THE CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15729, 2 October 1914, Page 7

THE CITY COUNCIL.

TRAMWAYS SERVICE, LINE TO STORE REFUSED. QUEEN STREET EXTENSION. The Auckland City Council met, last evening. Present: The Deputy Mayor, Mr. John Court, Miss E. Melville, mid Messrs. 11. Tudehope, M. Casey-, J. M. Mennie. G. Knight, H. D. Heather, A. J. Entrican, H. N. Bagnall, P. J. Nerheny, G. J. Garland, R. T. Michaels, Hall Skelton, J. Trevethick, J. C. Gleeson, P. M. Mackay, J. A. Warnock, E. Carr, R. S. Briggs, and W. Donald. The request, of the Auckland Tramways Company for permission to lay down a siding in Customs Street West, past its new office to its store at the foot of Hobson Street, was considered. The terms suggested by the Works Committee were as foflows:—(1) That the siding bo used only once a day before 9 a.m. for conveying goods to and from the company's head office in Customs Street, and not more than twico a day for conveying goods to and from the company's store ii: Hobson Street; (2) that, the siding belaid down and the track between tho rails and for lbin on each side outside tho rails bo paved by tho company with the same material as shall be used by the council for tho rest of the street, the siding to be maintained by the company—all at its own cost (3) that the company pay a rent of £5 per annum for this concession; (4) that the company fulfil all the requirements of the Tramways Act relatins: to private sidings; (5) that tho company enter into an agreement embodying tiies© conditions, to be prepared by the city solicitor and approved by this committee."

A discussion ensued as to clause 1, some members of the council urging that the request should bo declined altogether. _ Mr. Mackay and Mr. Garland brought forward an amendment to the effect that the request be declined on account of the narrowness of the road. This was carried by 12 votes to 10. The Tramways Company submitted copies of plans and specifications of the yueen Street extension for signature. Approval was given to the documents subject to the company amending, the specifications to provide that the surfaco of the road should be covered with tarred macadam. The council decided to execute a notice of its intention to apply for an Order-in-Council authorising the tramway extension in Queen Street, and also an agreement with, the company respecting the extension.

HOBSON RECLAMATION. DEDICATION OF STREETS. The council decided to accept dedication of the streets on the Hobson reclamation as soon as the area is gazetted as part of the city, and subject to the following conditions being agreed to by the -Harbour Board :— That the board shall maintain all walls retaining the street fiom the sea for all time. 2. That all kerbing and channelling where out of alignment or grade through subsidence shall be ' relaid. 3.' That all paths be made up to right crossfall and level ready for tarring and sanding for their* full width, except where injured fiy the laying of watermains. 4. That the roadway be made " good where subsidences have occurred. 5. That the above work carried out to the satisfaction of the city engineer prior to March 31, 1915, when the council shall take over the responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of tie streets excepting the work specified in clause 1.

FINANCING IMPORTANT WORKS. NO TROUBLE ANTICIPATED.. In a report, dated September 25, the city _ treasurer stated that if work was considered important there would be no difficulty in finding the money required. Careful arrangements for financial provision before works of any importance were undertaken were necessary, and there was need for the spending departments to be instructed that matters entailing expenditure of any magnitude should be first referred to the ' Finance Committee before commencement.

It was decided that drainage work to the value of £8000, including certain works already in hand, should be gone on with during the period ending March 31, 1915, and the, engineer was instructed to report as to what works could bo undertaken advantageously.

MISCELLANEOUS. VALIDATING LEGISLATION. The Under-Secretary of "the Department of Internal Affairs intimated that . the Government would be askedto consider favourably the amendment of the law as proposed by the council, to enable it to make some allowance to dependents of its employees who have joined the expeditionary force, or who have been called out tor home defence. A draft proclamation concerning tho amalgamation of Remuera with the city was amended to provide that the union should take place on January 1, 1915, instead of on April 1, 1915. The tender of Messrs. Grcvatt and vSons, £4944, with £80 extra for a tiled roof, for the erection of the 6tables in Patteson Street, was accepted.