AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9039, 27 April 1888, Page 6

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

The regular fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held last evening. Present : Mr. A. Devore (Mayor), Messrs. Patterson, Hewson, Dignan, Atkin, Holland, Crowthor, Phillipps, Goldie, James, Trenwith, Garratt, Davies, Swales, Buchanan, Evans, and Kidd. Queen-street Channelling. — Mr. A. Campbell complained of the bad state of the channelling opposite his premises, 253, Queen-street, as small pools of water stood in it here and there, and the smell was sometimes far from sweet. He suggested that it should be laid in concrete. The engineer reported that the channel was a very old one. It wanted baking up between Wellesley-sbreeb and the Market entrance, and laid down with concrete. The cost would be about £15. Tho place was between Hewin's corner and the Anchor Hotel. The engineer's recommendation was adopted. Newmarket Drainage.—TheTown Clerk of Newmarket stated that the letter, re " drain via railway line," dated 29th ultimo, was considered by the Newmarket Council. He was directed to ask the City Council to reconsider this matter, it being very patent bo his Council that the work had nob been completed according to agreement. In order that the matter may be gone into thoroughly, he asked the City Council bo appoint two members to meet two members of the Newmarket Council bo see bhe work and judge accordingly. Messrs. Crowther and Dignan wcro appointed to represent the Council in terms of the letter. Crossings.—Mr. R. R. Hunt, manager of the Auckland Roller Mills, Fort-street, applied for permission to lay down two iron cart tracks, to be on a level from the street to the kerb-sbone. The Engineer reported on the application as follows-.—" Crossings over channels are by building by-laws intended bo be open. They are not so liable j to stop the flow of water, and when open there is no obstruction bo traffic. There are a few covered ones in the city, such as at Firth's Mill, Queen-street. They are much easier where the traffic is heavy and continuous, such as at mills of this kind. I never grant covered ones without strong reasons in thoir favour, and by consent of the Council. The present application is a special case." The application was granted, subject to the Engineer's approval. Ratepayers' Association and Defaulting Ratepayers.—Mr. H. W. Farnall, secretary of the Ratepayers Association, complained of unfairness in the way in which the selection of those sued for rates had been made. The collector reported that it was decided bo sue all ratepayers in arrears. Already 400 summonses nad been issued, and all in arrears, without exception, would be sued. Mr. Goldie moved " That the letter be referred to the finance committee, and that they be furnished with the defaulters' list." His Worship said he had no objection, and was glad to find that they were so satisfied as to accept the , dictum of their new masters. So far as the names were concerned, the names deferred were those of trustees and persons who could not be found. Several members supported the motion. The motion was agreed to. Mr. Farnall also wrote in regard to a petition presented by the association, that reductions be made in the city offices and departmental expenditure, and which was referred to the Legal Committee on April 11. On the i4th, Mr. Gulliver, an officer of the Council, produced the petition to Mr. Mills, me of the association, and said, "Here, I have got this petition of yours, and have found 30 informal names ; two have left the colony, and two said they never signed it." As the petition was promoted and carried out by the association in an earnest and straightforward manner, without any intention to deceive or defraud, the association asked respectfully for an explanation of this proceeding, and trusted an inquiry would be made. This had been sent to Mr. Gulliver, who averred that he adhered to the statements made. Mr. Crowther moved, "That the letter be received." Mr. Goldie seconded the motion, but he condemned the conduct of Mr. Gulliver. The Mayor said Mr Gulliver had already been censured. The letter was received.

Hackett-strekt. — Mr. James Clare wrote, complaining of the sbate of the gully drainage. The engineer reported on the letter, that a great deal of the complaint was sentiment, and Mr. Clare's gridiron was the great cause for the collection of debris. It was agreed to send a reply in accordance with the engineer's report. Bowling Green.—Mr. J. Kirkwood, on behalf of the bowling green trustees, asked that a culvert should be made through the green bo convey the drainage from Cemetery Gully and Grafton Road to the Stanleystreet drain. The engineer reported on the application, and said that the cost of a culvert through the grounds would be £300. On the motion of Mr. Phillipps, the letter was referred to the Streets Committee, the ward members to bring up a report to the Streets Committee. Mr. Patterson seconded the motion, and it was adopted. Water-mains, Hobson-street Wharf.— The secretary of the Harbour Board asked that water-pipes be laid from the junction of Custom-street West and Hobson-street down to the commencement of Hobsonstreet Wharf, as water is now required at Auckland Graving Dock. Mr. Carlaw, turncock, reported that water is already laid to the centre of the Graving Dock for fire purposes and use of shipping. To lay mains down Hobson-street would cost £75, but of this amount only £20 would be real outlay, as they had the pipes on hand. Referred to tho Streets Committee to inquire for what purpose the water was needed.

Frozen Meat Company's Water Supply.The Secretary of this company wrote regarding the heavy tax on the company for water supply. For the quarter ending February 28 they had to pay £164 10s lOd, and their struggling industry could ill afford such a charge. They could not make any appreciable saving in the matter of consumption, but the directors asked the generous consideration of the Council, with a view to obtaining on future accounts a substantial reduction, and if possible a partial refund of the recent payment. The letter was received.

Permit.—John Caldicutt asked permission to be allowed to shingle a roof in Wel-lington-street, as ho wanted to save the extra cost of roofing with iron. The application was refused. In this respect Mr. Phillipps thought all people should be treated alike. Mr. Peace, of Shortlandstreet, had virtually put up a new house, and he wanted to know how far this could proceed. Discussion on this subject was stopped, as it was not before the Council. Crossing.—Mr. Hopkins applied for a crossing to his stables. The Engineer recommended that a wooden crossing be allowed, as it was only for light carts. * The application was referred to the Streets Committee.

Jenkinson's Patent Drain Pipes. Jenkinson wrote requesting the Council to allow his patent drain pipes to be laid in the contracts now open, so as to test the quality of the pipes. Referred to the engineer to report upon. Sinking Fund.—Mr. J. H. Upton, on behalf of the Sinking Fund Commissioners, sent a letter asking for the consent of the City Council to a loan on certain securities offered by the Grammar School Governors. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee.

Local Option Vote.—Mr. C. S. Wright, in reply to a communication from the Town Clerk, wrote stating that the chairmen of the Licensing Committees, whom he had consulted, respectfully declined to act as presiding officers at elections for local option. The Mayor said it was necessary that someone should be appointed to-night. Mr. Crowther moved and Mr. Goldio seconded the appointment of Mr. Collins.

A discussion arose, and Mr. Garratb moved an amendment that Mr. Cherry be appointed for this election, and notices be advertised calling for applications for the office of returning officer. Mr. Phillipps raised a point of order, that Mr. Collins having been apEoinbed, a notice of motion was necessary efore the previous resolution could be rescinded. Mr. Phillipps, in continuation of the discussion, urged that the irregularities alleged against Mr. Collins were only technical, and that he should be retained. Mr. Evans supported the motion, and it was carried.

Streets Committee. —This committee reported as follows:—Letter from E. W. Morrison, re drainage Karangahape Road : Your committee recommend that the necessary work be done. Letter from Alexander C Steele re works in Nelson-street: Your committee have no recommendation to make. Petition from residents of Arneystreet (Mr. Davies) re drainage, etc. : Your committee recommend reply that the work has been authorised, and will be proceeded with as early as possible. Petition by ratepayers of Cook-street (Mr. Goldie) re drainage from Nelson-street to gully : Your committee have referred same re ways and means to South Ward members. Memo, from Town Clerk (new business) re removal disused electric alarm posts; Your committee recommend the adoption of suggestion. Deferred : Letter from Australasian Electric Lighting Co. ; Gas Co., re electric lighting ; hon. secretary Plumbers' Association. Petition by residents Shechan and Clarence streets (Mr. Evans). The report was adopted on the motion of Mr. Crowther.

Legal Committee.—The committee reported as follows : —Lotter from secretary of Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, re contribution of £2562 17s 3d, 1888-89: Your committee recommend that amount be paid in quarterly instalments as before. Letter from W. F. Buckland, on behalf of Mr. Andrews, claiming £5 damages to cart on tram rails : Your committee recommend, as the Tramway Company have indemnified the Corporation under their deed, that the claim be forwarded to the company to settle ; and Mr. Buckland be informed to that effect. Also reoommend that the engineer be instructed, in the public safety, bo strictly enforce all obligations entered into by the Tramway Company with reference to street maintenance. Letter from J. and T. Mason, re endowments rent: Your committee have deferred consideration until notice of motion (No. 1173) tabled by Mr. Garratt is decided upon by Council. Letter from G. H. Leaning (referred with power to act), re fencing areas at Waikomiti: Your Committee have authorised the granting of application. Memo from Town Clerk, with power to act. Memo from Librarian, re additional gifts by Sir George Grey : Your committee report that they have employed Mr. Cook to prepare a catalogue of all Sir George Grey's gifts not yet catalogued for £50, within four months from date of acceptance of offer. Memo from Town Clerk (new business), re furnishing room for Sir George Grey : Your committee recommend the necessary authority be given. Your committee have accepted with thanks book, " Papacy of Modern Times," presented bo Library by Mr. W. R. Vines. The report was adopted. Finance Committee. —This committee reported:—Letter from William Forrest, contractor, re drainage account, Severnstreet : Your committee have referred matter to city solicitor to take action along with others. Letter from John Reid and Co., re Collyns' leases, Hepburn-street: Deferred until consideration of other leases is taken. Letter from Thomas Catran, contractor, re drainage of Mrs. Rasmussen's property, Burleigh-street: Your committee recommend Mr. Catran be informed Council cannot undertake to accept any liability. Memo, from waterworks engineer, re plans, mains, &c. : Referred to Streets Committee. Application by Superintendent Fire Brigade, re allowance to members (£3B) in lieu of boots: Your committee recommend that allowance be granted. Petition from ratepayers Auckland (Mr. Goldie), re annual expenditure: Your committee recommend reply that matter is now being considered. The report was adopted.

Sanitary Matters.—The Finance Committee brought up the following interim report :—"Letterfrom Town Clerk, Newton, re city abattoirs : Your committee having visited the abattoirs on Saturday last, found them to be in fair cleanly condition, but there are several small improvements which require to be made, namely, flooring the pithing room, which will not at the outside cost more than £15. The private piggeries on the corporation land, kept by the butchers, are ih bad condition, and your committee recommend these piggeries be abolished. Committee also recommend that the engineer be instructed to forthwith prepare an inexpensive plan for new piggeries on the site adjoining the main entrance to the abattoirs, and abutting on the stables. That a reply be forwarded to the Newton Council that the committee having visited the abattoirs and reported, the Council see no present reason to remove the abattoirs as requested." Mr. Dignan moved, " That the report be referred back with a view to leasing the abattoirs!" The Mayor said that it was intended to bring forward a motion of this sort as soon as specifications were prepared. Mr. Dignan withdrew his amendment, and the report was then adopted after some discussion.

South Ward Members.—The South Ward members reported :Letter from Mrs. Eliza Kavanagh, re kerbing, &c, Nelson-street: We, the South Ward members, report that, in the present state of the ward funds, and the urgent necessity for drainage, we cannot see our way at present to recommend the expenditure of £40 required for the completion of this work. The report was adopted without discussion.

Accounts.General accounts were submitted, and the Mayor moved, " That they be passed and paid, except S. Y. Collins' account of £31 45." This was held over until after the next election, in order that the total account might be furnished. Anglesea-street.Tenders for drainage of gully off Anglesea-street were opened as follow :—Daniel McMahon, £53 15s 4d ; Lovett and Co., £56 15s ; Hord and Co., £60 18s 4d ; James Mclnerny, £45 15s 6d; Thomas Acton and Co., £56 10s 4d; M. Casey and Co. £50 3s 9d ; Martin Murphy, £48 17s 6d; D. Scallon, £49 16s 6d; G. Knight, £55 17s 6d. The estimate was £55. Mr. Mclnerny's tender was accepted, the charge to be against the South Ward allocation.

Hose and Hydrants.—The following tenders were received :W. Fowler, £26 lis 6d ; Foster and Co., £37. Mr. Fowler's tender was accepted. The estimate was £35. Auburn-street Drainage.Tenders for this work were received :Catran and Co., £77 7s 6d; D. Scallon, £78 13s 4d ; T. Acton and Co., £86 15s 8d; G. Knight, £101 10s ; M. Murphy, £85 17s 6d ; Thomas Regan, £77 14s (accepted); James Atwood, £80 19s 9d ; D. McMahon, £89 15s lid ; B. Berry and Son, £99 14s ; Hord and Co., £136 9s 4d.

Basque Road Drainage.—Before tenders for this work were opened, Mr. Da vies moved that they be deferred until his motion was considered. Mr. Garratt expressed the utmost contempt for Mr. Davies' conduct in this matter. He it was who brought up the petition for this drainage, and signed the report which they brought up, and now he asked that it be indefinitely postponed. The motion was lost on a division, 8 voting against it, and 7 for it. The tenders were then opened—Thos. Regan, £318 10s ; G. Knight, £326 ; M. Murphy, £'290 2s 6d ; J. Lynch, £425 ; Thos. Acton, £292 10s 2d; B. Berry, £307 6s 6d ; Lovett and Co., £329; William Forrest, £279 15s. The estimate was £280, and the tender of Mr. Forrest was accepted. General Rate.—The Mayor moved, in ■ accordance with notice, " That this Council in pursuance of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1886, and Rating Act, 1876, and amendments thereof (as per notice given and estimate submitted on Thursday, April 12) make and levy a general rate of Is in the £ on all assessable property within the city of Auckland, payable in one sum at the office of this Council, on the Ist of June. Mr. Hewson proposed that the general rate be 9d, not Is. The amendment was lost, and the motion of a rate of a shilling was carried. Reservoir.—A memo, from the engineer in regard to No. 2 reservoir was referred to the Streets Committee. A letter was also received from the waterworks engineer in regard to his charges, and it was referred to the Waterworks Committee, with power to take opinion of legal adviser. Mount Albert Cemetery.—A memo, from the health officer in regard to the Mount Albert Cemetery was referred to the Legal Committee.

Permanent Levels op Upper Queenstreet,—The engineer's report on this subject was referred to the Streets Committee. Nightsoil Contract.—Mr. M. Casey, nightsoil contractor, was present. The Mayor said that they had submitted the matter to their solicitor. Mr. Casey now said he was willing to cancel the contract on condition that if he was not successful, the new contractor or the Council take over his plant at a valuation of £600 or £700. Mr. Garratt's motion not to interfere with the present arrangement was carried. , The Council then adjourned, on the motion of Mr. Cooper.