MEETINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 741, 14 May 1886, Page 9

MEETINGS.

WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL. An ordinary meeting of the Oouneil was held last evening week. There were present— The Mayor and Councillors Wilson, Williams, Petherick, Coombe, Edward?, Fitz Gerald, Smith, Danks, Quick and Richardson. Leave of absence for that evening was granted to Councillor McKenzie. QUESTION OFjPENALTIES. Messrs Bell, Gully and Izard wrote, on behalf of Mr Saunders, asking that the question of penalties should be included amongst the matters to be submitted to arbitration. The City Solicitor reported that he had replied that it was proposed to appoint one arbitrator to consider the whole matter. ANNUAL MEETING. The Mayor announced that the statutory annual meeting would be held on Tuesday next. REMOVAL OF RUBBISH. It was decided to make an order under the Public Health Act for removal of rubbish from the premises of Charles Dowsett within seven days. CHARITABLE AID RATE. Councillor Coombe made a report upon the result of the adjournment of this question. He moved that the proposed rate be not struck for six months. Councillor Petherick seconded the motion. He had been disappointed, he said, at the smallness of attendance at the public meeting, but those who were there had shown that they were anxious to assist the property holders of the city. Councillor Williams said it was not necessary to reiterate the arguments in favor of the rate not being struck. But he pointed out that six months hence the burgess roll would have to be re-written, and there would be a further charge of £SO 19s 2d as interest on overdraft consequent on the delay. So that that the scheme, if not successful, would cost more than £7O.

Councillor Danbs said if every man in the provincial district put down £1 it would not be sufficient to support charitable aid. Did Councillor Coombe think every man would put down his pound ? Councillor Coombe had never advanced any scheme. He got Mr Fraser to come down, and-that gentlemanls claim had been jumped by Councillor Petherick. He (Councillor Dauks) would give every assistance in collecting the money, and he was sure that if Councillor Coombe went with him for one week he would be heartily sick of it. But Councillor Coombe had never assisted in providing charitable aid at all ; now they found him calling a meeting which was attended by as many as would sit in a bar-parlor, and who dispersed without passing any resolution. (No.) The question of raising money by theatrical performances and merry-go-rounds would not work. This was not a question of £SOO, £6OO, or £IOOO, but it was a

question, according to Councillor Coombe’s | proposal, of swallowing up for the next six months all the Corporation’s money. Why, if he could get it seconded he would move for a threepenny rate to be struck for roads. He hoped the Council would not put the charitable aid matter off. As to hospital Sundays, he bad moved in that direction some years ago, and the only clergyman who responded was Mr Van Staveren. Councillor Petherick made a personal explanation, to the effect that he had not jumped Mr Fraser’s claim. He had not had any information whatever as to what was to be done. Councillor Edwards thought it was late ia the day now to raise objections, and he should support the rate for this jear. Councillor Richardson sympathised with Councillor Coombe’s attempts to inculcate generosity in this direction. He suggested that three months should be allowed, to see whether the necessary proportion could be raised. If Councillor Coombe would alter his motion to that effect, he would subscribe £5. on condition that it came off the rates. The Mayor pointed out that to collect the rate in three months would interfere with the office arrangements of the Corporation. Councillor Wilson supported postponement for three months. Councillor Quick said people no tv awoke to an idea that they were to suffer horribly because the taxation was made direct instead of indirect, as it had been. He approved of voluntary contributions as far as possible, but feared that they should have to fall back on ordinary taxation. Sentiment taken away, he thought the rate was the best means. He opposed Councillor Coombe’s motion, as dangerous. Councillor Smith took a similar view of the» matter.

The Mayor had been asked by the trustees to give a chance to the voluntary contribu* tions proposal. It was true six months’ delay would entail some expense, but he thought it would be as well to give the proposal % trial.

Councillor Coombe’s motion was theoi put. Ayes, 5. —The Mayor, Councillors Wilson, Coombe, Petherick, and Williams. Noes, 6.—Councillors Edwards, Quick, Smith, FitzGerald, Danks, and Richardson. Motion lost.

Councillor Richardson moved, That the striking of the rate be postponed for three months. Ayes, 6.—The Mayor, Councillors Wilson, Coombe, Williams Petheriek, and Richardson. Noes, s.—Councillors Edwards, Quick, Smith, Fitz Gerald, and Danks. Motion carried. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Committee reported as follows : “ The Committee beg to report that an application has been received from the District Board for a further advance in order that the Board may be in a position to meet its liabilities to 31st March last. The amount asked for is £447 9s l£d, being the snm assessed on the Corporation for the first quarter of the present financial year, viz, Ist April to 30th. June. The Committee recommend that this advance be paid to the Board on the same condition as was attached to the advance already made, viz., that the position of the Council with reference to the pending appeal against the Board’s assessment shall not be prejudiced in any way by the payment.” The report was adopted on the motion of the Mayor. HARBOR BOARD COMMITTEE. The Commitee reported as follows :—“The Committee beg to report that they have had several meetings both with the Committee of the Harbor Board and of themselves, and that the following resolution was ultimately agreed to at a meeting of both Committees, it being understood to be the basis upon which a mutually satisfactory arrangement might be come to between the two bodies. Moved by Mr Duthie, and seconded by Councillor Quick, “ That, in the opinion of the two Committees, it is desirable to accept the Harbor Board proposal of the payment offered on terms to be arranged, on condition that the Corporation carry out reclamation without delay on the line shown on the chart as the Corporation line, and as far as Cuba street (the Board to have the right to erect staging all along the breastwork) ; thence from Cubastreet on the Sft-line as far as Taranakistreet, granting the Board the right for 21 years to erect wharves between Cubastreet and Taranaki-3treet, with right to execute all necessary dredging.” The Committee having since met and given the various points due consideration, beg to recommend the adoption of the resolution, but with the following modifications, viz. : “ 1. That the Harbor Board be bound to erect the Taranaki street wharf immediately on the Council completing an approach. 2. That the term * necessary dredging ’ be defined to the satisfaction of the Council. And 3. That the term of years named therein be altered from 21 to 14. The Committee beg further to suggest that the Finance Committee be authorised to meet the Harbor Board and arrange, subject to ratification by the Council, the terms npon which the £39,000 owing by the Harbor Board shall be accepted by the Council, and to recommend that on the matter receiving the sanction of the Council, the City Solicitor be instructed to prepare and pass through Parliament a Bill giving the necessary powers for the carrying out of the whole matter.” Councillor Wilson moved that consideration be postponed till the special meeting oa Tuesday. Agreed to. FORESHORE OOMMITTEE. The Committee reported as follows :—“ Re Mr M. Kennedy’s claim—The Committee beg to recommend that a suggestion from Mr Kennedy’s solicitor, that the claim to be brought by him in the Compensation Court extend to the whole frontage of section 212 be acquiesced in on the condition mentioned, viz. : That the Council retain the proportion of the compensation money representing the part of section not yet interfered with, pending such interference. Messrs Crawford and Co.’s case—The Committee recommend that the City Solicitor be instructed to institute proceedings to assert the title of the Corporation to the piece of Farish • street, on which Messrs Crawford’s store stands, the City Solicitor having advised that such title can be asserted. Lombard-street—The Committee recommend that the suggestion of Messrs Bethune and Hunter to extend Lom-bard-street, or Cornhill-Btreet to the new Reclamation, the private owners contributing the land between Old Customhouse-street and

the Corporation’s boundary, be not adopted, sufficient provision for traffic being made by the proposed extension of Fariah-street. Te Aro Reclamation Plan—The Committee recommend that in order to be prepared to give titles to the foreshore owner's who have come in under the Council’s scheme, a survey be made, and a plan prepared and deposited in the Land Transfer Office, as required by the Land Transfer Act, showing the exact boundaries of the land reclaimed by Mr Saunderß, and the various sub-divisions thereof to be conveyed to the foreshore owners respectively. Inasmuch as the plan must be made by a surveyor licensed under the Land Transfer Act, the Committee further recommend that tenders be invited for the work.” The Mayor moved the adoption of the report. This was seconded by Councillor Quick, and carried.

The Committee also reported as follows re Clyde-quay end of the reclamation :—“The Committee beg to report that they have had under consideration the plan and terms of the specification for the proposed new reclamation, and beg to make the followingrecommendations: 1. That the breastwork be of totara timber, and shall consist of totara piles 9in diameter, spaced 10ft apart, with wallings Bin by f>in, and totara planking 12in by 4in, with band ties at every 20ft, as shown on the said plan. This breastwork will be capable of removal in the event of the reclamation being carried out further seawards. 2. That the tenders be based upon a schedule of quantities and prices, in order that any extras may be ordered at contract prices. 3. The City Surveyor having intimated that various plans and the specifications will l>e complete in a week’s time, that tenders be then called for the Council meeting of the 3rd of June next. 4. That in addition to advertising for tenders in this city, two insertions of the advertisement be made in a leading paper in each of the following cities, viz, Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. 5. That it be a term of the specification that the "trestlework and the rails and their iron fastenings, &c., thereon be removed by tbe contractor during the contract time, the materials to belong to him at the termination of the contract. 6. That it be also a term of the specification that the contractor shall allow any vessel which at the date of the contract shall be building or under repair to be launched without making any claim ; and, also, that he shall open the trestle to admit or let out any vessel to or from any premises prior to the reclamation reaching such premises.’’

The Mayor, in moving the adoption of the report, said it meant that iu four weeks tenders would be accepted for the reclamation, which was a consummation devoutly to be wished.

Councillor Wilson had much pleasure in seconding the motion. Councillor Smith suggested that the totara would not stand the exposure. Councillor Petherick did not think there need be any apprehension about thatIn answer to Councillor Danks the Mayor said the specifications would be as complete as possible. Councillor Danks wanted the specifications to be laid before Councillors and citizens for a certain period, before the tenders were acaccepted. A short discussion ensued on this question, and eventually the report was adopted. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. Clause 1. That this Council approve of the object of the deputation on the subject of the proposed railway to Te Aro, and agress to forward the requisition to the Government. Councillor Fitz Gerald thought the railway would be a great benefit, but they must see that the interests of the city did not suffer by it. If the railway was run past the foot of the Queen’s Wharf the traffic would suffer. Wellington was differently situated to other cities. In Dunedin the traffic was not large, but even there the Government had provided carriage ways, and if they would agree to carry the railway here at such an altitude above Grey-street as not to interfere with traffic it would be different. In Auckland the railway stopped at the Queen’s Wharf. The trade here was increasing, and before the proposal was approved they should see that such a scheme was provided as would prevent any interference with the traffic. He moved to add to the clause “ with the stipulation that in the construction of the railway ttainterrupted access to the Queen’s Yharf be not interfered with.” Councillor Wilson seconded the amendment, and spoke in favor of it. . Councillor Petherick thought it would be as well to carefully consider the matter before presenting the requisition, and suggested postponing the matter. Councillor Williams said it was generally understood that the Government had power to take the railway to Te Aro whenever they liked ; and he thought it would be unwise for the Council to attempt to dictate. Councillor Quick did not think it was tbe Council’s function to stand forward and ask for the railway. As a citizen he would be glad to assist it, but as a Councillor he should not be prepared to assist in doing anything which might probably injure the Corporation’s estate in future. He alluded to the experience of the city in respect to the Thorndon reclamation, and suggested that the Government might act in the same manner in this as they had in that matter. There was not only access to the Queen’s Wharf in the question. There would be a stream of traffic to tbe foreshore, and he did not see how a railway running along there could be other than dangerous. He wanted the City Council, as the City Council, to stand aloof from this matter. Let the members present the petition, if they choose, as citizens. Councillor Danks agreed with Councillor Quick. He had been in New York, where such railways ran, and there was scarcely a day but there was news that some citizen had been made mincemeat of. He had himself seen a cart made into a roll of firewood in this manner. Councillor Edwards supported the clause. The Mayor agreed that the petition should have gone to the Government, but thought it was best now to forward it on. The amendment of Councillor Fitz Gerald was carried, and the clause as amended carried. Clause 15, that the proposal to pave Adelaide-road with asphalte from the Basin Reserve to John-street be not acceded to. Councillor Coombe moved to strike out the word “ not.” Lost. Councillor Wilson moved that one side should be asphalted, A short

but exceedingly brisk discussion ensued. Councillor Richardson said this was the old policy—if you can’t get ss, have 2s 63. But the Council had not got the money, and the sooner that was realised the better. Councillor Edwards said it was a question of kicking £SO worth of gravel into the gutter, or spending £IOO on asphalte. Councillor Petherick said the road was in as good condition as parts, of Willis street. The amendment was eventually lost, and the clause agreed to. CITY SURVEYOR’S REPORT. The City Surveyor's report was received. In answer to Councillor Benzoni, the City Surveyor said the sewers had been regularly flushed every day during the summer. MOTION WITHOUT NOTICE. Councillor Richardson asked for leave to move, without notice, —“That a resolution for the erection of a concrete wall in Piriestreet, be rescinded ’’ Permission was refused. MOTION. Councillor Smith moved—“ That a return be made of all persons supplied with water by meter, either for fire or manufacturing purposes, either within or without tbe city.” After a short discussion this was carried, and the Council rose. The statutory annual meeting of the Council was held Tuesday night. There were.present The Mayor, and Conncillors Fitz Gerald, Smith, Edwards, Wilson, Petherick, Quick, Benzoni, Richardson, and Coombe. ANNUAL STATEMENT. The annual statement of accounts being on the table, Councillor Wilson drew attention to the increased expenditure in forage and in gas. The Mayor said they had more horses during the past half-year. Councillor Wilson then remarked that there was an item of L 6 17s 4d, on account of “Basin Reserve.” The Mayor said that item was incurred in advertising Sunday by-laws. Councillor Wilson said in that case the money was well spent, He suggested that at the end of every year a balance-sheet should be presented, showing the expenditure on various works in the different wards. Tne Mayor explained, with regard to the gas item, that a number of new lamps had been erected during the year, and for the last halfyear had been in full play. Councillor Petherick asked for information as to the item L6O for repairs to offices. The Mayor said the repairs were those authorised to the Council offices. In answer to Councillor Quick, the Mayor pointed out that of the item L 557 13s lid, rents in arrears, was largely made up by the arrears of over L3OO on account of the town belt reserve. Of the L2OS due on account of the market reserve, over LIOO was owing by one person. Councillor Petherick asked for information as to what had been done in regard to Mr Reeves and the town belt. The Town Clerk said a writ was being prepared. Councillor Petherick said that was what had always been said. He thought the Mayor and the officers were to blame for not preventing Mr Reeves from holding a reserve and charging the public money for it. The Mayor said an Act to be introduced this session provided that accounts should be made up against the different wards. He added that the Finance Committee had given instructions on account of expenditure on each work that was carried out.

After some further discussion the accounts were passed. auditors’ PEES.

The auditors salaries were passed for payment. Councillor Williams moved that the remuneration for the ensuing year be 25 guineas each. Councillor Benzoni asked what amount of work was done by the auditors—how long it took. The Mayor said he did not know exactly. Councillor Petherick urged the same question, and Mr Paige, being appealed to, said he had kept no time. Councillor Petherick said he was not satisfied. The motion was agreed to. •SPECIAL MEETING. A special meeting of the Council was then held. HARBOR BOARD COMMITTEE. The report submitted by this Committee at the last meeting of the Council was re-re ad. The Mayor, in moving the adoption of the report, explained that at the meeting of the two Committees he had expressed an opinion that it was beyond their functions to pass a resolution. Being pressed, however, by some of the representatives of the Council, he had allowed the motion to be put. The motion, he added, divested the Corporation of two and a half acres of their reclamation for 14 years. The Board conceded to the Council its line to Cuba-street, except this piece. .The Board proposed to erect a wharf at the foot of Taranaki-street, which would, he thought, rather interfere with navigation in the port. With regard to the L 39,000, he explained that the proposal was that the Board, having power to borrow, should raise the money, and hand it over to the Council on the terms on which they raised it. This L 39,000 was a portion of the purchase-money of the wharf. Councillor Petherick seconded the report pro forma. Councillor Quick moved that clauses 2 and 3be struck out, He contended that the Councillors had done right in putting their ideas into a motion, which he had seconded. Clauses 2 and 3 had been carried by the Mayor’s casting vote. He abided by that motion, on the understanding, as was provided for, that the Board should commence the Te Aro wharf as soon as the Council made the approaches. He pointed to the present prosperous condition of Wellington as compared with the other cities of the Colony, and ascribed it to the fact that Wellington was year by year becoming the chief distributing port of the Colony. The Harbor Board had, therefore, very important functions, and he asked the Council to look at the Board, not as an antagonistic body, but as a body trying to do its best for the city. _ The advantages of a wharf at Te Aro, he pointed out, were very great, and if the Council did not make the concession asked by the Board, and not go beyond its Bft line, the wharf would not be carried out. He was strongly in favor of the lease to the Harbor Board being made for 21 instead of 14 years. Councillor Coombe seconded the amendment. He would rather, he said, see the whole reclamation postponed until they could carry it all out at once. Various firms were prepared to establish business on the reclamation who would be in a back street when future reclamation was made.

Councillor Smith thought the Board should be prepared to give something for the concessions made to it. He supported the 14 years’ proposal. The Mayor said clause 2 was suggested by Councillor Quick. Councillor Quick said it was nothing of the

sort. He had written it out for Councillor Benzoni.

The Mayor produced Councillor Quick's copy of the receipt. Councillor Quick rose to protest, and waa ordered to sit down. “lam addressing the Council,” said the Mayor. “ Yes, but you are stating what is not correct,” retorted Councillor Quick. The Mayor : “ Well, I’m going to say what I have to say if you get up fifty times.” He went on to argue that he had a right to give his casting vote as he liked. Councillor Quick need not have brought up that matter. Councillor Quick said he had voted as he chose. The Mayor : I cannot allo-v you to jump up like this, Councillor Quick, Councillor Quick commenced to make a remark, but was interrupted by the cries of “ chair.” The Mayor said he had been speaking temperately. There was no reason why Councillor Quick should lose his temper. Continuing, his Worship said he believed this was a report which would settle the difficulty that had existed so long. With reference to Councillor Coombe’s suggestion, he expressed a hope that that gentleman would bring his “ massive and stupendous intellect ” to bear on some massive scheme. Councillor Wilson supported the original motion. Councillor Edwards did not see what there was to object to in clause 2. The question being put, Councillor Quick's amendment was lost by 7 to 4. Councillor Fitz Gerald said with regard to reclamation, he was of opinion that an acre of water in Te Aro was worth more than an acre of land. The Harbor Board had lately fallen away from its former opinion of them because they were now ceding what they had formerly opposed, in order to gain that which would be of commercial advantage to them, and by it sacrificing the interests of the harbor. He should oppose the report as a whole. He had an amendment to move in the way of a subclause in connection with the permissions given to the boating clubs to erect sheds on the reclamation. In order that the exercise of boating might not be damaged, he moved a sub-clause to the effect that sites having a sea frontage be reserved to the two boating clubs at a position to be agreed upon, between the Queen’s Wharf and Taranaki-street. Councillor Richardson seconded the amendment.

Councillor Wilson opposed it. There was two much of this “ play,” he said, and if there was less of it there would be fewer applications to tne Benevolent Society. On division, the amendment was carried, only Councillor Wilson opposing it. The report as amended was carried on division by nine to two, Councillors Coombe and Fitz Gerald opposing it. RAILWAY EXTENSION. The following letter from the Minister of Public Works was read: —“Public Works Department, Wellington, 7th May, 1886. Re Te Aro Reclamation. —Sir, —As it appears that it is the intention of the City Council to proceed with a further portion of the reclamation at Te Aro, and that plans and specifications for the proposed work are now being prepared, I should be much obliged if you would kindly furnish this department with copies of the plans referred to, so that the Government may be in a position to judge whether the work will in any way interfere with the projected extension of the Government railway to the Te Aro end of the city. I have, &c., Edward Richardson, Minister for Public Works.”

In answer to Councillor Benzoni, the Mayor said it would take about two days to prepare the plans. He suggested the Minister should be informed that every facility would be given to an officer of the Department to copy the plans. A few moments later, however, the Mayor said he understood a tracing only was required, and the boy could do that. It was decided to comply with the request. waterworks plant. The City Surveyor recommended the purchase of the following waterworks plant, which would make up the L3OO passed for the purpose : —2O tons 3in water-mains ; 15 tons 4in do; 2 tons Gin valves, with flanged ends ; 2 tons sin do, do ; 4 tons 4in do, do ; 4 tons 3in do, do; 12 tons 4in fire plug tees; 200 gutta percha fire plug balls. He recommended that these articles be obtained through a Wellington agent. The report was adopted.