AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9183, 12 October 1888, Page 3

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

The regular meeting of the City Council was held last evening. Present: Messrs Crowther (Acting-Mayor, in the chair), Patterson, Lavers, Evans, Swales, Smith, Atkin, Holland. Goldie, I<arrell, Warren, Davies, Trenwitn, Lennox, Hewson, Cooper, Col. Dignan. The minutes of the ordinary meeting, also those of a special meeting, were confirmed. Burgess Roll.—Mrs. Rachel Basten requested that her name might be substituted on the Burgess Roll for that of her husband, George John Basten, for properties in Vin-cent-street, West-street, and Lorne-sfcreet. Referred to the Legal Committee. Presentation to the Library.—Mr. W. G. Hughes, of Belfast, Ireland, tendered a donation of eight unbound volumes of "Knowledge," by R. A. Proctor, from the beginning of the paper to within about three years ago. Mr. P. M. P. Brookfield also one volume "Autographic Mirror." The gifts were accepted with thanks. Union-street Formation Works.— Mr. VVilliam Blewden represented the injuries his properties had sustained in consequence of these works, and asked that the bank be excavated beneath his shops, and that a sufficient sum be allowed him to lower them to the level of the pathway. The engineer reported that Union-street had been cut to a slope of 1 to 1 from near the building line down to the footway. The applicant desired the Council to excavate under the shops on his land, and to be allowed something towards lowering the buildings. This was for the Council to consider, being off the line of street. The cost of the excavation under the shop part of the buildings would be £11). Should the Council grant the request he recommended that the money be paid on completion of the work, and the applicant take all risks with his neighbours adjoining. Mr. Goldie moved, " That the proposal be not entertained." It would be but the beginning of such works, and the ward was not in a, position to deal with them. The motion was agreed to. Permit.—Mr. A. H. Nathan asked permission to make a small addition to the back of his residence in Symonds-street, by extending the present lean-to 12 feet. The engineer reported that it was not strictly in accordance with the building regulations, but was similar to an application granted by the Council at its last meeting. The application was granted. Street Watering.— H. Gray wrote in regard to the proposal for street watering by means of sea water, to be pumped by the dock pump. He suggested that a portable engine and centrifugal swivel pump be obtained; the cost would be 1 200 in London, and would give a cheap and satisfactory mode of street watering and flushing. He forwarded a sheet of designs. The engineer reported that the writer misunderstood the report. The pump required was a force pump to raise the water to the higher levels. It was agreed to refer the letter to Mr. Erring ton, Consulting Waterworks Engineer, for his report. Fire Brigade Benefit.— secretary of the Fire Brigade asked the patronage of the Mayor and Council to an entertainment to be given by Mr. Wilson's dramatic troupe in aid of the Sick and Accident Fund of the Brigade on the 26th inst. It was agreed to grant the patronage of the Council. Alterations and Breach of By-law. Mr. T. J. Harbutt asked permission to make certain alterations in his brush factory, corner of Victoria and Coburg-street. He hail unwittingly broken the by-law by putting up a frame to carry an iron sheet, and .Mr. Anderson had written to him to take it down at once, and he asked that it might be allowed as a temporary convenience. The engineer reported that Mr. Harbutt had obtained a permit for certain work, but beyond that he has been erecting a lean-to without any notice or permit, and although requested last week to take it down had not done so, and accordingly instructions were issued to the solicitor to summon Mr. Harbutt for breach of regulations and by-laws. The matter, on the motion of Mr. Goldie, was referred to the Legal Committee with power to act. Nelson-street.— Alexander C. Steele sent in a claim for £64 for depreciation in value of his property in Nelson-street through the works recently done there by the Council. The engineer reported that Mr. Steele had given his consent in writing to earth sloping into his ground in preference to a wall. Depth of tilling 2 feet at one end and 3 feet at the other end of the allotment. Mr. Steele's memorandum agreeing to the sloping was produced and read by the Town Clerk. .Mr. Goldie pointed out that the street level was altered by the Council, and any person damaged had the right to claim compensation. Colonel Dignan moved that an answer be sent that the Council decline to recognise any liability. Mr. Hewson moved that it be sent to the Legal Committee. The amendment was carried. Hackett-street.—Mr. S. H. Webb wrote that as the work proposed to be done to repair the road slip would spoil his garden, lie could not consent to it, but if sufficient earth was carted in to make the garden usable ana level (as now), he was willing that it should be done. Otherwise a dry wall must be built. The engineer reported that he had instructed the foreman to til) up the slip with earth. if Mr. Webb declined to allow this, it would be for the Council to decide if ft wall is to be built. Was there not, he asked, some new Act compelling propertyowners to build retaining walls in such places as this? The matter was referred to the Streets Committee. Arney-street.—Mr. James Page asked the Council to consider the advisability of not cutting down the present footpath on the north side of this street. The engineer reported that the cutting out of the street to its permanent level had been authorised. It might not suit Mr. Page at present to have the work done. He had sent several letters asking for metal on this part of the road, but it was decided to cut it out first. Perhaps the ward members would make a recommendation. On the motion of Mr. Treuwith, the matter was referred to the Karangahapc Ward members. Remission of Rates.—Mr. Christopher Green way drew attention to the great hardship endured by those who were compelled to pay the full amount of rates on what might be termed permanently untenanted premises. Some of his houses had continued untenanted for more than two years, others for longer or shorter periods in excess of six months, whilst most of the remainder had not been occupied for more than six months in the year. Leaving the last-named out of the question, he forwarded a list of those houses belonging to him, with the amount of rates on each which had remained continuously untenanted for more than six months, and requested a remission of the rates in respect of them. There were six houses, and £11 rates on the whole. _ The letter was received. Mr. Lennox considered was a great hardship for landlords to have to pay rates on untenanted houses. Mr. Atkin said the Charitable Aid Board would take each of his empty houses at lid per week. Mr Goldie said the law could not deal with the matter/ They had only power to remit the rates in cases of poverty, and Mr. Greenway, who was reputed to be the richest man in Auckland, could not be dealt with oil this plea, and Mr. Lennox surely could not plead poverty. Mr. Warren coincided with Mr. Lennox's remarks. Alexandra-street. —Mr. J. Hill renewed a request to be allowed to erect two cottages out of material now forming a large wooden building at the corner of Abercrombie and Alexandra streets. Some time ago Mr. Bartley had applied for this permission, but it was refused, and us lie felt sure there was some misunderstanding he (Mr. Hill) renewed the request, adding that the two cottages would be much better than the present building, and it was quite beyond his means to erect in brick. Mr. Lennox moved that the letter be referred to the Streets Committee. Mr. Lavers, as an amendment, moved that the request be granted, as they had power to do so under the by-law. Air. iOvans and Mr. Goldie supported the amendment. .Mr. Lennox withdrew his motion in favour of the amendment, and the latter was carried. . >itwick-street Drainage.— Richard Hughes wrote as to the necessity for draining this street to prevent the drainage Mowing on to Mr. J. L. Tole's property and the Napier-street School. The engineer reported that,other' works in the South Ward, authorised before this, had not yet been tendered for. Referred to the ward members, on the motion of Mr. Goldie. Streets Committee.'This committee reported as follows : — Letter from C. S. S. George, re dedication of road through Macky's land, Sale-street: Your committee recommend a reply be forwarded that the conditions not having been complied with, the street cannot be taken over until the work is completed to the satisfaction of the engineer. Letter from manager Auckland Holier Mills, re asphalting footway, Fortstreet: Your committee recommend that on all property-owners consenting to pay onehalf cost of asphalting, the work be authorised. Letter from secretary Harbour Board, re water supply for terry jetty urinals : As it appears that the urinal is constructed mainly for the Ferry Company's employes, and not for the general public, your committee cannot recommend the granting of supply. Letter from Mrs. Marie Sheasby, claiming £12.3 compensation, Kelson-street works: Your committee are not prepared to recommend the recognition of this claim. Memo, from engineer, re plans of levels, Wyndham-streefc (Nelson to Hobson streets) : Your committee recommend that the levels, as shown by blue line on plan, and consented toby Air. Dignan, be adopted, and advertised in terms of Act. — \V. Ckowther, Chairman. T "~" was adopted

Legal' Committee.— committee's report was as follows : Letters from hanging committee, and insurance companies, suggesting alterations to Gallery, fixing of iron doors, &c. : Your committee recommend that the suggestions contained in the engineer's report be adopted. Letter from Edward Bartley, re permit alterations to shops. Queen-street: Your committee recommend that the engineer's suggestion to substitute concrete for existing sawdust lining he adopted, and compliance enforced.—W. Crowther, Acting chairman. The report was adopted. Mr. Goldie raised a point of order that the report could not be adopted, as it had not been in the hands of the councillors three days before. Finance Committee.—The Finance Committee reported as follows :—Letter from W. Blewden, re reduction rent of allotments Rutland-street Your committee has no recommendation to make. Letter from secretary Harbour Board, re account t'237 5s sd, Hobson-street works: Your committee has no recommendation to make. Petition from stonebreakcrs, re employment : Your committee recommend that the previous resolution upon this question be rescinded, and that the stonebreakers be allowed to continue as at present, at 3s 3d per yard, being 3d per yard more than is paid to the men breaking metal on relief works. —D. F. Evans, Chairman. Mr. Evans moved the adoption of the report, and explained the action of the committee re the stonebreakers in making their present recommendation. Mr. Cooper raised a point of order, that the latter clause of report was not in order. They could not rescind a resolution of the Council without seven days' notice. Mr. Goldie pointed out that this was a report on a petition sent to the Council and referred to the committee. The Chairman considered that the clause had better be left out, and notice of motion be given. There would be ample time for that, as the three months during which the stonebreakers were to continue at 3s 9(1 per yard did not expire for some time. Mr Evans said the report only recommended, and a notice of motion could follow. Colonel Dignan thought they ought to have some further reason from the chairman of the Finance Committee as to how the members were led astray as to the amount of metal required when the subject was formerly before the Council, and he trusted that in future the Finance Committee would devote more time and attention to their work. The statement then made by the chairman of the committee was that they would require no more metal after the Ist of November, and now lie told them that they required sufficient metal during the next 12 months to employ 42 men, and how did the mistake occur? Mr. Holland said that the engineer's report was that 9000 yards would be required, but that there was £600 worth on hand. Mr. Goldie said what they proposed was to give 3s 3d per yard, "being 3d more than those engaged on the relief works obtained, and the reason was that they required better metal; and when they required the m a tal it would be a shame to prevent these men from earning their living, He suggested that the report mifrht be amended, so that the men need not oe discontinued, and then notice of motion could be given to rescind the motion referred to. Mr. Cooper insisted on a ruling on his notice of motion. Mr. Crowther said that the report was in consequence of the petition, and the notice of motion which Mr. Goldie said he would move would meet the matter. The report on Mr. Goldie's suggestion was then amended to read. " That steps be taken to rescind, &c.' Mr. Evans replied to Colonel Dignan's remarks. The report of the committee was that metal be bought as required. The report was then put as amended and adopted. South Ward. —The Ward members reported that they did not recommend the Council to undertake the work of drainage of Day-street as its whole course passed through private properties. The report was adopted. Karangahape __ Ward.—Re drainage of Macaulay and Newton - streets, the Ward members recommended that the work be done, and the engineer instructed to call for tenders as soon as possible. The report was adopted. Pons on by Ward.—Re Wallace - street drainage : The Ward members recommended the extension of the drain up the street for a distance of four chains, at an estimated cost of £46. The report was adopted. Balances and Accounts. — The usual balances were submitted, and the accounts as passed by the committee were passed for payment, in reference to an account for ±50, voted by the Council as compensation to Mr. Sutherland, Mr. Evans moved that it be paid and charged to the North Ward allocation. Colonel Dignan objected to its being charged to the North Ward. It should have been charged to general account. Mr. Atkin also objected on the same grounds, and disclaimed responsibility on the part of the Morth Ward for the blunder of the city office. The motion was carried, the North Ward members protesting. Departmental Returns.— were received from the various departments. Investment Committee.—Colonel Dignan was appointed a member of this committee, in place of Mr. H. Garratt. Earthworks, Customs - street. — The engineer submitted the following report as to additional earthworks, north side of Customs-street: —" It is proposed to widen Customs-street to its full width, from the east side of Nelson-street to west end of the the Gas Company's property, adjoining the Auckland Timber Company's offices, as shown on plan and sections herewith. For this purpose, it will be necessary to raise the buildings belonging to Mr. Lanigan, at the corner of Nelson-street (his letter herewith offering terms). The cost of the proposed work would be as follows, at schedule rates : —2306 cubic yards of earth at Is, £115 6s; 588 cubic yards of ashes at 2s 6d, i 73 10s; 420 cubic yards of metal at 5s 3d, £110 ss: total, £299 Is. Earth can be had for tilling purposes from Mr. Dignan's property. He is willing, I understand, to give 6d per yard to have it taken out, so the contractors will either do the earthwork at Is per yard, and allow the Council to arrange with Mr. Dignan, or they will do the earth work for the Council at 9d per yard and deal with Mr. Dignan themselves. In either case they will move the required quantity of earth from Mr. Dignan's property. At 6d per yard for earthwork, the cost would be £241 Bs, and at 9d per yard, the cost would be 70 4s 6d. It will be observed that an agreement is written out on the plan for those interested to attach their names. This will be necessary before any work is done. So far as I have learned, there will be no difficulty in obtaining the signatures. The contractor is now ready to proceed with this work, if approved of by the Council. — Wm. Anderson, C.E." Colonel Dignan made an explanation of the works, and the engineer was called in. He explained that the work would be out of the hands of the contractors for Customs-street in a week or two at most. It was agreed that tenders be called for the work. Colonel Dignan said that this resolution being carried, the people who had given their consent must be seen again, its they had stipulated that the work was to be done at once. Auxiliary Pump.—Mr. Errington sent a recommendation and list of suitable pumps for pumping gear from Edgecumbe's springs into the springs. The Chairman said that Morrin and Co. would indent at 5 per cent. The English prices of sizes that would suit ranged Irom i 45 to jISO, the former a 6-inch and the latter 9-inch. It was moved by Mr. Fan-ell " That the consulting engineer be asked to call tenders for the plant," but Colonel Dignan did not think this necessary, and moved " That the letter be referred to the Streets Committee." On the motion of Mr. Goldie, it was referred to the Waterworks Committee to procure a suitable engine for the auxiliary pump. Domain Board.The report of the Domain Board had to bo adjourned, as ten o'clock was reached, and besides there was not a quorum present when the business was called.