CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2031, 25 June 1867, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

Mondat, June 24. The Council met at the usual hour. . The following members were present,—Messrs Wilson (chairman), Jameson, Ruddeuklau, Tombs, Duncan, Anderson, and Calvert. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The Town Clerk reported the receipt of the following sums

£ 0 d Collector of City Bates 17 15 0 Drainage ... 7 0 0 Mr Brunsden, rent of weighbridge up to May 35 0 0 Scavengering 4 8 0 Licences 10 0 Bent—Market-place ... 210 0 Drain-pipes 10 0 Total 68 13 0 The balance at the Bank was stated to be £448 16s sd. Mr Jameson proposed the following resolution!—" That a sub-committee of the i ity Council should be appointed to gather information and to report upon the present working of the Fire Brigade, with suggestions as to any improvements which they may deem advisable to further the efficiency of

the Brigade, such committee to consist ol Messrs. Anderson, Tombs, Thomson, and the mover, to report on Monday next." Mr. Calvert seconded the motion, whicl was carried.

The weekly pay-sheet was ordered to be paid, as were also some other accounts. A letter was read from the Provincial Secretary regretting that he was unable to state when the amount of £462 10s due to the Council would be paid. The following letter was read from the Eev. the Secretary of the Cathedral Commission:—

" College Library, June 20,1867. "Sir,—l am directed by the Cathedral Commission to inform you that they have carefully considered the views of the City Council with reference to the alteration of the road in Cathedral square. "With the sanction of the Bishop of Christchurch, in whom and his successors the legal ownership of the Cathedral site h vested, the Commission will agree to the modification of the present line of roadway which is shewn in the enclosed plan, on condition first that the'whole alteration in the roadway shall be carried out simultaneously on both sides of the roadway ; secondly, that the pathway in the direct line of Colombo street be put and kept in repair by the City Council. . " The Commission are desirous of meeting the views of the City Council as far as they can do so without prejudice to the legal right of the owner of the site.

" I am, &c., "James Wilson, " Secretary to the Cathedral Commission." A plan of the proposed alteration was attached to the letter. The consideration of the letter was 'referred to the Cathedral Committee, the letter to be acknowledged by the Town Clerk. A letter was read from Mr Thomas Beakin complaining of the state of the South Town Belt, and that - nothing had been done to ameliorate it. It was decided that Mr Beakin's letter should be referred to the Work's Committee. A letter was read from Messrs Mitchell and Co, stating that in pursuance of a notice received from the City Council, they would effect a suggested iinprorement in tjieir premises as soon as the weather allowed^ them to do so. They also requested permission to effect an alteration in the drainage of their premises.

The subject was referred t > the City Surveyor. A letter was read from Mr W. Reeves, requesting permission to be allowed to carry the surplus water from his house and artesian well by a pipe under the road into the river. Mr Keeves expressed his willingness to incur the cost of the pipes, and requested that the City Surveyor may be allowed to carry out the work.

Permission granted, subject to the approval of the City Surveyor. A letter was read from a contractor for some work done for the Council, enclosing an order for money due by him. , The letter was ordered to be laid upon the table. . ' A letter was read from some of the inhabi-

tants of Colombo street, requesting that the road near their premises might be put in repair.' The writers expressed their willingness to submit to a special local rate for the purpose of obviating some nuisances comdecided that <he City Surveyor should be instructed to report upon the matter on Monday next. A letter was read from Dr Foster enclosing the draft of a bill proposed to be introducei into the Provincml Council, for the purpose of facilitating the recovery of rates from tue owners or occupiers of property. It was decided that the draft of the bill should be placed in the hands of the Chairman, in order that he might communicate further with Dr Foster on the subject. Tenders for the lease of the Weighbridge for the ensuing year were opened, The tenders being found unsatisfactory, it was decided, after some discussion, that fresh tenders should be invited, the same to be sent in on Monday next. There were only two tenders sent in, viz., Mr H. Green, £s6per annum; and Mrßrunsden, £SO do. The report of the City Surveyor was read and considered, and some of tho suggestions contained in it were ordered to be carried out, especially tlioselwith regard to the verandas in the city. It was resolved to summon those persons who persist in acting in contravention to the regulations made by the Council in this respect. The report of the Inspector of Nuisances waß likewise rend and attention to several nuisances existing in the city, especially those arising from the custom l of, keeping pigs within the city precincts, i The Inspector complained that on one occa-

sion he hadbeon insulted in the discharge of his duty. It was decided that instructions sho,uld be given to the Inspector to summon the individual in question, in the event of the nuisance not being removed, or of the insult being repeated.

A cab-driver's licenco was granted to John Pursley. v Pho following letter was read from the Fire Brigade :

" Sir,—The members at present forming the Fire Brigade having found that their services ore not giving that satisfaction which they would wish to the City Council and the citizens of Christchurch, hereby tender their resignation, the Bame to date from July 31st next. " Christchurch, June 24, 1867. " To the Chairman City Council."

The letter was signed by Mr Thomas Anderson, the Chief Engineer, and nineteen members of the Fire Brigade.

Another letter was also read from the Fire Brigade, enclosing reports of the fires which have recently occurred in the city. The consideration of the first letter was deferred until Monday next when the report of the committee will be ready.

The Council then adjourned until Monday next, at the usual hour.