CITY COUNCIL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9429, 2 June 1891, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Council waa held last evening; present—2Ua Wor- ■ ship the Mayor, and Councillora Produce, E.owo, Thompson, Cochrane', J. T. Smith, Bonnington, Humphreys, E. Smith, Wood, Cooper, Goes, Swann and Gapes: FIIIAKOK. It was reported that the debit balance was iJ6632 12a 9d. Eeceipta since last meeting—General account, J 574 6s 7d{ cemetery account, £& 6b 0d; suspense account, .-211 7s 9d ; interest account JS9 is 3d. Payments—General account, JBSQ9 12a 6d ; cemetery account, j£B 6s 8d j suspense account, 18s; interest account, Ba. the 3SLBOTBIC LIGHT. The Mayor said, as soma doubts had been expressed as to the legal aspect of entering into any fresh contract for lighting the city, a letter would ha read from- Mr T. W. Stringer, the solicitor who drew up the contract with the Gas Ooawtmy, He (the Mayor) had also received a letter from Mr do Castro, of the Electric lighting Company, which would be read to the Council.

Mr Stringer's letter-was following effect

In my opinion the steps contemplated by the Council in no way contravenethe provisions of the agreement of Feb. 17,1590, entered into between the Council and the Christchurch. Oh Company. The words in tho agreement that tha Council " shall not atony time during the period of three years from Fob. 1, 1890, adopt a system of electric lighting for the streets of Christchurch" arc merely equivalent to saying that during the period mentioned no system of electric lighting shall be used. The contract provides that the Council shall not for a period of saves years, from Feb. 1, 1890, *1 promote " any gas works in the city of Christchurch, but with this exception the Coiunoil is left perfectly 1 rea to make such preliminary arrangements for the lighting of the city after the expiration of the contract period as it may'think proper.

The letter from the Chairman of the Electric Lighting Company expressed pleasure at the manner ia which tho proposal for the ijatroduotion of the electric light had beau received. He contended that lighting Jby electricity would be both cheaper and betiter than was the case with gas.

The Mayor* continuing hia remarks, said they all .knew that he had been a Btroapr advocate for the introduction of the electric light. He had had prepared a statement showing the cost of lighting the city during the past six years:—ln ISBS-8S the cost T/aa £2049; 1886-87, £2129; 1887-Si, £2134; 1888-89, when certain reduoticaa were obtained, £1987; 1889-90, £1837, and 1890 91, £1630. When the eltectric light was first mooted, about: three years ago, they had called for tenders, and the lowest was something like £4300. So much progress had since been made in the direction of cheapening; the light, that they could now get it introduced for £2IOO, with reductions. Hsjhad given the matter very careful consideration, and although Councillors mast npt think ids views had, changed one iota in regard to the desirability of : the electric light, he thought they were under a moral obligation to complete the contract they had entered into wi th the Gas Company* He did not think that the Council would at' all suffer by postponing the matter. Councillor Bennington moved that the consideration of the question of lighting he postponed until the completion of the contract with the Gas Company. Councillor Goss seconded the motion pro forma. Councillor J.' T. Smith moved as an amendment—-“ That the Council cannot see its way at present to entertain the proposals of the Electric Light Company to light the 0%.“ After some discussion Councillor Bonnington. asked leave to withdraw hia motion, aad Councillor Smith’s resolution, was carried. oitt subvbtob’s eepoet.

The City Surveyor submitted a drawing for a bridge at the east belt. The report saidl have studied to make it as plain and as cheap as possible, consistent with strength and durability. The foundations on the north side must be piled, as the , ground is bad for a depth of fourteen feet. The part above the foundations will he partly in and partly in concrete. The girders will bo of wrought iron. I estimate the cost of the bridge to be £3511.

Councillor Swann moved—" That the report be referred ’to the Works and Finance Committee for further report." Councillor Prndhoa moved as an amendment —"That no stops be taken in the matter.”

The amendment was carried. questions. Councillor Bennington asked on whose authority the lamps of the Council were being disfigured with advertisements. Councillor Prudhoe said the Lighting Committee had granted permission. The advertiser paid 2a 6d per lamp, except in the case where he painted the same of the street on the globe. At a later stagey on Councillor Bennington’s motion, a report was ordered to be brought up, showing the nature of the contract. AVON ROAD BOARD. A letter was received from the Avon Bead Board in regard to the adjustment of rates, and proposing that the matter be referred to the Controller-General. The Council agreed to the proposal. NEW BRIGHTON TRAM LEASE.

The Mayor said that, since the lease with the New Brighton Tram Company had been prepared, the Company had objected to the clause giving the Council power of re-entry in the event of the Company going iato liquidation. It was contended that the lease was a valuable asset to the Comwjiny in the way of raising money, but that tna inclusion of the clause would make it valueless. The Council’s solicitor stated that the clause was material, and, as a matter of prudence, should remain. Councillor Swann moved—" That the words objected to by the Company be struck out." . .. . A long discussion ensued, the majority or the Councillors thinking it would be unwise to alter the lease as drawn up. A motion was eventually carried authorising the Mayor and Councillor Prudhoe to sign and seal the lease without alteration.

THE WELLINGTON CONFERENCE. Councillor Cooper was elected alternative representative to the Wellington Municipal Conference. .. . . After the disposal of some routine bnsxy.«|.