CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4203, 4 May 1875, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held yesterday afternoon, in the Council chamber, Brunswick Buildings. The following gentlemen were present:—His Worship the Mayor (Mr. F. Prime), and Councillors Daldy, ISrett, Maeready, Buchanan, Cosgrave, and Hurst. Minctes.—Tlic minutes of last meeting hiving been read, were confirmed. COKKESI'ONDKNCF.. —A letter was received from Messrs. Holland and Butler, asking permission to use the public urinals as a means of advertising their business, and offering, as compensation for the privilege, to paint once every year the public urinals and pumps.—Permission was given to the applicants to use one urinal for twelve months. —A letter was received from Mr. Hartley, asking for a drain to lie constructed to carry the water oil" his property, which had been caused to How on it l>3 , alterations made by the Council.—The Town Surveyor advised that the application should be granted, and a motion to that effect was carried. Beach Road.—The correspondence with reference to the 1 teach Koad, which has been already published, was read to the Council. —Councillor Maeready considered that nothing should be done, as any action might injure the claims which residents in the locality might have against the Government. —Councillor Daldy considered there was no Beach Koad whatever, ami the Cicncral Government had deprived property-holders of their frontages. Staxij:v-stufet.—A letter was received from the Chairman of the I'arnell Highway Board, bringing under the attention of the Council the condition of tlio crossing in Stanley-street, and asking that it might be repaired in a substantial manner.—Councillor Brett supported the application, and advised that it should be referred to the Streets Cemmittee with power to act.—The question was referred to the Streets Committee to report upon. Street Crossiso.— A letter was read from Mr. U. B. Edwards, asking that a crossing to the wharf, on the west side of Queen-street, should be made.—Councillor Cosgrave considered that the would be of general convenience to tin; public, and proposed that ita construction should be proceeded with. It was mibsecjucntly agreed to leave the matter for the Strvet.s Committee to report upon. Navai. Bhioadk. — Application was received from Ihi! Naval Brigade for permission t.;(ire blank outi idge fiom the garrison guns on the bair.icU reserve. The Council declined to give p'ji mission. Vulcan Lank.—A petition for -widening Vulcan Lane eo as to make it on a lino with Messrs. Ireland brothers' building -was read. Tho petition was signed by Messrs. Ryan, Bell and Co., PerkiiiH, and others.— The Town (flir- stated that lie had Bent a letter to Mr. It. Someivell, askinc upon what terms he -wouM alL.w the boundary of • Vulcan Lane to be extended to a level with

Ireland Brothers' premises. The reply was that for various reasons he (Mr. Somervell) was unwilling to do so upon any terms. City Surveyor's Report.—Tbe City Surveyor reported having examined the different streets on the Barrack Reserve. Tho whole of the streets were well formed, drained, and lighted. The drainage is complete in every street, excepting Albert-street, and it joins with tho city drainago where practicable. Provision had bean made for private drainage, by having junctions left in the mains opposite the allotments to be leased. On the whole, the streets were well made, and, when properly consolidated, would be a great acquisition to the city. The surveyor also reported that provision should be made to start the stone-breaking machine early in June. About .£IOOO would be required to provide sufficient metal, including cartage, for tho repair of streets during tho wet season. The engineer had about 350 yards of metal to go on v.-ith during the present month.—The Council discussed the question of taking over the streets from the Improvement Commissioners. This matter was, on the motion of Councillor Daldy, referred to the Streets Committee to report upon.—The question of starting* the stone-breaking machine was adjourned until next meeting of the Council.

Watehwokkss.—Tho following letter 77.1s read to the Council:—" April 3, lS7"i.—To tho chairman and committee of the Auckland Waterworks. —Gentlemen, —l beg to report that satisfactory progress having been made with the various works now being carried out : that is, the engine pond at Western Springs, reservoirs at Kyber Pass, and reservoir at Ponsonby. I therefore recommend that the payment to the contractors. Messrs. T. and S.'Morrin, of the sum of £1000 sterling be made an account, and, in accordance with clause 27 of the general conditions, and without prejudice, 1 have the honour to be, ite., William EnniMiToy, Engineer."- The amount was ordered to bo paid, aa advised by the Kngincer.—A letter was received from Messrs. T. and S. Morrin, stating that Mr. fioodall had been appointed their responsible engineer to represent and act for them in all matters connected with the works. —This letter was referred to the subcommittee of the water supply. AcrwNT.s. —The fortnightly accounts, amounting to .C2SS, were ordered to be paid. The general account shewed a credit balance of £2S!) i>s 11<1 ; accounts to pay, £2SS 0s Sd, leaving a balance of £1 9s 3d. " City Endowment account : Cr. balance, £CGO 2s Sd; accounts to pay, £304 11s 3d, leaving a balance of £205 lis sd. The city waterworks accounts shewed a credit balance of £2500 12s lil. Tie special rate account had a credit bal nice of £-100 17s fid.— Councillor Daldy moved the adoption of the finance report, and that the Finance Committee be instructe 1 to bring up a report at the next sitting of the Council shewing its financial position, and tho estimated receipts and expenditure to .Tune 30, and that it bo an instruction to the Streets Committee to report on the works they consider absolutely necessary to be done before the 30th of June, and the probable cost of the same. —Councillor Macready seconded this motion, which was carried.

Elkctioxs*. —It was proposed by Councillor Cosgrave, seconded by Councillor Hurst, that Councillor Macready be elected to represent the Council in the ITarbour Board. The motion was carried ?icm. con., and Councillor Maeready briefly returned thanks for the honor conferred on bin:.—On the motion of Councillor Hr.rst, seconded by Councillor Brett, Councilor Buchanan waa proposed to represent the Council in tho Improvement Commission.—The motion was carried unanimously.

Finance Committf.k.—The following report by the Finance Committee, on the present position of the waterworks loan, was read :—Gross proceeds, .COS. 195 Gs Gd ; expenses in issuing loan to date of arrival, £1G75 2s 7d ; preliminary expenses to April, £2S 0s Cd: total, £90,000 3s sd. Nctt amount of contracts: Morrin's contract, £72,0fi3; Motion's land, £0000 ; engineer (balance), £2000: total, £5»,51>3 0s 3d. Balance for contingencies, £0037 3s 2d. Deposits in Bank of Xev/ Zealand for six months, £73,000 : ditto for three months, £5000 ; ditto for 30 days, £10,000 ; balance credit account, -C2GOO 3s 7d : total, £00,000 3s sd.—On the motion of Councillor Daldy, it was ordered that the report should be entered upon the minutes.

Citv Valuations.—The Mayor stated that there was some delay in respect to the valuation of city property, and it was agreed that the persons upon whom this fluty devolved should be written to upon the subject.

Xotk'E ok Motion - . —The Mayor gave notice that at next meeting he should move "that an estimate bo prepared for tho annual general rate upon all rateable property within the city for the period between the Ist day of June, 1575, and the 31st day of May, IS7O.