CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6421, 16 June 1882, Page 6

CITY COUNCIL.

The regular meeting of the City Council wa3 held last evening. Present: His Worship the Mayor (in the chair), Messrs. Montague, Goldie, Fleming, Hemus, Aickin, Thompson, Waddel, Crowther, and Phillipps. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. Headings of correspondence forwarded since last meeting of Council were submitted. Correspondence.—Mr. R. Duffy called attention to the obstruction, caused by the trees in Hobson-street. Referred to the Streets. Committee.—The Under Secretary (Mr. , E. S. Cooper) acknowledged the receipt of Council's recommendations for amendments to the Public Health Act, and especially re milk and dairies, and intimated that, being too late for the session, I they would be considered.during the recess. The Mayor said he had communicated with the Premier to see if anything could be done this session.—W. Kirby wrote in regard to his contract for kerbing, &c., in Franklinstreet, requesting that, as the delay arose from his inability to get stone, the balance of his contract money be.paid to him. The Engineer corroborated this statement, and the request was granted. — Thomas Slator, lessee of the market, applied for some compensation through not haviDg the use of the south wing during the repairs. Deferred till repairs are completed.—George Garrett asked for permission to construct an asphalt footway acro.-s Karangahape-road at his own cost. Granted, as far as the Council's authority went, the work to be done to the satisfaction of the Engineer.— John Kelly laid before'the Council the views of the residents as to Day-street, and asked that the matter of its formation might remain open till the. residents had expressed their opinion. Deferred.—P. Doran asked the patronage of the Mayor aud Council to his benefit at the Opera House, on the 21st. Granted, on the motion of the Mayor, who spoke highly of the liberality of Mr. Doran in regard to public charities, <fcc.—Mr. A. K. Taylor asked permission to erect a stable in Abercrctfnbie - street, in rear of twostorey buildings which he was about to erect. — Mr. John Keegan brought under the notice of the Council the state of the drainage and footway in this street, near his property. Referred to the Streets Committee.—H. Shailer wrote, stating the bad weather had prevented him putting his house in Upper Queen-street in order. Letter received.— W. Mackune claimed compensation for damage to his property in Inkermannstreet. The Surveyor reported that the damage was caused by excavation on private property, and it was agreed to reply accordingly.—Mr. Milne, secretary of the Auckland Coffee Palace Company, submitted plans of the new building proposed. The Engineer reported that they were not in accordance with the building regulations. They were rejected.—A. Tait, of Lornestreet, asked the Council to bear half the expense of a retaining wall. Preferred to the Streets Committee.—Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond sent notice of a summons in the District Court re Mr. Brunton's claim. Referred to the Council's solicitor.—Mr. John Harper claimed £26 compensation for damage to his property in Coburgstreet through cutting down the street. It was agreed, as Mr. Harper was one of those who petitioned to have the work done, that the Council do not entertain his application. —A telegram was received from Mr. Peacock asking for suggestions as to the Fire Brigade Bill, introduced by Mr. Levestam, a copy of which was produced. Mr. Waddel pointed out that the Act would not be applicable to Auckland. They did not want further taxation, and on his motion, it was agreed to inform Mr. Peacock that the Council requested him to oppose any further taxing powers, so far as Auckland was concerned. Wakefifld-street. —The residents petitioned to have the water channels concreted. —Referred to the Streets Committee. Waterworks Employes.—The employes at the waterworks petitioned that their clothing and boots were destroyed through working in the ponds, and asked the consideration of the Council.—Referred to the .Finance and General Purposes Committee: A Boycotted . Contractor. —Mr. John Cornwell, contractor, whose tender for repairs to the City Market had not been accepted, although the lowest, wrote to the Council asking to be allo\yed an interview, —It was granted. He pointed out that his tender was the lowest. When he took the tender for the public baths, he did so under two provisions, that lie should carry out the work or forfeit his deposit. He did the latter, but he was no defaulter. The city baths was riot an ordinary job. He did his best, but owing to wind arid weather, he could not proceed, and as he was under a penalty of £20 a week, he thought it best so throw up the job, and forfeit his deposit, but he was the only loser. He had saved money to the Council in other contracts, including the ' city abattoirs, which he had carried out, and none of his work had ever been condemned, either for bad work or faulty material. He thought this a case of boycotting to prevent him from getting a living. He had done nothing that he need be ashamed of, but, in the case of the baths, he had to give it up for he could not get the men to start.—Mr. Thompson said Mr. Cornwell had called on him, and seemed to make this a personal matter. He understood Mr. Cornwell to say that he only tendered on the understanding that it was in Mr. Wade's office.—Mr. Cornwell replied yes, that he tendered under Mr. Wade, understanding that it was in his office the tenders were to be opened and accepted. He tendered under him aa a private architect.— Mr. Aickin said that, at the meetiuj.', no such word as defaulter was mentioned as referring to Air. Cornwell. All that was •aid was that there was some trouble over his last contract, and it might occur again.—Mr. Cornwell said it might be out of place to say so, but lie believed some of the councillors were actuated by spite against him.—Mr. Thompson : As Mr. Cornwell has made this a personal matter, might I ask him if he thiuks I am one of those s—Mr. Cornwell: I certainly do not, Mr. Thompson. Mr. Cornwell then retired, and the Council then proceeded to discuss the matter. — The Mayor said the question arose, what was the meaning of those deposits ? Had a contractor the absolute right to decline to proceed with his contract ? He had heard the same argument used before, that a contractor having forfeited his deposit had done all that was required of hiin.—Mr.-Crowther pointed out that in the case of the baths, Mr. Cornwell had started the contract and afterwards surrendered it.—Mr. Thompson pointed out that it might be an injustice to the ratepayers this throwing up of contracts, but it was fair for "the Council to say whether or not they should employ any con-tractor.-—Mr. Goldie explained that the fact was Mr. Cornwell had taken the contract too low and could not get bricklayers to do the work at his price.—Mr. Waddel referred to the last clause of the advertisement, that the Council was not bound to accept the lowest or any tender. If his advice was taken there would be no contracts 26 weeks over time.— The subject then dropped. Street Tramways.—A letter was received from Mr. W. S. Totton, submitting terms for the construction of street tramways in the city and suburbs, accompanied by plans He asked the use of the streets free of cost, and plant exempt from rates, for 21 years, the company maintaining the portion of the streets used by them ; the Council to have the option of purchase at the end of that

term. The work to be commenced in- fonr I months and finished in IS months. To be worked by horse or mechanical power.—On the motion of Mr. Montague, the whole matter was referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Phillipps, Waddel, and the mover. Public Works Committee.—The report of this committee, the proceedings and resolutions of which have already been reported, was read and adopted. Streets Committee,— Re Mr. Graham's letter as to works in Coburg-street, the committee report that the Surveyor's report be adopted ; viz., that the cutting of Ceburg-place and triangle should be dealt with at the same time, so that it would be better to leave it as it is for the present.— Re Mr. Holland's letter as to sloping back earth to foot-path level in Coburg-street. It was agreed to recommend that the earth be sloped from street level at a grade of to 1, as recommended by the Surveyor.—Re letter from Messrs. Cunningham and King, as to right-of-way between Nelson and Hobson-streets. It was agreed that per- ' mission be given for right-of-way, as shown on plan provided, the same be asphalted, and a gate placed at the entrance, subject also to the. conditions that no building be erected facing the right-of-way without the permission of the Council. Re cutting of a piece of Upper Queen-street: That the four feet cutting be approved of at top of street, the same to run out at Liverpoolstreet and at Mr. Nathan's gate ; and that Mr. Belcher's offer to take £100 in full compensation for all damage to his property by such cutting, be agreed to. Crossings : Karangahape-road and Howe-street, Pittstreet and Karangahape-road, Pitt-street and Beresford - street, Wellesley - street across Symonds-street, Priuces-street, and O'Rorke-street, were recommended. Other crossings were recommended as soon as the necessary works were completed.—The report was adopted, with the exception of the clause as to compensation to Mr. Belcher, which was proposed to stand over for the Engineer's «stimate of the cost. Park Commute.—The committee reported'that had agreed that the park gardener should obtain from Mr. Mason trees' as per list submitted, provided the price was not in excess of that arranged for first list. Re cutting in park at Coburgstreet and armoury, that so soon as the work in hand is sufficiently advanced that tenders be called for the additional works required. —The report was adopted. Financk and Returns.—Accounts were passed for payment after some discussion as to an item of £1 for extra clerical assistance. Returns were received from the Treasurer's, the Waterworks, and the Surveyor's Departments. Enlargement or the Crrr.—A memo, was received from Mr. Eller, Returning Officer, enclosing the returns of the poll taken in regard to the enlargement •f the city boundaries.—Mr. Thompson said he had been asked as to a member of the Council having forwarded a Bill to the Government in this question, and asked whether it was done by the Mayor or by anyone aeting for him ? —The Mayor said he had no communication with the Government on the subject, nor had anyone else by his authority; but there was nothing to hinder any councillor in his private capacity giving any information he thought proper to the Premier.—Mr. Thompson said he only asked, so as to be able to answer those who inquired whether the Mayor was absent and had appointed a deputy.—Mr. Aickin said he considered the question asked by Mr. Thompson an impertinent one, for although the papers stated that "Councillor" Aickin communicated with the Premier, he did so in his private capacity. —Mr. Thompson rose to a point of order, and asked the Mayor to rule whether he had not a right to ask the question.—The Mayor ruled that he had a perfect right to ask the question. —Mr. Aickin said the matter was a private one.—Mr. Goldie considered the question pertinent, and referred to the action taken by some members without the consent of the Council re the reclamation roads; Councillor Aickin's name was mentioned and quoted in the papers, and they had a right to know what he did as a councillor.;— After some further discussion, the Mayor moved "That a telegram be sent to the Government, informing them of the result of the poll, and express an opinion that a Bill be introduced to include Pohsonby and Newton as one ward, and Grafton, Karangahape, Eden Terrace, and Archhill as a second ward, and further, that , provision be made for striking a rate in those districts for the current year." He explained the reason for the last clause. A good deal of discussion ensued. The first clause was adopted, and Mr. Waddel suggested that the whole of the wards should be recast. Finally, on the motion of Mr. Montague, it was moved, '' That a committe be appointed to consider the readjustment of wards, in view of the probable enlargement of the city."—The Mayor suggested a special meeting of the Council instead, and Mr. Montague adopted the suggestion.—ln this form the motion was carried, and the special meeting was fixed for Tuesday next. Fish-stall at the Coffee Palace Site. —Mr. Waddel drew attention to the fishstall which was being erected on the Coffee Palace site, and for the erection of which a permit had been granted. . On this subject, ' a letter was read from read from Mr. McLean. He had obtained a permit, but after | incurred expense he was ordered to desist. —The subject was discussed at some length, and it was agreed not to grant the request, I and to cancel the permit granted. Waterworks By-laws. —The amended | by-laws were discussed seriatim, amended, and. adopted as amended. Sanitary Measures.—The Sanitary Inspector reported that he had served notice on a number of people requiring them to comply with the Aft in regard to cesspools, closets, &c. Some had complied, others had not, and he asked permission to proceed against the latter. The necessary authority was granted. He also reported iu regard to contagious diseases existing in the city. —The Mayor intimated that at the next meeting he would move that the Governor be requested to bring the' Contagious Diseases Act into force. Handkerchiefs and Linens Direct from Belfast.—Every reader of the Herald should secure some of tho marvellously cheap Cambria Handkerchiefs, from 2d each; Table Napkins, 7Ad each; Towels, from 4Jd"; Table Damasks, from Is; Men's White Shirts, from 2s 6d ■ Coloured Is lid; Remnants of Fronting Linens and' Holland's Lace Curtains* from 3s lid to 25s per pair • Bleached Sheetings, 6S-inch, SJd ; White Calico, 3d : and Grey, from 2Jd; flannels, from 63d ; Silks and Satins, from 2s 6d ; Velveteens, Is ll.Jd ; homespuns 6jd; Wincey, from 3Jd; Black Cashmere, from Is 6d; a special line of Tapestry Carpots, at 2s 9da yard, only 7 pieces left. Quilts and Blankets at surprisingly low prices. A trial will prove that,ours is the Cheapest Establishment in Queen-street. Our rule is to Mark our Goodsat tlio Lowest rossinLE Pnica roil All Goods marked in Plain Figures. I'lonse make no mistake about the address.—Wm. 11. SMITH'S Cheap Drapery Warehouse, 300, and 302, Queenstreet, corner of Alexandra-street, opposite Army and Navy Hotel. We advise our readers who have not yet made their autumn purchases of drapery and clothing to inspect 1. McMaster's stock, which has been specially selected for him in some of tho best English Frcnch, and Scotch houses, nnrt just received per Oxford and s.s. Ncpaul. The stock of millinerv, dresses, ladies and children's ulsters and mantle*s, contain various novelties. Ladies' and chUdren's hosiery and gloves in superior makes. Umbrellas, nboons, ties, and scarfs in great variety. A very, large stock of trimmings, fringes, gimp, dress and ornaments; dress laces and cord tassels. The ladies flower cap for evening wear is very new Plain goods, such . as blankets) quilts, flannel 9. sheetings, calicoes, &c., in good, useful makes, Men s and boys clothing, shirts, hosiery, and hats, a good assortment, at T. McMasteii's, Queen-street, opposite the Market