AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 11543, 30 November 1900, Page 3

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL.

The. usual fortnightly meeting of the Auckland City Council was held in the Council Chambers last evening. Hi? Worship the Mayor (Mr. D. Goldie) presided, and there were also present: Messrs. J. Patterson (Grafton), J. Hewson, Graves Aickin, J. Court, J. Stichbury, C. J. Parr, J. H. Hannan, A. Atkin, A. Kidd, C. Grey, A. J. Entrican, R. Farrell, J. Jamieson, T. 1. Masefield, J. Patterson (Karangahape), 11. Tudehope, F. E. Baume, and R. Salmon. School at Waikumete: Mrs. Bylos wrote, requesting leave to remove the two old shanties on sections 72 and 73 at Waikutnete, so that the material might be used in the construction of the school which she intended to erect. The ranger reported that it was advisable to let the buildings remain as at present, as they were of service to picnic parties. The application was declined. The Late Prince Christian Victor: A letter was received from His Excellency the Governor, acknowledging receipt of the Council's letter relative to the death of Priuce Christian "Victor.

Punakitere Settlers: Mr. G. Clark-Walker, secretary of tho New Zealand Farmers' Union, wroto enclosing'a copy of the circular containing tho grievance of the Punakitere settlers, and of the minutes of the meeting of tho Farmers' Union, relating thereto. Tho letter was received, and a sub-committee, consisting of the Mayor and Messrs. Kiddv Stichbury, and Parr, was appointed to go thoroughly into the matter. X Fixtures in Wyndham-stroet: Mr. Henry Jones wrote, applying that ho might be allowed to erect an iron pillar in front of his premises in Wyndham-street, so that horses might be fastened thereto. The city engineer reported that the by-laws made no provision for fixing tether posts on footways. There did not appear to be any objection to the application. Tho matter was* referred to tho legal committee to ascertain the Council's legal power in the matter. Art Gallery Advisory Board: Messrs. E. Bartley, H. P. Sealy. J. L. Holland, E. W. Payton, and C. F. Goldio wrote, accepting their appointments on the Board of Advice for the Public Art Gallery. Mr. F. Wright, in thanking the Council for their election of him, begged to bo allowed'to resign in favour ol Mr. L. J. Steele. Mr. Steele's selection was unanimously adopted. Tho Auckland Hospital: The secretary of the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board forwarded copies of resolutions passed at tho meeting of his Board, to consider tho report forwarded by the Council upon the management of the Auckland Hospital. The letter was received.

Mill-street: A number of the residents of Liverpool and Mill Streets wrote, requesting the Counoil to take over Mill-street. The city engineer reported that the street was now maintained by the Council, and had also been drained into the main sewer into Liverpool-street. The letter was referred to the Legal Committee. Drainage in Wood and Rylo Streets: Mr. Charles Blomfield wrote calling the attention of the Council to the unsatisfactory condition of the drainage adjoining his property in Wood and Ryle Streets, Ponsonby. On tho recommendation of the city engineer, it was decided to drain Kyle-street with a 12in pipe. The engineer was instructed to prepare plans and specifications. Signboards: A letter was received from Messrs. Baker Brothers regarding a complaint by the city engineer against the firm's placing of their signboard over the top of their verandah. _ The writers stated that the board was placed in that position, so as not to block out the light from tho street windows. The recommendation of the city engineer was that as the by-law provided for signboards on the front of verandahs only, the board should be removed from its present position. The letter was referred to "the Legal Committee. A loiter from Mr. Goodson, dealing with the question of his signboard, was similarly treated. Proposed Cycle Path in the Domain: The secretary of the Auckland Cycle Roads League wrote, requesting tho Domain Board to lay a cycle path through the Domain, and offering: to co-operate with the Domain Board in any way which they might consider beneficial to themselves and tho cause of cycling generally. The matter was referred to the Domain Committee.

A Protest: A copy of a resolution, pro- J posed by Mr. John Bell at a meeting, where 500 persons were present, and duly carried, was forwarded to the Council, as follows: — " We, the people of Auckland, and assembled here, view with alarm the way in which tho ratepayers' money is being spent in petty prosecutions to prevent and crush freedom of speech, and are of opinion that such money would be better expended in improving the public roads and other pressing necessities, instead of paying the lawyers "to prosecute any citizen who dares to give his opinion in public." Owing to the letter being unsigned, there was no discussicji. Grafton Road Right-of-way: A letter was received from Canon Nelson, asking tho Council to maintain as a right-of-way the path from the south-east corner of Wynynrdstreet to Grafton Road. A letter dealing with the same matter was also received from Mr. M. Blandford. Both 'letters wero referred to the Legal Committee. Sinking Fund Commission: Mr. J. H. Upton wrote, resigning his position as a sinking fund commissioner. On the motion of the Mayor, the letter was received and consideration of the matter deferred. Condition of Footpaths: The Ratepayers' Association wrote, drawing attention to the great damage done to pathways by the carting of timber and other ways. The association suggested that those damaging the pathway should repair the same at their own cost. The matter was referred to the Streets Committee. Petition: A petition was read by Mr. Jamieson from some of the residents of Gundry-street, requesting tho erection of a lamp on the east side of Gundry-street. Tho petition was referred to the Streets Committee. Smoke Nuisances: The Legal Committee reported on the smoko nuisances in Hobsonetreet and Karangaliapo Road, and recommended that the Council enforce the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1900, in both instances. Mr. Masefield moved, " That the wholo matter be referred back to the Legal Committee, so that they might obtain the opinions of the city solicitor and the inspector of nuisances." Mr. Farrell seconded. After a long discussion, during which the Mayor read the clauses of the Act dealing with the matter, the recommendation of the committee was adopted.

Streets Committee's Report: The following recommendations of the Streets Committee were adopted:—l. Complaint as to drainage, Rennall-street: Inspector to take action if not abated at once. 2. Plans and specifications, Hepburn, Selwyn. and Picton Streets drainage: Tenders to be called, returnab'a at next meeting of Council. 3. R. Ellis, claim for compensation: Action of Mayor In settling claim on advice of the city solicitor for £7 10s, approved. Referred to Legal Committee to consider liability of contractor to reimburse the Council. 4. E. W. Hoare, as to supply of water, Upper Symonds-street: One-inch pipe to be laid if applicants pay the estimated cost of £11. 5. John Gordon, application for inspectorship, Nihotupu Road formation: Reply, no present intention of employing an inspector. 6. Specifications for laying water mains: Chairman to have power to sign specifications when contract required. 7. Scenery Conservation Society as to road over railway, Beach Road : Reply impossible for Council to undertake the work, even if practicable. 8. Engineer re urgent drainage works: Mayor and chairman to interview the Minister for Public Works to keep the vote of £1500 for Mechanics' Bay sewer alive after March 31, if contract cannot be finished by then. 9. Cycle Roads League, as to size of metal used on roads: Recommend that in future the whole responsibility of the city works be put" unde: the control of the city engineer. 10. Specification as to road formation: Mayor, chairman, and engineer to act in choosing a street in the business portion of tho city for a test. 11. Ratepayers, Douglas-street, as to drainage: Mayor and chairman to act. end tendors to be called. Legal Committee's Report: The Legal Committee reported as follows: —1. Commander of "A" Battery, asking permission to hold volunteer camp in the Domain : Pecmission granted. 2. Bandstand, Albert Park: Recommend adoption of plan amended, as pugcested by Messrs. Farrell and Ilewson. 3. Order-in-Council re Kauri Gum Industry Act: Recommend that Superintendent Gladding be appointed ranger to enforce pro visions of the Act. Plague Claims: Action of Mayor in settling Mrs. _ Kelly's claim for £90 approved. Other claims to be referred to city solicitor. The report vras adopted. Sick Pay: The Finance Committee, reporting on the question of payment of employees during sickness, recommended " that salaried officers be allowed during illness full pay for a fortnight in anyone year, and half-pay for six weeks thereafter." Mr. Farrell thought that each case should be considered upon its merits. The report was adopted. Mechanics' Bay Sewer: Plans and specifications for the Mechanics' Bay outlet sewer were submitted by the engineer, and referred tc the Streets Committee, with power to call for tenders. Street Watering: Mr. Atkin moved, "That tie system of watefthg of streets by hydrant is inadvisable, and should be discontinjed as soon as possible, it being detrimental to the streets f and that (a) inquiry be made from America re particulars and cost of fourwheeled street sprinklers, and (b) that the Auckland Electric Tramway Company be asked if they would provide an electric sprinkler for early morning watering of streets, pud felia esst of watering with saiao." Tho mover

..... '■ ' said that watering by- hydrants destroyed the . roadways, ana used more water than waa necossary. 'I.CNmly increased the dust nuisance, as the dust was worked into the gutters, and thence blown up in clouds.' Mr. Salmon seconded; and the motion was adopted. Work in Pitt-street: Mi. Patterson moved: 1. "That two cesspits be constructed at the ,i|; corners of Pitt and Randolph Streets." :2. " That two dangerous water channels in Pittstreet, at the same place, be removed." _3. " That the footpaths on the right-hand side of Pitt-street, from Randolph-street to New- i ton Road, bo kerbed and channelled." As an amendment Mr. Entrican moved, and it • was agreed, " That tho motion bo referred to the Streets Committee for consideration." Water Service: Mr. J. H. Hannan moved, "That as soon a3 She water is secured from' Nihotupu, and wo have an ample supply for all purposes, the Council reduce the charges of watei fot closets from 30s to 15s per annum." The Mayoi said the prieo was £bced by by-law, and could only be altered by having that by-law rescinded. Mr. Hannan said lie would withdraw his motion and bring the matter on again. • •», Tenders: The tenders of Mr. 'Thomas Anderson (£347) and Mr. Hector Eraser (£3b55 were accepted for sections 3 and 4, road formation, in connection with tho Nihotupn water supply. The engineer (Mr. H. Munro Wilson) estimated the works to cost. £324 and £433 respectively. Thirteen tenders were opened. * For drainage work in Hepburn, Picton, and Selwyn Streets, estimated by t.ha city engineer (Mr. Wrigg) to cost £1026, the following tenders were received:—G. Grey, ,£985 9s 7d: N. McLean, £1030 18s 2d; M. Coulson, £970 7s 63; McGee and Co., £960 16s 3d: C. Newson, £1274 17s Id; J. Irwin, £971 17s; W. Henry, £984 E. Murphy, £1009. The Mayor said that in tho past some contractors had made the main contract , price row, but had made ratepayers pay high for the private connections. ' Upon his motion, the tenders were referred to the Streets Committee., with instructions to fix a fair price for private connections, and accopt (n« of the tenders. Mr. Aickin pointed out that in many cases private connections had m : he past beon faulty, i' Tho Mayor explained that all drainage* connections were now made undci the supervision of the Council's own' officers. Cadetships: , Nineteen applications were ioceived for the two cadetships in the Municipal offices, and referred to the Legal Committee to select four for each, cadetship, and ibport to the. Council ' Sexton: The names of 13 applicants for the vacant position of sexton at Waikumete were referred to tho Streets Committee, with instructions to select six and report to the' Council.