MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. Saturday, December 6.

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 590, 10 December 1851, Page 2

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. Saturday, December 6.

Pjresent: — The Worshipful the Mayor; Aldermen Dignan, O'Neill, Powditcli, and Mason ; Councillors Davy, Merriman (Acting Town Clerk), Abraham, Norman, Haultain, Newman, and Taylor.

The 1 minute's of l a^t mcetino- were read and coniirmen. " Mason l>- lefly e\plained the caii.se of Ls „I).m- ,< c „'. ihe f,:v 'mc^ilno. he not having 1 ClulV We '.ud Uotiv'C {lit. fM>f. A 'eliei -u;!u tl'o < 0.0:.iul Secretary was h.mo'wl in. vvn n-.id by fl,e Ac? in? Town Cleifc (tliu pin port of which will hereafter be notified) losr^he; w\:h applications, f:-o»i Individuals so■!lciliii'j> orhYc ipm >r <he t oiporntlon. Councilor Amu am sonified his -wish that proper .u LOh-nrnwiiiion ->\q c provided for the IYe>\ a , on .'!«:!• fb-pt reeling, lie had seen a gontJe'uan connected thcreVt'j huddled up in a corner, lwthouf. the convenience necessary to the discharge of hi*, important duties. The AcTfvr, Town Cm-rk said such temporary accommodation as was thought necessary had been provided. The Act;w Town Ct.eric read a code of Knle^ for (he regulation of the Council at its nieour"-. Aide rinan o'Xi.iiii proposed that a rule be added providing that four gcne/al meetings of llie Council should be he'd at -regular intervals diu-ir.'.; the yew for the consideration of special matt-ii'S pertaining to the Borough. Councillor Abraham could not see that the Council possessed any power under the Charter to bind the Mayor to call such periodical meeliiigs. bonie conversation upon this topic followed oFtv desultory nature, and the matter dropped. \ Councillor Mkhriman moved that the Rules, as read, be adopted. — Carried. Councillor Mkrriman would waive his motion, till a future day, relative to an address to the Lieutenant- (lovernov, on the subject of certain charges on the Land Fund, &c. Alderman Dign t \n, pursuant to notice, moved that a Committee be appointed to prepare a code of Bye-Laws for the guidance of the Council. Councillor Mkrriuax having briefly remarked on the duties of such Committee, Councillor Haui-tatn thought that the subject might be embodied in Councillor Abraham's motion, for one standing Committee alone could not do all that was required. Alderman Djgna^ contended that it was quite competent for the gentlemen whom he should name to frame bye-laws for the Council's approval. Councillor Abraham perfectly concurred with the worthy Alderman, that a Committee might be appointed to carry out the details of the Corporation, composed of practical men who would be always at work when required ; who would occasionally refer to the bye- laws of Sydney and other corporate institutions, in order to glean information which the Council itself could not supply. Councillor Haui/tati* suggested that this matter should stand over till Councillor Abraham's motion was disposed of Councillor Abraham said that, in bringing forward his motion, he had found the Corporation of Auckland to be what his Worship the Mayor had \ery properly delined it, a "£• cat facr," and that as aucli they ought to receive it. All their energies must be put to the test ; and, in order to carry out fully its provisions, they should show that they did not shrink from the work required at their hands — they should one and all be engaged in the bubiness of the Borough, not acting on (heir own opinions only, but ascertain and act upon those of their constituents. They had aj» important trust reposed in them, and, in order to do their duty well, they should become possessed of facts. Alderman O'Nkim.. thought the five Committees comprised in the motion might be reduced to two, that was, one for Roads, Bridges, and Public Works, and the other for .Drainage, Prevention . of Fire, &c. ; and as for a third, the Charitable Trusts and Public institutions, he would gladly dispense with them as being a disadvantageinstead of a boon. Alderman Powditch would suggest that a Comaiittee be appointed to ascertain, and report upon, the extent of their funds as a primary step. Councillor ILu;lta t x considered that the Committee had nothing to do with the making of roads, but merely to see that all airangeinents connected with them were carried out, when they had available funds for the purpose Councillor Abraham, in explanation, said they were put here for business purposes, and it was but right they should take stock at onee — they ought to be enabled to see their way clearly — they ought to be, in fact, perfectly unfettered. They had been told that this and that had been done, and would be done, and that everything^ was perfect to begin with. Their duty was toendeavour to please the public — to enhance the the interests of the constituency who are as yefc very quiet, and patiently waiting to see what they (the Council) intended to do. The people would require something at their hands, and they were bound to form as many committees as were necessary to enquire into and report on all matters connected with the Borough. The motion for the constitution of the respective Committees having been put and carried, some discussion arose as to the number in each. Councillor Merrimav would suggest that each Committee might comprise any number, providing they were competent to examine membersfrom any particular Ward when necessary, thus availing themselves of the evidence of those who might be denied interested, leaving, at the same time, disinterested members to arrive at a decision. Councillor Haultain did not see how any worthy member could exercise partiality towards his own Ward, seeing that all their operations must be subject to the approval of a Committee of the whole Council. It was subsequently agreed that the number in each Committee should be extended to five, exclusive of the. Mayor. Alderman Dignak 1 s motion having been resumed, it was put and carried that the Bye-Laws Committee should comprise the Mayor (ex officio), Aldermen Powditch, Q'Neill, and Dignan, and Councillor Abraham. Councillor Abraham would now move that the following gentlemen form the respentive Committees named in his Kesolutioa ; — 1. Town and Suburban Roads Committee. — Aldermen Maion, Powditch, and O'Neill ; Coun- ; cillors Davy and Norman. 2. Rural Eoads Committee— Aldermen Mason and Dignan ; Councillors Taylor, Macdpnald, and, Haultain. 3. Public Works Committee — Aldermen. Mason, Dignan, and O'Neill ; Councillors Davy and Newman. 4. Public Health Committee — Aldermen, O'Neill, Powditch, and Mason ; Councillors Newman and Abraham. 5. Charitable Trusts Committee — Alderman, Powditch :, Councillors Haultain, Hickson, Taylor, and Abraham. Carried sj?iatim> The Colonial Secretai'y'a Letter, in reference to contracts for the lios»pital, sick and destitute persons, &c, was again read. Its purpdrt was an enquiry whether the Government should invite tenders on behalf of tho Corporation for the supply of the above institutions after 31st December, the period when their contract expired. Alderman Mason was of opinion that no definite reply could be given till the matter had been referred to the Charitable Trusts Committee. It was finally arranged that the Acting Town Clerk should communicate with the Local Government on the subject, stating that the Council was not in a position to incur any responsibility, until the measure bad been submitted to Committee of Inquiry.

Alderman O'Xcill moved that the Council (through the Acting Town Clerk) invite tenders by advertisement, from persons willing to take the office of messenger Alderman Mason thorght that befoi'e they engaged any one they ought to ascertain what means they had to pay him. The Mayor 1 bought that from the m-my applications already before them one might be chosen. Councillor Abraham thought that means ought to be adopted to raise funds ; it was true they had th.it in prospective, arising from the late Sale of Lands, but it would very soon be exhausted. Let it be distinctly understood by the public that they must be taxed, and the matter would be brought to an issue at once. Gentlemen ought to give this question their most serious and earnest attention. He did not feel himself capable of doing the subject justice, but, no doubt, worthy members woidd give it their undivided consideration. Alderman O'Neim/s motion in reference to the mode of proceeding- for the engagement of a messenger was put and carried. Councillor Abraham, subsequently gave notice that he bhould move " That all proceedings for the imposition, ;.collecting, accounting for, and auditing of all rates and assessments of property, real or personal, or both, within the Borough, or upon the owners and occupiers of any such property, except for the purpose of inquiry be det ferred until after the meeting of the Legislative Council." The Mayor thought that the motion ought to be deferred until they had reports from the various committees. Councillor Abbaiiam would not attempt to embarrass the Council, but would bring forward his resolution at such time as they might suggest. Councillor Merroiax submitted two designs for a Borough seal, which were laid on the table. Notices of motion for next meeting. By Alderman O'Neijx " Whether it is incumbent on us, on behalf of the Burgesses, to lay si petition at the feet of Her Majesty, or forward a memorial to the Commons House of Parliament, having for its prayer that no portion of the New Zealand Company's claim may be imposed on the Province of New Ulster." By Councillor Abraham :—•' That Councillors Norman, llickson, and Macdouald, be added to the Bye Laws Committee." By ' Councillor Hauwaix, "That an application be forwarded to the Government for plans of the Borough, divided into Hundreds, and with the roads marked so a& to show how far they were completed." By Councillor IlAumiy, "That application be made to the Government to hand over the amount of the Land fund awarded to the Corporation for the purpose of building a Town Hall." After some conversation as to the most conconvenient day and hour for holding their meetings, the Council adjourned, sine die. .».

The Band of 11. M. 58th Regiment, by permission of Lieutenant-Colonel WYnyujd, C.8., will perform in the Grounds in the front of the old Government House, to-morrow, Thursday, from four till six o'clock, p.m. progh vmmh. Overture— Op... "l humane" Bellini. Air and Chorus— Op. . ." Preciosn," Weber. <C.ivntwa— Op..." hdwardo I/Cnstina," Rosmua. Quadrille-—" Charles the Second,'* Jullien. Polka — " The Cavallene," Jullien. Waltz—" Fleur d© Wane," Barret. Poloniso— T. Kuffer. Gallop— •" The Fly," Davis.