Cr..Bishop had no objection to defer his motion until the proper time for priming the trees, the Works. Committee would take the matter in hand. The matter was referred to the Works: Committee. Cr. Sawtell brought under the notice of the Council the advisability of the City Surveyor taking a survey of the footpaths and streets of the city, as the winter was approaching; and the time had now come when the streets really needed all the attention the Council could fjive them. Cr. Hobbs suggested that in streets running east and west the footpath on tho sunny side should be selected for forming, as the sun aided very much the settling of the path. In those running north and south, he would Buggest'lhat those foothpaths mosfc used should be repaired. Cr. Anderson said that these works at this particular time of year occupied the attention of the Works Committee, and to show the Council that they had not neglected their duty in thismatter, he held in his hand a paper showing the streets and footpaths intended to be metalled. They intended during the coming season to do aa much as they could in the matter, and to place the wholes strength of their labor gang upon it. Hβ quite agreed, with. Cr. Hobbs that the footpaths on the isunny side in the streets running east and west should be repaired, and thus the footpaths would be kept in very good order throughout the whole of the winter. His Worship the Mayob said that he saw a portion of Cathedral square which was \n tho hands of the Provincial Government; was in a most untidy state. He would suggest that the Government might be requested to make the western side of the square into a plantation. Cr. Hart suggested that a committee might be appointed to wait upon the Government to ask them to do this work. Cr. Sawtell suggested that the Works Committee should undertake the task of waiting upon the Government. Cγ. Anderson said that if the Works Committee went to the Provincial Government they would require to be authorised to say the Council would consent to have that noble pile of buildings—the Pagoda— removed. Cr. Hart fully concurred with Cr. Anderson that the sooner the Pagoda be removed the better. It was perfectly useless where it was, and might be removed, leaving the well. The matter was referred to the Work* Committee. His Worship the Mayor said that the Government had agreed to give 100 yards of/

-hiekemfietal from the Lincoln road for mettailing the approaches to the railway. P r SAWTELL said that himself and Gr Hart had waited upon the Provincial HecreSrVduring the past week, who had taken a JS of the arguments brought forward by the Station. He had expected, however to fcave heard from the Government respecting Jhegrantingof theuseof the hard labor gang, «nd the stone in front of the new Court House, both of which points were urged by the deputation. The Mayor said that he believed there had only been a meeting of the Executive that day, and he had received a hurried note from the Provincial Secretary, informing him the Government would grant about 100 yards of metal to the Conncll. Mr Kennavrav had also promised an official reply in a few days, which would doubtless contain information on those points to which Cr. SawteH. had referred. The only reason the Provincial Secretary had communicated to him that evening was that he thought the Council might wish to know the feelings of the Government on the subject. THE DRAINAGE OF THE CITY. The following report from Mr W. B. Bray on the proposed new line of drainage was read:—* " Christchurch, 20th April. 11 Gentlemen, —The levels of the ground along the line of the proposed new drain having been taken, and a section prepared by jonr surveyor, I proceeded on Wednesday last with him to examine the line. " The only natural obstacle to the work is a sandhill on the canal reserve, opposite Christchurch quay. This, however, can be readily avoided by a slight deviation from the direct line through private land. If this is done, a good fall can be obtained for the water from the drain on the East town belt to the estuary without any excessive cuttings, provided the owners of the land will sell to the City Council the land required for the -work, and that the Provincial Government will authorise the Council to construct the city drain along the south side of the canal reserve. "The Heathcote Road Board, who have formed a drain along part of the north side of the reserve, have crossed the canal reserve to the south side for the lower part of their drain, this occupying the reserve on both sides to the exclusion of the city drain. " It will therefore be necessary for the Road Board either to co-operate with the city in making and maintaining the- last mile of drain for their joint use, or to form their drain along one eide of the reserve only. '•The latter course is preferable, as the junction of two Boards would be very objectionable if it were desirable to cover this last mile of drainage, or erect a sluice at the outfall. " A portion of the Heathcote and Spreydon districts if they continue to drain through the city would contibute their proportion to the cost of the new drain." ";i have, &c," " W. B. Bray." Mayor and City Council of Christchurch. Cγ. Habt said this was hardly so satisfactory as he should have liked. Mr Bray did not tell them whether this was the best route or not. He only said he had been over it. Cγ. Calvert pointed out that Mr Bray, in a prior report, had given it as his opinion that the best route would be the one via the Sandhills to the Estuary. The City Surveyor was then called in and pointed out on the map the line of proposed drainage. Cr. Bishop pointed out that from section 39 to the Estuary they drained into the canal reserve, the occupation of which they only had on sufferance from the Government. Another thing was that they could only borrow money for a permanent work, and therefore it was that this work would not be legally regarded as a permanent one, they oaly being, as it were, occupiers on sufferance. Hethought it far better that they should have an independent line alongside the canal reserve. - Cr. Pratt moved—"That the report of Mr Bray be read and adopted, and the line therein marked out used for the purposes of drainage. Cr. Anderson said he agreed mainly with Cγ. Bishop that it would be far better for them to have the drain through their own land, and not on sufferance of the Government. He should move—" That the Council now proceed to fill up the notices so that they may be in possession of the amounts required by the occupiers." Cγ. Jones seconded the motion. Cr. Bishop asked whether it was intended to serve notices for an independent route on the south side of the canal reserve by giving notice to the occupiers in that part of the district. The Mayor said that the surveyor would be instructed to serve the persons residing on the south side of the canal reserve. Cr. Hart said that he thought it very probable they would have to go to the General Assembly for a private Bill to enable them to take the land required under arbitration. Some discussed ensued, after which the motion was put and carried. Cr. Anderson then moved—"That the date for the return of the printed forms of application to occupiers, to be issued by the Surveyor to the occupiers of land along the line of drainage, should be fixed for noon on Monday, May 22nd, and the date for the offer remaining open be fixed for the 19th of June." Cγ. Calvert seconded the motion, which was agreed to. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was re id from the agent of the New Zealand Insurance Company, calling attention to the fact that the insurance on the new Brigade Hall had expired. Cγ. Hart moved—' That the building be insured for the sum of £400, at the same rate of percentage as formerly; if the company are willing to do so." Cγ. Calvert seconded the motion. Cr. Jones said that he had heard a great deal of the alterations to be done to the Fire Brigade Hall, the engine would soon be here, and there were no alterations made yet. Cγ. Anderson said that a meeting of the Works Committee had been held that day, And it had been decided to issue tenders for the new building as soon as they were authorised by the Council. Cγ. Jones was opposed to the building Ijsing insured for £400, as the company could reinstate the building at about £100 less cost now than previously, With respect to the alterations in the new Brigade Hall, Cγ. Bishop moved " That the "Works Committee be authorised to advertise for tenders to be sent in at once, and further, that the Gity Surveyor be instructed to have the building insured for buildsr's risk during the alterations." Cr. Sawtell seconded the motion, which tos agreed to. LEVELLING OF LATIMER SQUARE. The Tows Clerk read a letter from the Hon. Sec. of the Popular Entertainments Association enclosing a report of a sub-com-mittee on the fencing and turfing of Latimer square, and asking his Worship the Mayor to Wag the matter before the Council. Cγ. Hart said this matter had been before the Council several times, and they were agreed that itshould be done if they could find the money. He thought it was a very neceswork, as in its present state it was a disgrace, rather than as it ought to be, an ornament to the city. He thought the Popular Amusements Association deserved great credit for their liberal offer of half the *ost The amount to be expeuded by the Council would only be some £55. He would move " That tenders be invited for the fencing and levelling of Latimer square as soon as the amount be paid in by the Popular Bntertainmeuts Association." Cr. Anderson seconded the motion. He ■was of opinion that the work was a very necessary one, and one they had long wished to do, but they did not see their way clear to do it in consequence of the pressure on their funds. Now, however, with the aid of .the contributed by the Popular Entertainment Association, they had every chance V* c ? r rying the work out. He should like to &cc it carried out on the same plan as CranJBerfiOjUaie.

Cγ. Peatt had much pleasure in supporting the resolution, as it was for the benefit of the whole of the city. He thought| that thoy should not be too utilitarian in their works, but they should endeavor to render the square as ornamental to the city as possible. Cr. Jones urged the necessity of having an entrance at each corner, in order to allow of persons taking a near cat. Cr. Hobbs thought that if a small charge was made for admission to the grounds during the summer the sum necessary for its levelling and. fencing would soon be recouped in this way. He thought that the City Council should not be called upon to put their hands in their pockets for this, as the ratepayers might say, " there is a footpath here and a road there which require repairs ; why not do these instead of ornamental works?" At the same time he thought it would be a very good thing if the square was levelled and fenced. Cγ Satytell thought the minds of the councillors resembled a barometer: one week they had a fit of economy and declined to make streets and footpaths ; this week they wanted to go in for ornamentation of the city and the amusement of the citizens. He thought they should study the wishes of the general public, as well as those of a few. Cr. Hakt said that the reason he brought the matter forward was that they would probably not have the same amount offered to them again ; and therefore it was that, although he admitted it was a bad time— financially—to bring this forward, it had been in a way forced upon them. After some further discussion the motion was agreed to. THE TANK IN HIGH STEEET. A letter was read from Mr J. S. M. Jacobson, offering some suggestions with regard to the reasons which led to the water leaking into and out of the tank. He gave it as his opinion, that in placing the cement between the blocks the grouting was too thin, and that the puddling on the outside should have been worked up to the consistency of moriar and allowed to remain for a day or two, instead of lumps of dry clay, as used. He concluded his letter by expressing an opinion that the tank could not be made watertight without being relaid. A letter was read from the residents of Manchester street north, calling attention to the overflow of a creek in the late Mr Grosvenor Miles's property. The matter was referred to the City Surveyor to report thereon. THE CASE OP A. M : TAGGART. A petition, signed by sixty-one persons, asking the Council to reconsider the decision arrived at in the case of A. McTaggart, was read. The petitioners asked this for the reasons that he was a man eminently qualified as a driver, and also that he had promised to abstain from intoxicating liquors in future, in token of which he forwarded the pledge card of the Christchurch Total Abstinence Society, showing that A. McTaggart had joined that society. Further, that he had a wife and children dependent upon his exertions, and that the lesson he had received would prevent his ever offending against the laws in the manner complained of. The signatures to the petition comprised several J.P.s, Sec. Cr. Jones said he had seen the gentlemen who had convicted McTaggart, and they had assured him that they wished the Couucii to overlook his misconduct this time. He should move " That the prayer of the petition be granted." Cr Bishop seconded the motion, but he hoped that there would be an addenda that any further convictions for misconduct would be followed by immediate cancellation of his license. Cr Ajtdebson said, although not at all disposed to be harsh with his fellows, he really could not see anything in the memorial to in any way alter the decision ai-rived at after some deliberation. He thought the Council were somewhat hasty in cancelling what had already been done, and although he should not oppose the motion, he still felt it it his duty to record his opinion on the matter. Cr Calvbet did not in any way wish to say anything of Mr McTaggart, but it was a principle which was involved, as any cabman who might get drunk and lose his license would only have to get a petition signed and join the Temperance Society. This was what he objected to, as forming a bad precedent. At this stage the Mayor discovered that the motion was not in order, and that it was necessary for the mover to give notice of motion. Cr. Jones then gave notice of motion — " That on next meeting day he would move that a resolution arrived at with respect to A. McTaggart be rescinded." KEPOBT OF FINANCE COMMITTEE. The following report of the Finance Committee was then read :— " City Council Office, 24th April, 1871. " The Finance Committee, in conformity with the resolution of Council on the 17th instant, beg to hand in a report with reference to the collecting of the scavenging rates. " In doing so they would first, for the information of the Council, point out the system now pursued, and afterwards suggest what the committee think would be a desirable improvement. " The contractors' accounts are rendered quarterly—that is, to the end of March, June, September, and December. " These are delivered to the office about a month after each quarter and made out in alphabetical order, to facilitate reference. " The inspector enters the names and amounts in a pocket memorandum-book, calls upon the parties in a line of street, having a knowledge of all those to whom the accounts refer. " In making demand for payment, he, by mental calculation, adds the difference between the contractor's charge and that of the Council. " If there are any disputed items in the contractor's account, such as charging for an excess of pans, Sec, they are then ascertained, and after visiting all parties the errors (if any) are adjusted with the contractor, and the treasurer checks the additions. " The amount is, in due course, paid to the contractor by the Council. 11 In the quarter's account ending December last there were 569 names to be called upon for collection ; many of them have to be waited upon several times, and the numbers are increasing. "The total amount to be collected was £142 Is, and generally occupied the Inspector about three months in addition to his other duties. '• Whether all the rates should be collected together will be a question to be considered by the Council at some future time. '•'Your committee will now make to the j Council such suggestions which they conaider necessary :— " 1. All moneys received by the Inspector are entered in a cash book, and the amount I paid over to the Treasurer weekly who initials the cash book ; but as this does not clearly show that all the items in the contractor's account have been collected, your committee have drawn up a form, appended hereto, which will have the effect of showing— Ist. The number in the contractor's book. 2nd. Consecutive number. 3rd. Parties' names. 4th. Amount due to contractor. sth. Eeceipt number. 6th. Amount due to the Council. 7th. Treasurer's initial. Bth. Accounts unable to collect. 9th. Remarks. "It is proposed that the Council have these papers printed and furnished to the contractor for the purpose of making out the quarterly accounts. The Council will no doubt see tae advantage derived therefrom. "2. The Inspeotor shall be instructed to render, quarterly, the names, amounts, and cause of all those from whom he had been unable to collect in the previous quarter's account, and shall not be left for him to write off. "3. Clause 17 of the new contract provides that—.' The contractorwill be furnished with

a book of printed forms, which book the contractor will have to take to each inhabitant, and get them to fill up the same, stating the nature of each work they wished performed by the contractor, and give their signature." •■ The committee recommend that the contractor be requested to have this clause strictly carried out, as the non-observance thereof will relieve the Council from any responsibility to the contractor for disputed accounts arising from such neglect. '• In all cases where parties refuse to sign the printed form, the contractor to notify the same to the Inspector, whose duty it shall be to report the circumstance to" the Council. "In case of weekly tenants, the landlord's signature should be obtained. " The books should have an index for reference. " Heney Sawtell, " Chairman. " William Pratt, " E. B. Bishop." Cγ. Jones moved that the considerat.'»a of the report be adjourned till next meeting night. EEPORT OP THE KATE COLLECTOR. The report of the Rate Collector was read as follows :— " Christchurch, April 24. " Gentlemen, —In obedience to your instructions I beg to hand you returns of the outstanding rates for the years 1869 and 1870 ; in the former year these amounted to about £103. which the Council will please observe is barely 2\ per cent, on the whole rate, and a great part of this I have not the least doubt will be recovered. " Notwithstanding the general depression in trade, it will, I trust, be a satisfaction to the Council to hear that I have collected in about ten months nearly £4000, and that without, until recently, having had to resort to summary proceedings. " I have, &c., F. C. Trire, " Rate Collector. " The Mayor and City Council, Christchurch." Cr. Jones said the report was satisfactory, and he thought the collector had done his duty very efficiently, and he hoped that he would be enabled to get the balance without issuing any snmmonses. The report was passed as satisfactory. THE SCAVENGING CONTRACT. The scavenging contract for the next three years was sealed by his Worship the Mayor. REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. The report of the Inspector of Nuisances was read. He reported that the whole of the water rate was collected, and that -he had also collected several amounts on account of the scavenging of the city. The report was approved. CITY RATE. Cr. Hobbs moved —" That the steps taken by the Council on the 3rd instant, and subsequently on the 11th instant, with reference to striking a rate of Is in the £ shall be revoked, such steps being illegal and contrary to the 141 st clause of the Municipal j Corporations Act, 1867." He regretted very much that he had been forced into this line of conduct on account of mistakes made in the Council, but having been so he should not shrink from his duty. [Cr. Hobbs read several clauses of the Municipal Corporations Act, to prove the position taken up by him.] He contended firstly, that no estimate of the rate as provided by clause 208 had been given, therefore the action was illegal. He now came to clause 209, which provided that notice of intention to make a rate should be given by placai-ds and advertisements. He would ask the Town Clerk whether such placards and advertisements had been issued. The Town Clerk—Placards were posted at the Resident Magistrate's Court, and the notice was also advertised in both papers. Cr. Hobbs—ln what form were the advertisements ? The Town Clerk —In the usual form, headed Christchurch City Council. Cr. Hobbs -would contend that the notice provided to be given by the Act was done to enable ratepayers, if they wished to, through their representatives in the Council, object to such a rate. With respect to the course taken on the 11th, he held that was illegal, as if it was legal for Cr. Hart to get up and move a motion, it was quite as legal for him to move an amendment. With respect to the aspersions which had been cast against his character, he could only attribute them to error. He wished, however, to call the attention of the Mayor to the fact that a Councillor getting up in the Council, and accusing another Councillor of falsehood, or in plain English calling him a liar, was contrary to order, and quite subversive of the dignity of the Council. It was therefore the duty of the Mayor to call such a Councillor to order, and he might say that if it occurred again to him he should feel inclined himself to stop it in language more forcible than polite. His Worship—Such a course would not be allowed Cr. Hobbs. Cr. Hobbs —Thank you. Cr. Hobbs then proceeded to reiterate that the course taken by the Council had been illegal throughout, inasmuch as it was opposed to the spirit of the Act ; and he thought, perhaps, that those who agreed with him as to the reduction of the rate would be able to bring stronger arguments than he had done in this matter. Cr. Sawtell seconded the motion pro forma. Cγ. Bishop contended that the striking of the rate under the Act was, by that Act, rendered ordinary business of the Council ; and, further than this, that it was impossible for the week's notice required by the Act to be given, unless the amount of the rate to be struck was decided and inserted therein. He felt constrained to say that Cr. Hobbs had made a mistake throughout; and he regretted very much that he had taken a course so unusual. He felt that Cr. Hobbs had failed to establish any of his positions. Cγ. JOKES said that he must say that he regretted the letter which had been published ; and also the language used towards Cr. Hobbs by a member of the Council. He had gone in*f or a lower rate ; but finding the opinion of the Council against him, he had quietly acquiesced. He felt now that there had been no irregularity in the matter at all, and he hoped that it would go no further, but that the matter should end there that evening. Cγ. Anderson said that he would take the opportunity of again raising his voice against the mode of procedure which had been carried on. They had for some years now struck rates, and it would reflect greatly both upon the Council and its officers if the work had not been done legally. Cr. Hobbs had told them a great deal that evening, and had told them that they had not carried out their proceedings with strict parliamentary propriety But what was the case? Why, that no member had expressed himself in a more unparliamentary manner than Cr. Hobbs. He had that evening insulted the occupant of the chair, and he, for one, felt very strongly the manner in which he had spoken to the Mayor. He thought that the Council should in some way mark their sense of their disapproval of such conduct as Cr. Hobbs had that evening displayed, as he for one felt disgusted that such a scene should have occurred. He felt that it was calculated to lower the dignity of the Council, and to detract greatly from the respect which the occupant of the chair was justly entitled to. He should move —"That the action of the Council in levying the rate on the 3rd and 11th inst. be upheld." Cγ. Hart seconded the motion. He felt sure that the Mayor was one who would not for a moment burk any free discussion from whatever member it might come. As parliamentary practice was now the order of the day, he would say that if he had said anything unparliamentary, he apologised; and he hoped that in future other gentlemen would keep within the limits of parliamentary rule. He felt sure that the rate had been made legally, and that all the necessary requirements had been complied with. Cγ. Sawtell agreed with Cr. Hart that there was not the slightest intention on the part of any of the members of the Council to

stop free and full discussion. He had seconded the motion pro forma with the view of eliciting the fullest discussion. Cγ. Calvekt said he thought the discussion had gone far enough, and that it was quite time that it came to an end. He should support the amendment. Cr. Pratt pointed out that for some years previously the Council had taken precisely the same course with respect to the rate being struck. His Wobship said he was sorry for the state of things, but he might say that he wa£ quite convinced that their actions were perfectly legal, arid therefore it was that he had taken the opinion of their solicitor on the subject, and he would now read it to them :— " I do not concur in the objection taken by Cγ. Hobb's amendment. , ", " It does not appear that the making of a rate can, with any propriety be regarded as ' extraordinary business. . It is true it is not named among the matters enumerated as ' ordinary business,' in section 140, but I do not think that was necessary, because it will be seen that they are matters which might easily be taken to be special business (either from their infrequent occurrence, or their obvious connection with special business) and it was therefore necessary specially to define their character." " But a ' rate ' is, in the strictest sense, a matter necessary for carrying into effect the purpose of the act (section 140) and it is so surrounded with practical safeguards by other clauses as to render any further precaution of this kind superogatory." That was the solicitor's opinion, and it seemed to be perfectly conclusive. He thought it was a well established rule that once a subject was considered and decided the matter could not be reopened. With respect to the expressions referred to by Cr. Anderson, he could only say that he never heard anything necessitating the calling to order of any councillor, but at the same time he must say that he felt bound to reprove Cr. Hobbs for his conduct that evening in holding out a threat, a line of conduct which he would not nor could not allow to be uttered by any Councillor. He trusted that they would always, amongst themselves, conduct their business as gentlemen, and that nothing would occur to disturb the friendly relations between themselves. The amendment of Cr. Anderson was then put and carried, Cr. Hobbs only dissenting. The estimates having been passed and agreed to, a rate-book was ordered to be prepared and signed. A carrier's license was granted to Thomas O'Brien. The Council then adjourned.