CIVIC AFFAIRS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1131, 19 May 1911, Page 8

CIVIC AFFAIRS.

THE NEW COUNCIL MEETS. The first meeting of tho newly-elected City Council was held last evening, tho Mayor (Mr. Ti SI. Wilford, M.P.) presiding. There were also present:—Councillors Fletcher, Shirtcliffe, M'L.iron, Hindmarsh, Cameron, Fuller, Fitzgerald, Barber, M'Kenzic, Gotlbcr, Atkinson, and Frost. POWER STATIONS AND TRAMWAYS. The- I'ower Stations and Tramways Committee recommended — That the recommendation of the electrical engineer that the position of the tramway stopping-place in Pirie Street, east of Brougham Street, be not altered to Tntchen Street, l>e adopted. That in order to encourage the use of electric signs, current be supplied to intermittent signs worked by power at the same rate as for motors, viz., 3d. per unit net. That the request for concession tickets to student teachers at certain schools be not granted. The committee reported that they received a letter from the Hutt Valky Tramway Board, asking whether this council will be prepared to negotiate with tile board for supply of current to the Hutt Tramways. The electrical engineer reported that the indefinite proposal of the board cannot be entertained, and the committee recommended that the board bo informed accordingly. The adoption of the report was agreed to.

BATHS AND RESERVES. The following recommendations were made by tho Baths and Reserves Committee:— .That the Wednesday Hockey Association bo granted permission to use the Basin Reserve on the King's Birthday for a hockey match, Manawatn v. AVellington, and to take up a collection. That from May 20, the Te Aro Baths bo opened ot G a.m. instead of 5.30 a.m., and closed between the hours of 12 (noon) and 2 p.m., for cleaning purposes. That permission be granted to the Mother Superior of the Island Bay Convent to plant the slope of the upper level road in Avon Street, Island Bay, adjacent to the convent property, provided a fence of an open character is erected to the satisfaction of tho city engineer. This permission is not to give them any vested interest in tho section to the exclusion of the public. Tho committee reported that they have appointed a sub-committee, consisting of Councillors Frost, M'Kenzie, and Smith, io visit and keep in touch with tho 'zoological collection at Newtown. The report was adopted with the exception of the clause relating to the closing of the Te Aro Baths at mid-day during the: winter months. A petition was received, signed by about 25 persons' ,who used the baths at this hour, asking that they' be not closed, and the clause was referred back.

BY-LAWS, PIPE BRIGADES, AND LIGHTING. Tho By-laws and Firo Brigades and Lighting Committee recommended: That permission bo granted to certain residents of Queen's Terrace, . Goldie s Brace, to extend their fences to the foot ot the concrete retaining ivall erected at tho tramway loop, Queen's Terrace, subject to the condition that tho fences are removed at any tirao when called upon by the council, anil also that no post holes nfo dug at the baso of tho wall. That the management of tho Industrial Exhibition ba granted tho use of the hand chemical engines at present in uso at Brooklyn' and Kelburne, also that two ex-firemen be placed at their service at the rate of £3 nor week, the Exhibition authorities to pay for such' services, and alfo that press-button call-boxes, at the rato of 2s. (id. each, be supplied by the Firo Department for connection to two fire alarm, call-boxes on tho wharf in direct communication with the Central Fire Station. Tho report was adopted. FINANCE AND PROPERTY. Tho Finance and Property Committee recommended: That the draft agreement with the Government to vary the terms of tho Lyall Bay land exchange bo approved. That the corporation turncocks be placed on tho weekly salary sheet, ami receive holidays as follow:—Head turncock, J.I days per annum; assistant turncock, 0 days per annum. That tho necessary air and sewage mains be extended for the sewering of the Waterloo Quay reclamation, as recommended by the City Engineer, and that the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare the necessary agreement with the Harbour Hoard for payment for such work. That the recommendation of the City Engineer that a 150-horse-power air compressor bo purchased for tho drainage pumping station, be given effect to. That the action brought against the council by tho Vacuum Oil Company for alleged dvnngo to their premises at the Hutt Road bo defended. That tho terms of the cousont of the Hutt Park Committee to the construction of he. new road through the park, be accepted, and that they be granted a supply of water. That irrecoverable rates for tho vear ended March 31, 1911, amounting to "filSO 15s. 10d., bo written off. That tho Exhibition authorities be charged the usual rate, viz.: 9d per 1000 gallons for their water supply. lhat accounts amounting to c € 5219 l"s Gel. be passed for payment. Tho report was adopted.