CITY COUNCIL.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15395, 28 September 1915, Page 4

CITY COUNCIL.

LAST NIGHT'S MEETING.

The Christehnrch City Council met last night, there being present: The Mayor (Mr H. Holland), aod Crs. W. H. Cooper, J. R. Havward, J. Reynolds, B. Peek, H. F. Herbert, D. G. Sullivan, J. McCulloagh, F. Burgoyno, J. W. Beanland, A. Williams, and Georgo Scott. ELECTRICITY. The Electric Light and Power Committee reported as follows:— Competition by Public Work* Department—Tho committeo regrets to have to report that it finds that it is meeting with competition on the part of the Public Works Department. trying to negotiate certain contracts for tho supply of Tho committeo is very surprised at this, as when the contract with tho Government was being negotiated, tho impression was created that tho City Council would not be opposed by the Department &o long as the prices at which it was prepared to supply were fair and reasonable. Failure of Current—Regarding the failure of current which occurred for about four minutes on the evening of the lGtli inst., tho committee has to report that it was due to lightning, which struck both the transmission lines, but no actual damage was done. Tho report was adopted. WORKS COMMITTEE.

The Works Committee reported that 15,-337 cubic yards of metal had been delivered, and 6 miles 19 chains of streets had been metalled during the current year. Tho city surveyor estimated tho cost of channelling", asphalting, etc., Dee and Malvern streets. a« follows: —Dee street (21 chains), £901 8s 9d; Malvern street (39J chains). £1929. Tho committee had forwarded a copy of tho estimate to the Church Property Trustees, and informed them that there was no money available at present for tho purpose. Tho report was adopted. RETURNED SOLDTERS.

A circular letter was received from tho Hon. A. L. Herdman, Minister in Charge of tho Discharged Soldiers' Information Department-, in which it was pointed out tliat tho form in which local organisations could best assist was by securing employment for returned soldiers wherever possible, and by giving the Department prompt advice regarding (1) applications for assistance or employment, (2) offers, of employment, (3) assistance given, whether monetary or otherwise, including employment obtained.

Tho Mayor said it would be a good thing if the Council were to co-operate with tho business people of the city in tho matter of finding employment for disabled and other soldiers. He moved: ''That this Council cheerfully pledges itself to do all in ita power to assist the Department in carrying out its humane work."

The motion was seconded by Cr Cooper.

Cr. isoott suggested that the business people should be communicated with without delay. Cr. Sullivan suggested that the cooperation of the trades unions should be Bought, for the unions would b« able to give considerable help. One difficulty to be dealt with was that of tho question of preference. Cr. Hayward hoped that tho question of preference io unionists would never bo raised iu connexion with tho returned soldiers.

Cr. Sullivan explained that awards wero matters of law. He believed that the unions would assist in overcoming any difficulty that might exist. The motion was carried, and a special committee was set up, consisting of the chairmen of the various committees, to tako in hand the matter of providing employment for returned soldiers. • THE PARK Kb APS. '

A- letter was read froiu tho Publio Works Department, stating that owing to some misunderstanding oa to the right of the Riccarton Borough to levy rates on tho abattoirs, nnd as the Commissioner had. moreover, reported that tho tally of traffic produced hy the partiea at the onquiry did not sufficiently disclose the actual traffic between tho city and the abattoirs, it had been decideU that it would be best, in tlie interests of all parties, that the case should bo reheard, and the Governor had accordingly appointed Mr W. S. Short to* rehear tho case. The Department would have a tally of traffic taken for at least one week, and as soon as tho results of the tally were available particulars would be forwarded to the Council in timo for consider ation beforo the rehearing The Mayor said the abattoirs were not iu the Riccarton Borough, at all. He could not understand why the matter was being reopened. Cr. Burgoyno protested against tho Council being called on to pay for another commission, seing there had been some bungling elsewhere. Cr. Reynolds said that tho matter of the maintenance of the Park roads had been under consideration for the last three years at least, and tho question did not seem to be settled yet. It was decided to protest against tho reopening of tho matter, and to inform the Government that neither tho Riocarton Council -nor any other authority had power to rate tho abattoirs, also to object to being called on to pay any part of the cost of the new Commission. ELECTRICITY SUPPLY. The Heathooto Couutv Council wrote enquiring if tho Council could advance money to reticulate for electric current the districts adjoining the eity. The Mayor said that under tho Empowering Act just passed, the Council had power to do what the Heathcote Council asked. It was decided to send a reply to that effect. >■ Tho St % Martin's Burgesses' Association enquired if the Council would supply electric current on the terms outlined by tho city electrical engineer? The Mayor said the Council would be prepared to do what was asked. The offer referred to was made about six months ago. Cr. Hayward R3id tho matter should be referred to the Electricity Committee before a final undertaking was given. Cr. Scott said the Council should consider carefully what was involved before committing itself. As far as the Heathcote County was concerned, it was ascertained that there were only 160 houses likely to waut the light, and at 3d per unit the total income would he only £288, and for that the Council wonld have to install extensive reticulations. Cr. Reynolds said the Council's offer was only to take the current where it paid to do so. Cr. Hayward moved that the matter he referred to the Electricity Committee for a report. Cr. McCullough said if it was foolish for the Council to make the offer, it was equally foolish for the Heathooto County to go in for its own supply, a& was proposed. Cr. Sullivan said it was only the St. 3lartin's district that the Council was considering. His opinion was that the Council could take on tho St. -Martin's eistrict with perfect safety. The motion" referring tie matter to tho Electricity Committee was carried by eight votes to four.