AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9015, 30 March 1888, Page 6

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

The regular meeting of the City Council was held last evening. Present : His Worship the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Devore), Messrs. Atkin, Goldie, Dignan, James, Patterson, Trenwith, Davis, Holland, Cooper, Crowther, Phillipps, Hewson, Buchanan, Garratt, Swales, and Kidd. The minutes of the ordinary and special meetings were confirmed, and headings of outgoing correspondence were submitted.

The Nightsoil Nuisance.—Mr. J. Bollard, chairman of the Avondale Road District, wrote complaining of the unsatisfactory manner in which the contractor for the city nightsoil executes his contract. He is at present delivering a portion of the cyty nightsoil in the Avondale district, and to a settler on the Rosebank Road. Several ratepayers had complained that , the night-carts were frequently passing their dwellings at seven and quarter-past seven m., and this they decidedly object to, and say that it is intolerable to have the delivery of night-soil at such an hour in the morning in a suburb of the city. The Avondale Road Board requested the Council therefore to insist cm the contractor carrying out his contract without injury to the health of the residents, or a breach of the rules of common propriety. This letter was re ferred to the contractor, who replied, that .in consequence of complaints re depositing night-soii at Point Chevalier, he tried as an experiment sending the carts to Avondale, but found the distance altogether too far to cart with the cumbersome vehicles now in use. As he was prohibited from starting in the city before twelve o'clock, and it took three hours to load, he could not get to Avondale and back in time to avoid giving offence to the early risers in that district, although there were a large number of resident farmers there who would be very glad to obtain the night-soil if he could send it to them. It wits agreed to forward a copy of the contractor's explanation to Mr. Bollard.

Building By-law.—Mr. Henry P. Barton, of Jervois Road, wrote stating that he had unwittingly infringed the by-law, by not obtaining a permit for repairing roof and verandah of a cottage in East-street, and lie was not aware that the use of shingles was prohibited until informed by the Building Inspector, and under the circumstances he asked the Council to relax the strict observance of the by-law in his ease. Thp Mayor said he was not aware of the circumstances. Mr. Holland said few people were aware of the by-law, and suggested that it be published. Mr. Cooper thought that the best way to publish it would be to prosecute. Mr. Buchanan suggested that they let the matter drop, as it was a first offence. This was seconded by Mr. Crowther. Mr. Dignan agreed with Mr. Cooper that it would be only right to enforce the by-law as they had done in other cases. Let the matter be investigated in the court, and if necessary they could repeal the by-law. He moved to that effect, and the amendment was seconded by Mr. Cooper — eight voted for and eight against, and the amendment was carried on the casting vote of the Mayor. Mr. Crowther then moved, as an amendment, that the prosecution be only against the contractor for not obtaining a permit, and it was lost on the casting vote of the Mayor, and the motion was carried.

Copying Pictures.—Mrs. Annie Dawson wrote asking if ladies are permitted to copy pictures in the Art Gallery, and at what hours it would be open to students. This was referred to Mr. Whitcombe, secretary of the Art Society, who recommended that the Gallery should be open to students only three days a week, say Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Referred to the Legal Committee to make rules.

Subsidy. — The Treasury Department notified that £337 10s had been paid to the credit of the borough fund. Wakefield-street Leases.Mr. Nathan Harker again wrote asking for the cancellation of his lease on the same terms that had been allowed to other tenants. The Mayor said the reason the concession was granted to Mr. Fricker was that he was an alien about to leave the colony, and leaving no rateable property, he honourably informed them of his intention, and offered to pay three years' rent, but Mr. Barker's case was entirely different. Custom-street.—Mr. G. Mcßride complained of the irregular manner in which Custom-street was watered. Referred to the Streets Committee.

Accident: Claim for Damages.—Mrs. | Ellen Donovan wrote intimating her intention to claim damages for the injury done to her son, five years of age, at the junction of Hobson and Swanson streets, and said that had Swanson-street been fenced in at its junction with Hobson-street, her son would not be now lying in the Hospital with his thigh broken in addition to other injuries. A report was received on the subject from the foreman of works. Referred to the Legal Committee. Waikomiti Cemetery. — The sexton stated that owing to the increased work he had to employ his son to assist him, and asked for some small remuneration for his services. The matter was referred to the Legal Committee to make full enquiries into the way in which the affairs at the cemetery are carried on. Plumbers' Association. —Mr. F. Fowler, secretary of the Plumbers' Association, wrote that a deputation was desirous of waiting on the City Council in reference to the scheme of sanitary house plumbing advocated by Mr. Clarke. Referred to the Streets Committee to arrange with the deputation. ('apt. Braund's Claim. — Mr. Blades, solicitor for Capt. Braund, owner of properties in Shortland-street and Bank-street, wrote that egress and ingress to his houses having been stopped by the cutting of those streets, unless steps were immediately taken to place the shops and premiees in a tit state for habitation proceedings would be taken against the Council for compensation. The engineer reported that the permanent levels "of those streets were fixed in 1879 and 1877, and the necessary notices were forwarded to Capt. Braund in connection with the work, offering to slope, but no reply was received. The Mayor said that they find cut the street to its permanent level, no more no less, and it was agreed to answer that the council deny any liability. .Permit.—Mr. Robert Peace, of Short-land-street, wrote, stating that having to put a new iron roof 011 his shop, he was requested by his neighbours to raise the roof a little for the sake of uniformity. To do this the Architect advises that new studs be put in some places instead of joining old and new together, and as the material is nearly all on the ground, he requested permission to finish the job in a decent manner. The engineer reported that Mr. Peace had permission to build down to the new level in Shortland-street, but he was also raising the building about 5 feet all round, which meant to a large extent a new house. This was not contemplated in issuing the permit. The direction of the Council was required in the matter, and in the meantime the progress of the work had been delayed. The application was referred to the ward members, with power to act. Nuisance.Mr. Albert Wawraan and others wrote complaining of a nuisance arising from Hellaby's abattoirs, near Cox's Creek, and requested relief. Referred to the Legal Committee, with power to act, and if necessary to instruct the solicitor to take proceedings in the Police Court. Karangahapk Road Rentals.— Am bury and English, lessees under the Council, wrote requesting a reduction of rent, claiming the same concessions made to others. Referred to the Legal Committee.

Retaining Wall.—Messrs. J. A. Pond and Co., purchasers of the premises in Freeman's Bay, known as Soppett's Mill, wrote stating that they were desirous of building a factory, and asking tho Council to assist in the erection of a retaining wall to Wellesley and Sale-streets. The cost was estimated at £180, and they were prepared to pay half. The letter was referred to the ward members.

Taiii'iki Coal.—Mr, Byron, secretary of the Taupiri Coal Company, applied for a, trial—for, say, one month — the company's coal at the waterworks. Agreed to reply that the Council had no objection, proper arrangements being made with the contractor.

Ponsonbvt Reservoir.—Mr. S. J. Jackman, of St. George's Bay, wrote suggesting a remedy for the leak in Ponsonby No. 2 reservoir. It was agreed that Mr. Jack man be thanked for his letter. In reply to Mr. Garratt, the Mayor said he was not aware of any leak in the reservoir. Street Drain-traps.-—Mr. James Haultain wrote stating that, having leased the

offices of the late Mr. Robert Browning, corner of High-street and Vulcan Lane, he wished to bring under the Council's notice the state of the sewer outside the main entrance, and the offensive smells arising from it. The engineer reported that the trap was all right. It had been overhauled some time since, and received a fresh coat of cement. Agreed to reply in terms of the engineer's endorsement. Cook-street.Mr. Goldie presented a petition to have the north side of Cookstreet drained, as the nuisance was intolerable. The petition was received and referred to the Streets Committee. Nightsoil Depot.—Mr. James Page and a large number of residents in Kingsland and Mornihgside petitioned against the proposal to make the Morningside station a depot for nightsoil, as there could be no doubt that the depositing of so much nightsoil, even for a few hours, would cause much sickness in the Mount Albert district, and be a source of danger to the citizens of Auckland. Received and referred to the Streets Committee. Streets Committee. — This committee reported : — Letter from Town Clerk, Newmarket, re drain via railway: Your committee recommend that a reply be forwarded that the Council have carried out the agreement made with the Newmarket borough in terms of permission granted, and have no knowledge of any other liability. Letter from the secretary of the Eden Terrace Road Board re permission to connect drain, Symonds-street: Your committee recommend that permission be granted to connect drain for domestic purposes, excluding closets, the work to be under the supervision of the City Engineei, and the Board to pay all costs. Letter from Mr. W. B. Montgomery, and others, re footpath, Cook-street: Your Committee recomt mend that a temporary path be made. Letter from M. Browne, re condition Hope- ! toun-street: Your committee have been in- | formed by the engineer that temporary repairs have been made. Petition by C. Joynfc and others re Customs-street, near Baths: Your committee report that pending the completion of Hobson-street works it is inadvisable to do this work. Memo from engineer re hose for street watering : Your commitee recommend that hose and two hydrants be obtained by tender. Deferred : Letters from J. Ballantine, and A. Sutherland re Nelson-street. —W. Crowther, Chairman. The report was adopted. Legal Committee. -- This committee reported : — Letter from Garlick and Cranwell, re permit to place bells in the Library tower : Your committee recommend that permission be granted, any damage to be made goed by Messrs. Garlick and Cranwell; bells to be rung before ten a.m. and between four and five p.m., and at no other hours, and to be removed at forty-eight hours' notice. Letter from Dr. T. Hope Lewis, re typhoid epidemic: Your committee recommend that this Council, acting as a Board of Health, appoint a special committee to (in conjunction with the Health Officer) inquire into the causes of the late and present cases of typhoid, and that the medical profession be invited to meet the committee at such inquiry. Motion 1156, Mr. Phillipps, re Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act: Your committee are of opinion that at present it is not desirable any change should be made in the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act. Letter from the Rev. B. T. Dudley, re drainage notice received by Mrs. Edwards, Burleigh-street: Your committee recommend that application be declined. Plans and specifications of railing for Art Gallery (submitted by engineer): Your committee have instructed that tenders, returnable this meeting, be called. Memo, from Town Clerk, re house and paddock, mill property: Your committee recommend that the offer of the present tenant, Mr. Hoskings, be accepted temporarily. Report by Domain Ranger, re Albert Park : Your committee recommend (aJ that street sweepings be carted into Albert Park; (b) that 30 loads of manure be also obtained ; (c) that the employment of one man for six weeks be authorised. Tenders for by-laws, Domain (referred, with power to accept) : Your committee have accepted the lowest tender, that of Messrs. atts Bros., for £30, subject to the boards being altered in size. Re Art Gallery attendant, 60 applicants (referred, with power to appoint) : Your committee report having selected eight candidates, who attended on the 23rd inst., and have appointed Miss M. G. Wells to the position.—A. Devore, Chairman. The report was adopted, and on the motion of the Mayor the Legal Committee was appointed the Special Committee referred to* in the report. said a letter had been received from the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board stating the medical staff would meet such a committee if it was appointed. Art Gallery Handrail.—Tenders for handrail in Art Gallery :A. Burns (in wood), £19 ; F. and W. Fowler (iron and brass), £58; Austin Williams (in wood), £14 17s 6d ; F. Foster and Co. (brass handrail and iron standards), £'26 ss. The latter was accepted, and to be charged to the Art Gallery account. The estimate was—for wood £15, and for brass and iron £30. Fernleigii-street.Tenders for drainage works in this street were opened as follows: —Daniel McMahon, £118 18s ; Wm. Forrest, £119 ; Daniel Finnane, £107 9s 9d ; Martin Murphy, £139 6s fid ; Thos. Regan, £98 13s; John Maher and Co, £111 3s 6d ; James Mclneny, £108 Is ; G. Knight, £129 17s ; D. Scallon, £104 5s ; W. A. Cowan, £113 2s 6d; F. Catran and Co., £137 10s 6d. Thos. Regan's tender was accepted, the charge to oe on the Ponsonby Ward allocation. Emily Place Drainage, &c.—Tenders for drainage were received as follows :— James Larkins, £935 10s ; Lovett and Co., £678; Smith and Co., £804 13s 7d ; Thos. Regan, £713; G. Knight, £797 ; Martin Murphy, £804 lis 3d. Lovett and Co.'s tender was accepted, and charged to the East Ward allocation. Union-streetDrainaqe.—Tenders for this work were as follows :—J. Larkins, £235 18s 6d ; William Bolton, £139 Is 2d ; Baylis and Lee, £153 5s 2d ; Thos. Regan, £176 16s ; Alex. Archibald, £188 18s 4d ; Thos. Acton, £210 19s 4d ; William Forrest, £206 13s lOd; D. Scallon, £168 2s lOd; Martin Murphy, £206 8s 6d. The tender of William Bolton, being the lowest, was accepted, the charge to be against the South Ward allocation. Curran-street.—Tenders for drainage, concrete channel, were opened William Forrest, £49 16s; B. Berry, £48 17s; Catran and Co., £65; Thos. Regan, £31 7s; John Maher and Co., £39 13s; D. Scallon, £39 15s; G. Knight, £37 17s 6d; J. G. McMain, £5218s 6d ; Wm. Salmonds, £49 ss; Wm. Camier, £32 lis. Mr. Regan's tender was accepted. Unlicensed Halls.—The town clerk sent a memo, that complaints were occasionally made that lectures, etc., take place in unlicensed buildings, for admission to which payment is taken, and that these buildings do not comply with the regulations for safety, fire, &c., fixed by by-law and the Corporation Act. He enclosed a letter containing advertisements announcing the Rev. Mr. Telfer's lectures in the Grafton Road and Pitt-street Wesley an Churches. The letter, however, being anonymous, was not submitted, and the affair was allowed to drop.

| Valuer's Return Shrinkage of In- ! come.—A return was received from the I valuator. The total reduction in the valuai tion, as compared with the previous year, was £31,000. The Mayor saidthis was a most j appropriate timo to take the matter into ' consideration at the close of the financial year. This showed a shrinkage in rates of £3100, a considerable item, and this with a falling off in rentals and licenses, made a , serious reduction in their revenue. He now • moved, " That the question of ways and means be considered by the Finance Committee." This committee would in future meet once a month at night, and he moved, ■ " That the question of ways and means be I referred to them, recommending a decrease j in the expenditure in proportion to the falling off in their revenue." It must come, there was no disguising it, and the sooner they met the matter the better. The motion was agreed to. Nightsoil Contract.—Mr. M. Casey, the nightsoil contractor, had submitted an offer to remove nightsoil from the city for five years, by rail, at an increase of three farthings, finding new plant; or for three years, at an increase of one penny over the present charges. Mr. Cooper moved, " That the offer of Mr. Casey be accepted, provided their solicitor advised that they nad power to let the contract for that period." Finally, the whole matter was deferred till next meeting, Mr. Casey in the meantime to report. Domain Board.— Cricket Ground. —The minutes of the previous meeting of j the Board were read. The committee re.

ported in regard to the meeting between the Board and a committee of crickets "i which it was agreed to appoint a prof., sional cricketer to manage the ground Sr. that applications be called, by adverti ' ment, for the appointment. The adontinn' of the report was moved by the mL seconded by Mr. Kidd. Mr. Hew«n' moved*, " That, instead of a i at £150 a-year, they appoint a nro* man at £104 a-year with the lodo-e ' 7 \ Phillipps seconded the motion. "This w pub to the meeting, and carried bv *<? to 5. ' 0