MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2105, 31 January 1879, Page 2

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Council was held lan night. Present — His Worship' the Mayor, Cm. Headland, Mainland, Gibbs, Procter. Humphrey, and Liddle. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and the outward correspondence was read and approved. The Clerk read a number of notices which had been served on thu Council by the workmen employed on the waterworks, claiming to have their wages paid out of the mone} f s due or likely to be due to the late contractor, Mr John Henderson. The Mayor said he had been informed by the Council's solicitor that no immediate hurry was needed in the matter. It appearel to him that the proper mode <>f procedure to be adopted by the workmen, now that Mr Henderson had filed his schedule, was to make a claim on the estate, as they were entitled to payment of six weeks' wages in full before the other claims on the estate were satisfied. Cr. Headland said he thought the term for which wages could be claimed was only a month. The Mayor said the opinion he had given expression to was that of the solicitor. A letter was rend from several ratepayers iv Ure street, asking that the sidewalk be gravelled half-width from Itchon street to Aln street. Cr. Humphrey thought the matter ought to have been laid before the Council by one of the Councillors for the Ward. Cr. Headland did not think this necessary. It was not a petition. It. was resolved that the work be carried out as desired in Ure street, and that the footpath in Wharf strcut, from Wansbeck street to Arun street, be also gravelled to half its width. A letter was read from Messrs Newton and Mirams, with reference to Mr M 'Donald's award re water- race,, stating that the fences and bridges had not been erected on the race, and threatening legal proceedings. In connection with this a memorandum from the Engineer was read, to the effect that the material had been ordered, and arrangements made for the erection of the fence. It was resolved — That the Engineer's memorandum be forrarded to Mr M'Donald, through the solicitors. The Secretary to the Harbor Board wrote with reference to the matter of putting a gate in the fence on Mr Patersons reserve, on the Capo. The lessee had compLlned to the Board of persons injuring his fences, in going to the Lighthouse, and asked the Board to provide the necessary gates, etc. The , reserve being the property of the Council, the question was referred to them. Some considerable discussion took place as to the kind of gate required, and ultimately it was resolved — That notice be given to Mr Patorson to erect the necessary gates, where required, in terms of hit lease. The work to be done under the supervision of the Engineer. A letter w»s read from Messrs Ashford and Brooks, dated from Christchurch, offering to undertake the supply of additional iron pipes for the water supply, and quoting prices. No action was taken in the matter, as the contract for the supply of the necessary pipes has already been let. Mr Thomas Hoyse wrote, asking if it was the Council's intention to dispose of certain sections in the township of Georgetown, and asking for particulars regarding price, etc. It was decided to inform Mr Hoyse that it was not at present the intention of the Council to sell the lections in Georgetown, but if their determination were altered the land would be put up to auction in the ordinary way. The following letter was read :—: — General Crown Lands Office, Wellington, Jan. 24, 1879. Sir, — I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. Minister acting for the Minister of Lands, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th December, respecting certain reserves referred to in " The Oawnaru Reserves Ordinance, 1835," "The Oamaru Town Reserves Management Ordinance, 1872," and "The Oamaru Reserves Manage* ment Ordinance. 1875." In reply, I am to inform you with regard to the reserves enumerated in the first-named Ordinance that the generality of the Trust renders it impossible to say decidedly t<> which class of rerervea under the " Pnblic Reserves Act Amendment Act, 1878," they belong ; and as the Superintendent had only {tower to lease the lands, it is not considered that the power of granting them now rests in the Governor. It would be desirable to have these reserves dealt with by legislation; meanwhile the Governor has power to lease them on behalf of the Corporation, as provided by section 3 of the Provincial Ordinance. With regard to the reserves enumerated in "The Town Reserve* Management Ordinanges, 1872 and 1875," the market and slaughter-house sites may be rested in the borough, as provided by clause 6 of " The Public Reserves Act, 1878," and the necessary Order in Council can tie issued for that purpose. The reserves for health and public recreation may be granted or brought under " The Public Domains Act," as provided by section 11 of "The Pnblic Reserves Act, }877." AH the other reserves will require to be rested in the Corporation by an Act of the Legislature. Would it not be better to have ail the reserves vested in the borough by one Act next session; or would you rather have those whioh are in a position to be dealt with vetted at onoe in the borough? — I have. &c, H. W. Euorr, Under Secretary. His Worship the Mayor, Oamaru. After some discussion it was resolved to refer the matter to the Roservet Committee. Cr Liddle said it had been mentioned i that the contractors for the supply of the water service pipes deaired the Council to make the payment for the material in London, thereby saving the expense of their having to transmit the money Home, and the Council having to transmit it to the colony. The Mayor said the matter had been referred to the Finance Committee for '

report. He might promise Or Liddle that the course desired by the oootracton would be taken into consideration provfdftd the loan wu raised ib liondon, but fc might be ppitible to raise the money either in this colony or in Victoria. Tenders were opened for erection of store near gasworks, and that of Mr RoW* Hmt-«M «eeepte<t at LM. 'flic Mayor said the next business thejw would hare to take into consideration was i with regard to the printing and distribution of debentures for the new L 40.000 j loan ; and it was resolved that the Mayor | be empowered to take the preliminary ■teps towards floating the loan, deben- ' lures to be for LlOO each, for 30 years' j currency. The Mayor said that in a few days his Excellancy the Governor would be passing • through Oamaru, and he would put it to the Council whether they should tako steps to present him with an address wishing him "God speed." A similar course of action had been decided on in the northern boroughs, and he had been asked to bring the matter before the Council. Cr. Headland approved of the proposition, provided no expense was incurred. The Mayor said the cost of. engrossing the address would constitute the whole of the expense. He would of course, in another capacity, attend with the volunteers, and form a guard of honor, &c. V the Council decided to carry out the proposal, he would write to Bis Excellency, asking him whether he would consent to receive the address, and in that event to intimate on what day he would arrive, and what would be the length of his stay. The suggestion was agreed to. The following report was read : — Papakaio, Jan. 29, 1879. D. A. M'Leod, Esq., C.E. Sir, — I have the honor to report that, considering the drawbacks consequent on recommencing a work of this description, and the season of the year, the progress made during the last fortnight ha-t been crood. The Landon section commencing at pipe tunnel is in a forward state, a further 69 yar.ls of lining having been completed. In Italian tunnel 57 feet of driving has been completed, ami in Grant's tunnel 62 feet. The contractors on each length let on the Landon nectioa (race-cutting) are progressing very favorably. On the Papakaio section six contractors have commenced, and are in various stages of progress. The whole of this section it now let, excepting about 120 chains, and though) the contractors ais shorthanded oo account of harvest, they are vigorously pushing on their varoas contracts. Awamok.o section is being rapidly put into order. The very dry weather so-newhit retards this work on aocount of the difficulty of cutting sods required for making up. Black Point section repairs are also progressino; very favorably. The work already done it proved to be efficient, and should the weather keep fine this section will soon be finished. The timber work, namely, aqueducts, bridges, &c, which are let are being pushed as fast as the facilities will permit, and when the timber required for these purposes comes to haud the unfinished work now in hand will Boon be completed. — I am, &c, Richard Jebson. Tenders were opened for the supply of ironwork to the Council in connection with the waterworks, and the tender of Messrs Jack, Steel, and Co., for bolts, &c, at from 3d to 4td per lh., according to lei^tli and diameter, was accapted. A letter was read read from Messrs Royse and Co., of Sydney, offering to supply the Council with a quantity of ironwook, ordered by Mr Henderson, at the same price. The Engineer recommended that the offer be accepted, and the Council agreed to adopt the recommendation. The Inspector of Nuisances sent in a report recommending that traps be put over the sewer mouths in Thames street and Coquet street, similar to that in Tyne street near the Bank of New Zealand. The stats of the town otherwise was healthy. Mr Toms enclosed a letter addressed to him by Mr Amos, of the Northern Hotel, again complaining of the damage done to his premises by the Council drain. He had taken every precaution to remove the nuisance by the use of lime, <fee, and it was of no use, anil his trade was suffering. It was resolved that the recommendation of the Inspector be carried out, aud with reference to the other matter it was agreed to instruct the Engineer to abate the nuisance in the manner suggested by him at a previous meeting. It was agreed to hold a special meet ins; this evening, to continue the revision of the Valuation Roll. The Public Works Committee's report was read. It was stated that permission had been grauted Mrs Suart to lay a drain pipe under footpath in Exe street, and also to erect two bridle posts as requested. The matter of the drainage had been referred the Engineer. Re Mr Brownleo's < letter, regarding ridge in Aln street, the committee reported, that, as it, was probable that the r;>ad would have to be cut through shortly, the matter should be left over till then. Accounts amounting to L 1443 13541, divided as follows : Ordinary account, Ll5O 03 91; reserves, U 2 10s; «as works, L 832 6i 4d ; waterworks, 1-919 18-t 31, were pissed for payment. In accordance with notice. Cr Liddle moved — That plans and specifications for the formation of Stonr street, from Lune street to Town Belt, be prepared by the Engineer. Cr Headland moved — That the matter be referred to the Public Work* Committee. Cr Ltddlo thought this very unfair. Notice had been gi*en, in order to allow of Councillor* satisfying themselves on the subject, and it w%s most unjust to raise objections now. Cr Gibbs said the levels of the streets had not yet been fixed, and before any steps were taken to form the road, such would be necessary. Cr Liddle agreed to alter his motion, as suggested by Cr Gibbs, and in that form it was carried. The Council then adjourned.