AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7649, 28 May 1886, Page 6

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

Tub regular weekly meeting of the City Council was held last evening. Present: His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs. Atkin, Devore, Dignan, Crowther, Burns, Stephensou, Phillipps, Waymouth,Cooper, Montague, Aickin, Evans, Maßefield, Goldie, Garratt, and Kidd. The minutes and headings of correspondence forwarded since last meeting of the Council were submitted. Cemetery By law*. — A letter was received from the Rev. W. Tebbs, on behalf of tho ministers of the various bodies to which portions of the Waikomiti Cemetery had been allotted, requesting that the charge for funerals under area 3 should be merely the cost of digging the grave in cases where the ground was not purchased. The Mayor moVed that a reply be forwarded to Mr. Tobbs that he had arrived at a wrong conclusion, and he might add that where the 78 6d could not be afforded no charge was made. The motion was agreed to. Covered Way in Durham-lane.—Mr. Charles Arnold, architect, forwarded plans for a high level covered way over Durham-lane, proposed by Messrs. Sargood, Ewen, and Co., to conneot their warehouse with the large store in course of erection, He enclosed the consent of property-owners. The engineer in his memo, recommended the Streets Committee to visit the site when Mr. Arnold would explain the proposal. If granted it should be on the understanding that it should be removed on a notification from the Council at time, Referred to the Streets Committee to visit the site and report. , Jeryois Road.—Mr. Henry Townshend called attention to the bad state of the footpath along Jervois Road, as tho work done to it had made it in a worse condition than before. The engineer reported that instructions were given to attend to the paths referred to. It was evident that something had been done, and no doubt by this time it has boon completed. The owner of the hedge complained of had been written to requesting him to turn it back off the footway. It was agreed to reply in accordance with the engineer's memo. Winchester-street. — Mr. E. T. Bosworth applied for the levels of Winchesterstreet, as in its present state he was unable to erect buildings or make improvements of a permanent character without incurring the risk of having to make alterations at a future date. The engineer reported that if the portion of Winohester-street referred to was between Gladstone-street and Newton Road, the levels can be seen at the office, or, if the usual fee was paid, the levels would be put down on the ground, and given to the applicant in writing. There were no levels fixed for the blind end of Winchester-street, east of Gladstone-street. It was agreed to send a copy of the engineer's memo, as a reply. Church of England Cemetery Wall. — Mr. W. S. Cochrane, on behalf of the General Trust Board of the Diocesan Synod, called attention to the state of the cemetery wall in Symonds-street. Owing to the raising of the footpath tho earth kept tumbling in eastward, destroying the wall and injuring the cemetery. He asked that the earth be removed from the wall, the weight of which was fast causing its destruction. He also mentioned that the wall on the western side, that enclosing the Roman Catholic and Presbyterian cemeteries, was raised at the expense of the Council, and requested that the same be done with the wall enclosing the Church of England Cemetery. The engineer reported that the earth did not rise to the top of the wall H and he had placed no earth In the cemetery. The Council had offered to put up a wall on certain conditions, but it was declined. Referred to the Streets Committee to report on, on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr. Aickin, who said he hoped that the committee would bring up a strong report, for the Counoil nad made a moat liberal offer to the trustees. They offered, if the trustees put in the foundation, to erect the upper structure. Mr. Waymouth asked who put in the foundation of tho Catholic Cemetery wall ? Mr. Aickin said it was put up by the Provincial Government, as it was necessary for the road, but that did not affect the Council. Mr. Waymouth considered the Church of England trustees had a good claim, as the Council stepped into the Provincial Council's shoes. Mr. Goldie considered they had no claim at all. They had funds of their own, and a large revenue. He moved "That they be informed that the Council could not see its way to accede to the request." This was carried: Sale of Fish.—Mr. J. Eaton wrote at some length in regard to his project for the sale of fish, and the prosecution instituted against him for selling without an auctioneer's license, and, after detailing all the circumstances, he asked the Council to communicate with the Government, requesting their assistance in passing such a measure as he indicated, and that in the meantime proceedings against him should be either withdrawn or adjourned until such measure was either passed or thrown out. He forwarded a memorial, signed by fourteen auctioneers, expressing regret that any attempt should be made to prosecute him for selling perishable goodsviz., fish—by the process known as "Dutch auction." They did not consider it any infringement of the Auctioneers Act, and were of opinion that it did not in any way militate against them as auctioneers. They hoped the prosecution would be withdrawn, in order that such an important industry as the fishing one might be fostered in the district. The Mayor said this was the first notice the City Council, as a Council, had had of these proceedings, but he was surprised to see an article in the Thames Evening Star "slating" the Council for their action. The Council had taken no action, and he had taken no action on bohalf of tho Council, and no officer of tho Council had summoned Mr. Eaton. In reply to Mr. Crowther, the Mayor said that the action was taken by the colleotor. He moved, "That the matter be referred to the Legal Committee, and that, in the meantime, the Council take no action." Mr, Devore pointed out that the fact that the City Council had nothing to do with these proceedings was conclusively shown by the fact that Mr. Eaton was defended by Mr. Cotter, who was the solicitor of the Council, The motion was agreed to. Dundonald-street. — Mr. John Gray wrote regarding the great and unnecessary expense he had been put to through tho cutting down of Dundonald-street, at a time when he could least afford it. This was the tho third letter on the subject received from Mr. Gray, and, on the motion of Mr. Garratt, seconded by Mr. Burns, tho letter was received. Entrance to the Cemetery.Mr. W. S. Cochrane asked permission to have an entrance made to the Symonds-street Cemetery at its southern boundary, as per plana submitted in February - last, the General Trust Board undertaking to keep and maintain it in repair. Referred to the Legal Committee. Waikomiti Cemetery.Mr. Coohrane, by direction of the denominational guardians of the Church of England, asked the Council to hand over to them that portion of the Waikomiti Cemetery that the Council had permanently appropriated and set apart to be used for the exclusive interment of the bodies of members of the Church of England (in terms of clause 28 of the Cemeteries Act, 1882), It was agreed that the request be complied with on the same terms as already granted to other denominations. Quay-street.—The seoretary of the Harbour Board forwarded for the approval of the Council plan of subdivision of land situate between the railway station and Quay-street, requesting that, in terms of clause 22 of the Harbour Board Act, 1885, the Council will signify its approval of the street marked Quay-street, shown on the plan, and aW of the approach to the railway station from such street, subjeot to such conditions as may be considered advisable. As the Board was anxious to lease the allotments shown at an early date the favour of the Council's attention would oblige. It was agreed to grant the approval of the Council, subject to the conditions referred to —namely, that it be kerbed, channelled, and formed to the satisfaction of the Council, and that plans be submitted for approval. Victoria Arcade.—Mr. Allan Maguire wrote stating that he had been informed that his application for a permit for the erection of a verandah round the Victoria Arcade had been referred to the Streets Committee, who, he understood, were not likely to meet for a week. This delay would be a very serious inconvenience, and cause considerable loss to all parties concerned, especially to the workmen, who would have to walk about in such weather as this. There was no desire on the part of the proprietors to evade the building regulations. He had been instructed to insert a 2£inch wrought iron tube in each of the cartings. Under the circumstances took

the liberty of requesting the Council to reconsider its previous decision, and allow a permit to issue. He was authorised to erect a small portion of the verandah so that they ! might see the nature of tho construction, and form their own opinion as to its strength, &c. On the motion of the Mayor the permit was granted. ! Dee-wood Terrace.—Mr. Devore presented a petition from residents in Dedwood Terrace, requesting that certain streets leading into Dake-c l .reet might be drained. The petition was received, and referred to the Streets Committee. Streets Committee.—This committee recommended as follows :— Letter from Samuel Harris, objecting to further fllling-in of Willow-street : Reply to the affect of engineer's report— via., " No further filling in authorised at present. The present surface will bn trlmn.od, and some ashes put on it to admit of wheel traffic going over 1t,." Letter from C. W. A. Petersen, requesting that John-itreot bo cut out to full width opposite his property for retalnlng-wall: That worl: lie done In torina of engineer's report (cost, about £5), wall to be to satisfaction of engineer. Letter from A. Dearn, re permit temporary buildings St. Patrick's Presbytery . That same he granted. Letter from H. Phillips, re footpath Swansonstreet : That the engineer be instructed to keop footpath in good order until consolidated. Letter from Alfred CDwley, ro water supply, Arawastreet: that same bo granted on usual conditions, — viz., department will lay on J-inch pipe to boundary of property. Letter from Daniel Arkell, re contribution half cost retaining wall, Gladstone-street; Committee cannot recommend application. Memo, from Waterworks Kni<iiieer, re water supply to Opera Bouse urinal*. That meter remain, »nd suggestion of engineer re pipe be carried out, and that lessee lie requested to instruct one of his employes to turn the water off after Ojjura House is closed, and on at six a.m. dally. The report waa adopted without discussion. I Legal Committee..—The committee submitted an interim report as follows Re Corporation Act Amendment your committee 1 submit suggested amendments ; also copy of Municipal Corporations Consolidated Act, 1886, now before Parliament, loceived a few days since. They recommend the proposed amendments and suggestions re the latter Act be approved, and forwarded with explanations. The recommendations, which were numerous, were appended, Mr. Crowther ccusidored they should have some time to consider those proposed amendments. Mr. Masefiald said that they had been considered by the Legal Committee, and the Mayor said that it would be brought up before the House for committal on Friday. The Town . Clerk read a telegram from the Premier atatjng that the Bill was the same as that tho Council had before them last year ; and • any amendments should be forwarded at once. Mr. Montague moved, " That the recommendations and amendments be taken seriatim." Mr. Atkin complained of the delay in the meeting of the Legal Committee ; but it was pointed out that it was on account of the alteration in the hour of moating that certain members were not promptly present. Mr. Ooldie moved, " That the matter be deferred for a week, in order that they might consider the Bill aud the suggested altera, tiona." Mr. Garratt seconded the amendment. It was opposed by Mr. Masefiold, who objected to any delay which would imperil the Bill. Mr. Crowther supported the postponement. He could not vote, as he knew nothing of what was proposed. Mr. Atkin expressed a similar opinion, and offered to attend a meeting to-morrow night to discusß the matter, but he could not vote blindfold. Several other members spoke on both sides of the question, and several suggestions were made. The amendment proposed by Mr. Goldie, "That the matter be deferred for a week," was carried on a division by the casting vote of the Mayor. It was also agreed that the Town Clerk should telegraph to the Premier, asking him to forward a sufficient number of oopies of. the Bill to furnish each member with a copy. Finance Committee. — Interim report: In regard to abattoirs (separate building) the Finance Committee . brought up the following interim report: — " Your committee recommend they bo let by public tender at an upset price of £1 per month for 2£ years j rent payable monthly with fees." The report was adopted. Balances and Returns. usual statement of accounts, balances, etc., were submitted, and the accounts were passed for payment. Returns were reoeived from the various departments. Tram line at Waikomiti.—The Town Clerk submitted memo, that the engineer prepare plans, specifications, and estimates for a tram line from VVaikomiti station along front of cemetery. The suggestion was adopted. Fire in Lowep. Queen-street.—ln his report to the City Council, Superintendent Hughes, of the Fire brigade, makes the following reference to the disastrous fire at Borsboom's boardioghouse : —"The fire at the Railway Coffee Palace on the morning of the 14th was a vory serious one. The flames had spread from back to front, and from floor to roof, before tho Brigade arrived, some delay having taken place in giving the alarm, bat in & very short time after arrival we had three 1-inch streams directed on the flames at the back, and two 1-inch streams at the front, and succeeded in confining the fire to the premises it broke out in. It was a hard struggle, but the pluck and energy of the Brigade, together with a good supply of water, drove the enemy back. Two lengths of hose burst, but were soon replaced. The police kept excellent order, which greatly assisted the Brigade in working the leads of hose, etc." Abei crombie-strket.— for kerbing and channelling Abercrombie street were received as follows :—Burke, £175 Is; D. Scallen, £216 10a 4d ; G. Knight, £163 14s (3d ; James McGee, £158 7s 9d ; John Irwin, £169 lis 6d. The engineer's estimate was £175. McGee's tender was ac cepted, and it was agreed that it should be a charge on the City East allocation, Works on Lower Queen-street. —For the works of crossing, kerbing, and channelling in Lower Queen-street, there was only one tender, that of Martin Colaon, £137 lis The estimate of the engineer was £150, and the tender was accepted, the cost to be a charge on the East Ward allocation. Auctioneers' Business.—Tenders from auctioneers to conduct the City Council's auction sales were opened. The offers varied from 2£ to half per cent. There were seven tenders, aud that of Messrs. Hesketh and Aitken was accepted, at J per cent. Questions. —In reply to written questions from Mr. Goldie : (1) Where the boundary lines are situated between Newton borough and the city ?—the engineer replied: " On the north-east sido of the Great North Road, the whole road to city boundary being within the Newton borough. (2) Have any arrangements been made with the beforementioned borough as to tho cutting and formation of the Great North Road? Answer: No. (3) If not, have any negotiations been entered upon in reference to same ? Answer: None. The whole road being within the Newton borough it would be for that borough to open up negotiations for formation, &c., seeing that the whole road is within their boundary. Lkvbls of Ponsonby WARDi—This was adjourned business, and, on the motion of Mr. Devore, it was further adjourned for a month. Destitute Children and the Corporation.—Mr. Goldie, in accordance with notice, moved the resolution standing iu his name, as follows:—"That this borough, having to provide for the niaintonce of destitute children committed to the various homes in this distriot, claim it as a right that we should have a voice (through our representatives upon the District Board) in the committal and supervision of such destitute children ; and not be called upon, as the law now directs, to provide for their support without having any voice either in their admission or supervision ; that copies of this resolution bo forwarded to tho Premier and Auckland members of both Houses, urging that the aforesaid resolution be embodied in any further legislation upon this subject." Mr. Goldio proceeded to point out how the Council was held responsible, quoting from the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards Act, and showing why the Council should have a supervision. He referred to the cost in the denominational schools. In Wellington the cost was £18 per annum, in Auckland the Government paid £10 and £1 subsidy. He gave statistics of the proportions of the religious sects sent to these homes. He gave an instance of the father of a child, seven years of age, getting him committed because he could not control the child, Yet tan old woman, 70 years of age, to whom 7s a-week wan paid, had to control it. He also referred to the circumstance stated in tho Herald of ten children committed, having been sent back to their parents or relatives, who were found to be able to support them. He quoted at some length statistics of payments made to the various homes in Auckland and Thames, the actual cost to Government being £6220 9s. He pointed out that it was not necessary that they should pay *11 this, for the Government gave 10s in the £ on bequests, £1 for £1 on donations, and £1 for £1 subsidy. He contended that children committed merely for wandering about could

I not bo charged against them. He _ then referred to the cost of the children in the various sohools, and asserted that the cost was exorbitant, and insisted that they should have some control over the committal of children to the homes. Mr. Lftßoche seconded the motion, although he did not quite agree with all the assertions made by Mr, Qoldie. Mr. Aiokin asked how the Council was to control the Magistrates, who had the right of committal ? Ma* Goldie said they could see that persons who had no right to be there were not allowed to remain there. ~ The Mayor said that Mr. Goldie was as well aware as he was of the fact that the charges at Kohimaramaincluded houses, teaching, etc. He referred generally to the management and boarding-out of children, and acknowledged that there might be frauds. He doubted whether the Government would give them power to have a voice in committals. He was informed that Mr. Smith did not act without the advice of the police or detectives. If they had the right of management they could not separate creeds, class, &o. He knew that many of the boys of Kohimarama were doing well in situations. The motion was supported by Mr. Atkin, who contended that the cost was too great. Mr. Laßoohe pointed out that Mr. Goldie and Mr. Atkin altogether omitted to take into consideration the cost of supervision. The working man and his wife supervised them, and then there was the cost of teachers. Mr. Aiokin said he agreed with the principle enunciated by Mr. Goldie, but he did not see how the supervision asked for was to be obtained. Mr. . Goldie replied, and the motion was carried. Waterworks Reservoir.—The acceptance of tenders had bceu postponed from the last meeting, and Mr. Errington, C.E , Waterworks Engineer, was in attendance, in accordance with the resolution of the last meeting. He submitted plans and estimates for the reservoirs suggested—Mount Eden reservoir and enlarging the one at the Kyber Pass—and the requisite machinery. His estimates were as follows :—Kyber Pass reservoir, enlarging, £4050 ; Mount Eden reservoir, £2500 ; machinery, pipes, etc.,£3970 ; enlarging Ponsonby reservoir (for which tenders were called), £12,100. In answer to the Mayor, Mr. Errington considered they should have a large reservoir at Ponsonby and Mount Eden, and if they had the money for one at Kyber Pass so much the better. Mr. Ewington was questioned as to why the Ponsonby reservoir should be made capable of holding five millions instead of three millions of gallon?, and he informed Mr. Devore that his opinion was that this would be to the best advantage to the city. Finally, after a number of 'questions, the matter was discussed at some length, and several suggestions of alterations were made, the principal being that urged by Mr. Masefield, that the pumping station should be at Kyber Pass, and finally, the amendment moved by Mr. Goldie, "That the lowest tender be accepted, and that the engineer be instructed to prepare plans and specifications for the Mount Eden reservoir," was carried. On the motion of the Mayor it was agreed that the Council take the necessary steps to secure the site at Mount Eden.