CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7382, 17 July 1885, Page 6

CITY COUNCIL.

! The regular meeting of the City Council was held last night. Preeent : Hi« Worship the Mayor, and Meaai-R. Holland, Montague, Connolly, Devore, Garratt, Crowther, Goldie, Kidd, Masefield, Aickio, Cooper, Lsßoohe, and Burns. The minutes of laafc meeting were read and confirmed. Headings of letters forwarded since last meeting of the Conncil were also read. CusTON-ROAD(offJervole-road). —Mr. Geo. Anderson wrote requesting that the street opposite his property might be made passable for carts, as he bad recently built a house, and his neighbour had been in the habit of carting across the land. — The Engineer reported that the road was in its natural condition, and to make a track through the furge would cost £B.—Referred to the Streets Committee. Swift Avenue.—Mr. William Quinlan protested against Swift Avenue being closed, and threatened legal proceedings, as it reduced his property in value.—The Engineer said that since Poneonby joined the oity no road had been closed, but he would enquire from Mr. Gulliver about it.—The consideration of the letter was deferred until the necessary information was before the Council. Markkt Square. — Messrs. T. and H. Cooke drew attention to the state of the Cook-street entrance to the Market, at the rear of their premises, which they said was almost a bog.—The Engineer reported that the road was being metalled, and he would see that the sides were attended to and made available for traffic, and it was agreed to send a reply in accordance with the memo, of the Engineer.

Crossing and Right-ox way.—Messrs. Russell and Campbell, solicitors, wrote on behalf of Mrs. Glover requesting permission to construct a carriage crossing over the footpath to her leasehold property, Symondsstreet, to connect with a private right-of-way which would be closed upon the extinguishment of the leases.—The Engineer reported that a plan ehould be sent, as a record was kept in the office of such right-of-ways.—Referred to the Streets Committee, the Engineer to report as to how it would affect the Council. Lamp.—Mr. J. 8. Singleton, Victoria-street, asked permission to remove a lamp from the verandah of his former premises to those recently occupied by Mr. Cooper.—The request was granted. Footpath, LowbrQuee ■.'■street.—Messrs, Hancock and Co. wrote, informing the Council that the wall of the new railway station was now completed, and requested the Council to comply with their decision to have the footpath opposite it formed.— Referred to trie Streets Committee to visit and report, as some considerable outlay was required to meet the wishes of the writers. It would be a continuation of the Customsstreet formation, and a large work. New Strk'et-swkkpkr. — Mr. F. Larkine wrote, suggesting to the Council to use the mud-sweeper used in Paris. It had a trough attached to it, which picked up the mud as it proceeded, instead of the present process of pushing it to the side of the road, and having it picked up subsequently. He thought) the Auckland coach builders could arrange such an economising process for the Auckland streets.—The Engineer reported that they were suitable for paved roads, but not for macadamised roads with thiok mud. —It was agreed to thank Mr. Larkins for hie suggestion, and refer it to the .Streets Committee. Permit.—Mr. J. Neale asked permission to erect three cottage* off street line in Grey-street in accordance with plans submitted.—The Building Surveyor reported that the plane were according to regulations, but no consent could be given until the Council sanctioned the site.—Toe consent of the Council was granted, subject to the usual conditions, the Mayor explaining that the right-of-way existed before there was a Council. Karangahafe-road.—Mr. Thos. Proeser stated that the road at the intersection of Upper Queen-street and Karangahape-road was almost impassable, and suggested the construction of a croesing, or that the mud should bn scraped off once a day for a crossing.—The Engineer reported that a report would be sent in to the meeting, and the matter was allowed to stand over. Licensing Clerk. — Mr. J. Newman, Chairman of the City North Licensing Committee, wrote suggesting to the Council to increase the salary of £30 per annum allowed to Mr. 8. B. Stoney to perform the duties of licensing clerk of Coart. The duties, he said, entailed much labour. The noticea issued required legal knowledge, only to be acquired by experience, and Mr Stoney had qualified himself for the work , by some years of practice.—The letter was referred to the Finance Committee to conI aider and report. Accident.—Captain McKenzie Wilson, Librarian to the Hospital, wrote a long letter, detailing an accident that occurred to him in Princes-street by being bogged in a mud-hole on the footpath, and calling the attention of the Council to the state of the footpath opposite Mr. Hatswell'e late premises.—The letter wae received. Riuar-OF-WAY.— Mr. A. T. Good, Vin-cent-street, requested permission to erect a cottage at the rear of hie present house in Vincent street, and forwarded plan of proposed building.—The Building Surveyor reported that it required the sanction of the Council, but the building was in accordance with the regulations.—The matter was referred to the Streets Committee.—Mr. Aickin thought it high time that some steps were taken to deal with the whole question of righte-of-way, and the Mayor said he was about to communicate with Wellington, with a view to having a, clause on the subject in the Amendment Act. Sale • street.—Mr. Thomas Jack drew attention to the damage caused to hie property by the storm water overflowing from Sale-street on to his allotment. The present drain pipes, he said, were defectively put in, and not of sufficient capacity to carry the water.—The Engineer reported that the applicant had brougbt the trouble on himself by filling np the open watercourse. It meant the extension of the sewer in Baker-street to connect with the Sale-street culveitf. —Referred to the Streets Committee. Complaint.—Mr. W. Blandon wrote, etating that on the morning of the 11th the rain brought down a portion of the earth embankment adjoining hie property at the back of Wellesley-etreet School, filling the drain and diverting the water under his building and into the stone cellars. He found a pool of water 50 feet by 24 feet, and there was nine feet of wator in the cellar.—A report from Mr. Hammond, C.E., on the state of the premises wan enclosed.—Mr. Anderson reported that Mr. Blandon's houses would always be subject to water lodging under them, and of course his cellar would be worse. The slopes on the reserve eide were being trimmed and shoott placed in the bottom to prevent damage from the reserve.—Tha Mayor moved to forward a reply to Mr. Blandon in accordance with the Engineer's mamo.—Mr. Crowther moved as an amendment, " That Mr. Blandon, who was present, be heard."—The amendment was agreed to, and on the suggestion of Mr. Connolly, Mr. Anderson waa called in.—Mr. Biaudon then stated hie grievance Bot'ore the filling in by the Council his buildings were 14 feet above the watercourses, but the Counoil had filled in to a height of 24 feet. He explained the position of his property on to which all the storm water was thrown, and no drain had been made by the Council to replace the large drain which had been filled in. He made drains himielf, but at length he had to apply to the Council, for hie property was damaged and his buildingsendaugered, and he asked the Counoil to provide a remedy.—Mr. Anderson alao made an explanation. The priuoipal part of the water came from private property, from Mr. Bugden's property, but not from the reserve.—Mr. Garratt moved " That the matter be referred to the Streets Committee." — Mr, Goldie seconded the motion, and it was carried.

Jermyn-strket.—Mγ. J. P. Courtayne wrote pointing out that the improvements to the present condition of Jermynstreet, as promised, had not been carried out.— The Mutineer reported that fine ash was difficult to get, and they were waiting for it for this work. It had now come, and the road had been blinded.—The Mayor said that they oould not send the steam roller there, except at the risk of never getting it out. —It was agreed that a reply be sent that the necessary steps would be taken to make the road, but oould not send the roller there at present. —Mr. Crowther said he would be inclined to risk it, for the class of scoria put on the road was suoh that it would never consolidate without the roller. They once had a horseroller, which was better than nothing, and it had been lying in the Domain for the last twelve months.—Mr. Aickin suggested that this roller should be put in use for Jermyn and other similar streets.—The resolution moved hv tho Mavor wm carried.

Footpath.—Mr. Holdship wrote asking to have a narrow asphalt footpath made on the east aide of the lane leading from Customs to Fort-street, and he would pay the ordinary contribution. —The Engineer reported that before this could be doue a kerb would be required. The lane was narrow, but he would examine and report on the practicability and cost of the footpath.—Referred to the Streets Committee, the Engineer to report. Library and Art Gallkky Site.—

Rice and Malcolm, contractors for the Free Library, wrote notifying that the site was not ready on the 20th of June, and was not ready now, and pointed out what was required.—The Engineer's memo, was to the effect that it would be better to refer this to Mr. Wade. All the cuttings marked out were removed, and he would be able tc give inforrrfetion.—Mr. Wade replied that lie would report to the next meeting. —Mr. Groldie thought they should have a report on the work dooe on the nifce aud its cost.— The matter wa3 referred to the Committee, with the additions suggested by Mr. Goldie, Extension of Tramways.—The Engineer of the Auckland Tramways Company wrote re the plans for the proposed exten siou of the tramways in the eastern circuit. The specifications and plans were submitted. —The Mayor moved, " That the Council's approval be given to the plans and specifications," —Mr. G)ldie sugg sted that, before the plane were approved, ihe Engineer report whether the crowns of the roads were sufficiently high, or had sufficient camber, and were in a position for having the rails laid.—Mr. Anderson said the roads were praocically to ihe height now, and heights would be given them to which the rails should be laid. Mr. Garratt aleo pointed out the necessity for having wooden blocks alongside the rails, insteai of allowing the annoyance and danger now existing.—The Engineer said it was the intention of the Tramway Company to lay wood along Q ieen-sereet, and wooden blocks, as a trial. —Mr. Garratt moved, " That their Engineer confer with the Tramway Engineer, with regard to this matter."—Mr. Laßoohe said this conference need not interfere with the Council granting their approval to the plans for the exteneion now before the Council.— Mr. Devore supported the motion that the plans be approved, and it was carried, Mr. Garratt's amendment not being seconded.

Pkrmit. — Mr. T. H. White wrote on behalf of Mr. Fallon, asking for au extension of time for the hoardings round the works now in course of erection ia Hobson and Cook Streets.—The Mayor moved, " That it be referred to the Engineer and Building, Inspector to report."—Mr. Devore moved atf an amendment. "That the request be declined."—The iVlayor withdrew his motion in favour of the amendment, and it was carried. Reclamation Roads. —A letter was read from the Secretary of the Harbour Board, respecting the clause "proposed to be em bodied in the Harbour Board Bill, forwarding a resolution of the Board complying with the request of the Council.—lt was agreed that the letter be acknowledged. — Mr. Kidii presented a petition that Ferst-street be kerbed and channelled from Gore-street. —It was received, and referred to the Streets Committee. Finance Committee. — This committee recommended as follows :—Letter from the manager of the National Bank re public loan of the corporation : that instructions be sent to the bank asking them to recover the stamp duties on the unused bonds, and to forward the cancelled bonds to Auckland. Re clause 1, Finance Committee report re Collector's Department : Deferred for further information.—The report was adopted. HoPETotTN-STREET. — Mr. Devore drew attention to the fact that Hopetoun-street was rapidly moving into the Weettrn Park, and the balance would probably be there before the next meeting. GR*rrost-ROAD. -The Engineer reported upon the complaint oE Mr. Eaton, re drainage of water from the street damaging his property in Grafton-roid, that as the house was below the level of the road, which is a low level at that side, the water continues to flow in. Hβ had the present channel opened up to prevent, as far ae possible, a reoarrence of the damage by water flowing in.—lt was moved by tiie Mayor that a reply be sent that the Engineer was taking precautions to prevent a recurrence of damages complained of. Hob=?ov-street.—ln regard to letters from Mr. Pond and others, the Eagineer reported that the Streets Committee saw this place on Friday morning, and what was agreed upon regarding the protection of the house in a temporary manner. He did not think there was any immediate danger to the house, and anything that might happen to the verandah would be attended to. Rkfliks tu QnusTiONS.—ln reply to Mr. Devore 'a written questiou, " When will the Council's instructions to make John-street, Poneonby, be carried into effect, and will the lower end of J,>hn-street be then available for foot traffic." the Engineer replied : " The Foreman of Works in Ponsonby Ward has instructions to make neceseary repairs, and when completed will afford accommodation for foot passengers, both upper and lower end. Something of a more permanent character has Been promised the residents of John-street, but no defiuite instructions have yet beeu given " Street Trek-*.—The Park Gardener reported on the removal of the Kobson-street trees. Some 20 could be removed, but the remainder were too large, and could not well be removed with advantage to Beresfordstreet.—Mr. Masetield moved, "That they be removed to the Western Park and the remainder cut down ;" and Mr. Aickiu, as an amendment moved, " That they be transplanted to the Alten-road reserve." — The amendment wai lost, and Mr. Garratt then moved, "That the matter be left in the Mayor's hands."—The Mayor said he did not desire to deal with it, and, the amendment not being seconded, the motion was put and carried. Crossings on" Ivaiungahape. Road. — The Engineer reported on crossings in Karangahape-road, and reported in favour of four extra crossings—one at Newton-road, one at West street, one at Eait-etreet, and one at Upper Queen-street. He gave estimates of cost of asphalt, stone, or wooden blocks. He recommended the latter. —Mr. Garratt moved, "That the wooden crossings be authorised, and that the cost be allocated amongst the wards affected, but that the immediate payment be made by the Karangahape Ward."—Mr. Maaefield said the South Ward could not afford the cost. They had more important works, and he hoped Mr. Garratt would alter his resolution to stone crossings, although, he admitted, the wooden crossings were the beat. —Mr. Devore and Mr. Crowther supported the motion for wooden crossings ; but the latter suggested that, now that the worst of the winter was over, they defer making these crossings till next season.—Mr. Goldie said he would oppose any other crossing than the wooden blocks, but would suggest that two of the principal crossings be selected, and their construction tendered for.—Mr. Garratt said he could not accept the suggestion for the whole of the crossings were required, and to make two only would affect business people.—The resolution was put. Ayes : Messrs. Holland, Cooper, Devore, Montague, Connolly, Burns, Laßoche, Garratt. Noes : Messrs. Crowther, Aickin, Kidd, Goldie, and Masefield. The motion was therefore carried.—Mr. Garratt then moved that tenders bo called for the construction of these crossings.—Agreed to. BoBSON-STREET DkKD OF AGRKKMSNT. On the motion of Mr. Montague, the consideration of this agreement was deferred for a fortnight. It had been received from the solicitor, and laid on tho table for the perusal of councillors. Main Skwer.—A telegram waa reoeived intimating the payment of £BS9 to the credit of the city funds. This was tha Government contribution to the main sewer. The rough minutes were read, and tho meeting rose.