CITY BOARD—Monday.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXI, Issue 2603, 21 November 1865, Page 5

CITY BOARD— Monday.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the City Board of Commissioneis was held at their offices, Cauada Buildings, at Unco o'clock yesterday afternoon. Present : Messrs. J. W. Bain (Chairman), Ashton, Swanson, George, Maoready, Turnbull, Sheehan, and Slater.

MINUTES. The Secretary read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were confirmed ; also, th« letters written during the fortnight.

CAKT STAND. Mr. Macready said, as complaints had been made by the owners of property in the vicinity of the pi esent cart stand, of the obstruction caused by the number of lioises and drays constantly kept there, application should be mado to his Honor the Superintendent for the piece of ground at the corner of Albeit-strecfc and Custom-house-street for a cart stand. It would be beneficially employed us such ; and, at present, the contiactors for the new Postoffice and Custom-house were using it to dress stones upon for that building. The outlay of £5 would make it level and in good condition during the summer months. When ready to reoeive the drays the carters should be obliged to lemove from their present place and occupy it. He moved a resolution to the effect that the application should at once be made, and that the Foreman, of Works be instructed to put it in proper order. The motiou was seconded by Mr. Sayanson, and carried.

WATERING THE STREETS. The Secretary read the following communication on the subject of watering Queen-street : — • "Auckland, November 2o, 1865. "The Chairman and Mombois of the City "Board, ".Gentlemen, — I have the honour to address yon rejecting ouo of thegreatest wants of the city, viz , that of watering Queen street, which, if sufficient inducement offers, I propose to do. The inhabitants generally are willing by voluntary contribution to meet in some measure the expenses to be incurred in this very neceisary work, and I wish to know how far your hou. Board are prepared to assist in the matter. I anticipate that your water carts will frequently be required to efficiently perform this work. Will the City Board supply them, and what other assistance, pecuuiaiy or otherwise, will your lion. Board be inclined to render ? and in case the work is commenced, shall I be allowed the use of the different city pnmpi, or any other water that the Board may have at command ? I would respectfully suggest that one of the most easily effected assistances to the above would bo the regular sweeping of the streets, thereby preventing the great accumulation of the dust that is so offensive, and which requires such an enoimous amount of water to saturate. Trusting your hon. Board will give this your earliest: attention, — I am, 4c, "SEYiuoun Wells, , i " Wellesley^treet." Mr. MAORI VDY said he had beeu speaking to Mr. Wells on the subject, when he told him that there were two watering-carts belonging to the Board, which tie (Mr. M ) thought they would be willing to give him, and also that caits passing down the wharf for water would not have to pay toll. The Chairman remarked that Dr. Mouatfc and other medical men had stated that no harm would arise from the use of the Bait water. Of course, it would not bo so good'as the fresh water, as it evaporated sooner. Mr. M.tb ready said he had told Mr. Wells that it would be impracticable to use the pumps j that he could not effectually water the streets unless he was able to fill the oart with water without any delay as soon as it became empty. He (Mr. M.) observed that the citizen* of ' Auckland would not consider it fair 'that the money contributed by them for the making of roads and the repair of streets should be expended on watering Queen-street, for the benefit of those who resided 1 or had places of business in that principal thoroughfare, It was proposed to supply the water by erecting a pump below the watermen's house on 'the wharf. Mr. Wells said the supply of water from the Domain would he introduced into the city in about a, month, and he wanted to know if he would' be allowed by the Board to uso it. 'He (Mr. M.) told him that the Board had no control over that water scheme 1 ; 'that it wa» under the control of the Superintendent and Provincial Council. The Secretary observed that' in ''the sclibirie alluded to it was intended to supply the publio pumps with water. Mr. George thought it would be better to have that water^ coming into the city kept for domestic purposes, instead of wasting it in watering the streets, especially where many persons were lying i|l through using* the wiiter'in tub wells, tie dill' not 1 think the Board should give any peminiary assistance for the purpose mentioned. t It would not cost much to water Queen-street, an'd'the'shopkeepers.'who would ■'derive the greatest benefit, would no doubt give some pecuniary aid towards, the object. „ He would/move thatj Mr. Wells' should have' the use of the two watering-carts belonging to tho Board, on certain conditionally wo ' ■ " :>mi n<>J / liT ''' • i»< ' Mr. Maorbady said there were two carts belonging to th» Fire Brigade, to one of whioh a horse

ooiild be attached, land <Mr. i Wells said they would' do very well,,lHei(Mr.'M;) f had told'.hira that the Boaid would no 1 doubt consent to his getting the use of them ; but that at whatever station they were left at night they ihould be > left i full of water, in cose of tho;outbre»k of fire, aud Mrs Wells. made no objec tion to leaving them fillod witlu water. The Oiiaiuman asked if there would be any difficulty in erecting pumps on the wharf. > Mr. Maobbady replied that he did not think there would be any difficulty. On the motion' of , Mr. Maorkady, seconded 'by Mr. George, it was' agreed that Mr. Wells should have the use of the three carts on certain conditions, whioh would bo stated to him by the Secretary to the Board. - ACCIDENT TO HOUSE AND CART. > The Seorotaiy read the following letter referring to art accident to a horse and cavfc, which had occurred on tho pathway leading to the gas works :—: — "Auckland City Board of Commissioners. "Gentlemen, — In consequence of several cartloads of ficorin being emptied on the narrow, road or path lending to tho Gas Works, by men in tho employ of tho Board, and not being spread for seveial days, my horao and oart, in coming up loaded, came in contact with one of the piles, whicli caused tho hoiso to back, and, tho passage-way being too narrow, hoi so, cait, and load went ovor the clifT, breaking tho cart to pieces, and cutting tho horse. A now oart will cost £12, which, with broken harneis and'the hoise's idle time, bears very heavily on one who has lost his all in coming to the colony. Trusting the gentlemen constituting this Boaid will favourably consider the case, and grant a compensation,—l am, &*o., "Robert Peack. ".Russell Villa, Parnell, November 18, 1865." Tho Foreman of Work*, in reply to the Chairman, said he had not been aware of tho occurrence until informed of it by Mr. Peace. He told him to go to tho contractor about it. After some' conversation 'on tho matter, it was agreed that the Board had not the power to devote the funds to such a purpoie ; and the Seoretary was ordered to give instructions in future that all scoria should not be left in heaps upon any thoroughfare, but that it should be spread immediately on being deposited. SUPPRESSION OF GAMBLING, ETC. i Mr. Ashton moved tho following resolution on the above subject, of which he bad previously giveu notice, " That the Secretary be instructed to obtain the opinion of the Law Officer of tho Board with reference to tho existing laws relating to the suppression of lotteries and games of chance."' Mr. Gkorgb seconded the resolution, which was unanimously carried. TENDER FOR PRINTING. Mr, William Atkin'a tender for printing, being tho lowest, was accepted. APPLICATION FOR BALANCE OP LOAN. i Mr. Asiiton moved, "That application be made to tho Superintendent for payment of £2,000, being tho balance of the loan of £8,000 appropriated by tho Piovincial Council for the city repairs." The Secretary intimated that they had an overdrawn account at the bank of £705 3s. lid., and they would have to pay that day the sum of £3(59, which would make about £1,100 ovcrdi awn, so that it was necessary the payment of the £2,000, balauce of loau, should bo at once made. Mr. Macreaoy seconded the resolution, which was canied. WELLEBLEY-STREET. Mr. Macriiady directed attentiou to the dangerous stato of the bottom of Wellesley-street, at the hotel, which required to bo filled up with earth. It was not only dangerous, but unsightly. It oould be filled up with the earth that was taken from the excavations that were to be made iv other pnits of tho city J.fe moved that the Foreman of Works should examine th.it portion of the street opposite the hotel and have it filled up, and tint the Secretary should wiite to Messrs. Cobb and Co., informing them of the intention of the Board, The motion was seconded by Mr. George, and carried. XIAfUCET-HOUSE. Mr. Asuton said, with respect to tho subject of erecting anwket-house in the city, the Secretary should write to tho Superintendent, and get some information, aud furnish the Board at its next meek ing with full particulars as to what had been done and was intended to be done in the matter. Mr. Swansov siid it would be a waste of time, as the Superintendent was not entitled to advance more money than £10,000 a-year. Mr. Macready said tho Board had been already told that they could not get the money for the market house. Mr. Gkorgk said it appeared to him that the Superintendent did not want to have a market-house erected; he had told him (Mr. George) very plainly that it was not necessary— that it would shut up a great many shops. He (Mr. George) thought it was high time that a mat ket-house should be erected if they had the means to undertake it. It would be an expensive work, and he did not think they would have a market for many a long day to come. Mr. Macreamy said the members of the Council thought the Board should not at present go to any gieat oxpeuse about the market — that a building of wood and couu-.'.ited iion would answer their purpose, and would last lor ten or twelvo years At the end of that period, the oity might be in a better position to build a permanent stiucture. Before they could do so at present they would have to expend a considerable sum in making the foundations, and in levelling aud draining. Thsre was a largo balance of money for tho city, about £400 — for which tho Board oould not get any account from tho Supeiintcndent. That money was already due the Board. Ho (Mr. M.) thought the great object would be to pet the site diained and levelled, and, if they could not incur the expense of making the foundations, to rrccfc a wooden building without foundations. It would last for ton or twelve years, and at the end of that time the ground would bo quite solid, and thpy would not require to go far down for the foundations. A good many persons were of opinion that a market of that, kind would pay ; and if they thought so, and were willing to bear the expense, they ought to get it. The Chairman said there was no doubt a great mist was thrown in the eyes of the public respecting the market ; aud tho City Board, as usual, came in for a largo and unjust share of abuse, as regmled the erection of a market-house. Tho published report of the proceeding* of the Board, during tho past year, would show the number of requisition!, j meetings, correspondence, he, that had taken place between tho City Board and the proviucial authorities before he became connected with the Board, with reference to that very question. To a ceitain extent, as a public body they weie liable to public opinion in cveiy pos- j sible way ; but it should be formed on a proper j basis. He thought the Board could set tho matter on a better footing. After lefening to the small bahnce that had been left to the Board for the purpose of erecting a market house, tho Chairman read, the following portion of a letter in reply, which had been received from tho Supeiintendent, dated sth May latt : — " I desire to remind the Board that it has already had advances out of the loan amounting to £15,000, besides £12,500 paid out of the next year's portion of the loan towards the pui chose of the site of the old Supreme Court-house, and alto that, by arrangement with the bank, the available portion of tho loan to the Board is about £10,000 per annum for five years, commencing August, 1863. I would also remind tho Board that the sanitary condition of tho city demands urgent and immediate attention. Under these cifcunistanbes, and "notwithstanding my having reluctantly yielded to the_ wishos of, the Piovincial 'Council in securing the necessary funds for the erection of the market houie for the city, 1 am strongly of opinion that no action should 'betaken at present in the matter of providing such a market-house." Mr. George said that the sum of £7,000 had been -grunted for tho erection of the market-house ; bnt ! Mr. Wrigg had reported that it would cost £7,000 additional for the drainage and making ihe foundations. The Councif then passed a bill for the £14,000. If the next Council did not .repeal that bill, the money would be secure if the Board could only get it. .'.,■> i ' ' The Chairman laid the 'Superintendent had exprestedthe opinion that no "action should betaken at present for providing .a market-house, but h«! would join isiue -with his Honor on that matter, as he was of opinion that something should be done as early « possible. „It. would be ( of j tho greate«t ( benefit td small shopkeepers, as they would know when and where to purchase ths produce brought into the maikot. It would, also, confer. f a great benefit on the country' people, J ai affording them faoilities for disposing of their faim and dairy produce It 'would bo a considerable saviug't'q^he noonie of Auckland^' ft» they would be able t(? purchase Vegetables; &0.i~50 pel- debt, cheaper thau'thoy oould at -present. > It would be well if a temporary marliet-placo could' be erected, 'but they could'not even attempt to do that until they obtained/ jtome 1 U Mr!'MAORKADY said, if' the -Board 'obtained , the, ■£2 000 which they agreed' that -day'Wa'pp'ly for,' they would then h&ve received £2 1, 000. Then there waii £12,600 taken from the £50,000 to pay for the

site of the ,olct Supremo Courthouse. Although Mitty '£12,0p0 had* lieea" takea'jfrqm. (> tliom jihojn paid no intercut" oh ibjj, jhb, interest,, was ipiidL, by, tho province. Yet,, there. wa«, , a sum, of £14,p0O,grauted for ihe market, which' they, coul4 •not get nntil.the lapse of a year or.jtwo^ai^they could only draw from tho bank ,^lO,OOO , a year. That would leave a balance of £2,500 for; ,tlie city. Tii» sums mentioned would make * total of £60,000, voted out of the £500,000, or, in other word*, the city's share of the last mentioned amount. Mr. ,Tuxinbui.lj thought! an effort should be made to erecl; a temporary structure. Mr. Maoready said the^temporary market-house, would^aiuwer 'their purpose for a number of ' ye«i, at the end of which time they would be in a bettor position to erect a permanent building. After tho explanation that had been given on the subject, Mr. ASrtTON withdrew hia motion. MILLS LANK '' ; ' , The Secretary read ttie following communication with reference to the contemplated improvement of tho ] above thoroughfare: — , , i " Auckland, November 13, 1805. "Sir, — In reply to your communication, of this day's dato, relative to the > removal of tho earth from Mills-lane, I bog respectfully to ■undertake to pay you, when called upon, »the amount of the cost of tho lomoval of the earth, H> being understood that I am to be put on < the same footing With the othoU, aud have ono-half of tthe whole cost refunded to me. "I would respectfully suggest that the contract be adTertised without delay, as there are several pewons now anxious to undertake the job.— l am, &c., "SrANNDS JONBH. " To the Secretary of the City Board." The Secretary intimated that tho Foreman 'of Works had made out a specification, and that tenders had been advertised for. It was estimated that tho work would cost £04. He theu _ submitted some dozen tenders 'that had beten'scnt in; each 'of 'which was accompanied with a deposit of £5. The highest tender amounted to £72. The lowest tender was forwarded by Messrs. Spittlo and Co., amounting to £18 13s. On the motion of Mr. AsnTON, seconded by Mr. Turnbull, the tender of Messrs. Spittle and Co. was accepted. , CORPORATION FOR THE CITY. Mr. AsnTON wished to know what steps had been taken in the matter of obtaining a Corporation for the city. ' Mr. Maoreadt said that'nothing had as yet been done Ho thought an application should be made to the Provincial Council when it assembled. The Chairman said the Board should address a memorial to the Council, and let them pass a resolution in favonr of establishing a Corporation. It was agreed that the matter should stand over for the present. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. Mr. Maoready said the Superintendent should be requested to call the Council as soon as possible after the elections had been concluded, in order that the money to be voted to tho Board Bliould be advanced in the summer season, when impiovoments could be canied out ata much cheaper rate than in winter. The tenders that had just been opened to an instance of how cheaply work could be done in good weather. The work for which the tenders had been received could not have been done four months ago for £40, and not as satisfactorily. It was absutd to cany out work iv the winter season. It was never so well done, aud did not remunerate the contractor ; but the Board had never any money to carry out improvements unless in winter. The sooner a Corporation was established the better. They would have power to raise mouey in the proper season of tho year ; and, until that weie the easo, they would always be in a "muddle." rates, &o. The rates collected since lasb meeting were stated to amount to £2(ii 43. 4d. The usual accounts were then examiued, mid cheques signed for payment of the respective amounts. This termiuftted the business of the meeting.