MEETINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 870, 2 November 1888, Page 1

MEETINGS.

THE POST-OFFICE CLOCK.

A special meeting of the City Council was held at 3 o’clock yesterday week to consider correspondence with the Government in connection with the PostOffice clock. There were present— Councillors Williams, Brandon, Muir, Willeston, Harris, Seed, Moeller, Fraser, and Heaton. In the absence of the Mayor, Councillor Williams was voted to the chair. Mr J. Duthie, Chairman of the Harbour Board, was also present by invitation. Correspondence was read as follows: —■ “ Wellington, October 17, 1888. “Sir, —I have the honour to-acknow-ledge receipt of your letter of the 18th instant, informing me ip effect that the Government decline to contribute toward the cost of the clock for the General Postoffice. The matter was considered at the meeting of the Council held last evening, and general regret was expressed at the decision of the Government in the matter. The Council is strongly of opinion that the Government should at least refund toward the cost of the new clock the amount (L 300) contributed by the two local bodies as their share, of the cost of the former clock, and which amount would not have been lost if the clock had been vested in them, since both bodies maintain full insurances on their property. The refund of this sum would be no infringement of the statement mentioned as made by the Minister for Public Works. I trust the matter will receive the early and favourable consideration of the Government, since the matter is now one of urgency. “ I have, &c., “ Samuel Brown, Mayor. “ The Hon. the Premier.” * ‘ Premier’s Office, Wellington, “22nd October, 1888.

“Sir, — In reply to your letter of the 17th inst., received by me on the 20th, I have the honour to inform you that the Government has again considered the question of a clock , for the General Post Office, and 1 regret to say that it does not see its way to alter the decision at which it has already arrived on the subject. “I have, &c., “H. A. Atkinson. “ His Worship the Mayor, “Wellington.” The Chairman explained that the previous Council voted Ll5O toward the cost of the clock, and that the matter had been referred to the Public Works Committee. It seemed to him manifest now that the Government would do nothing but pay the cost of erecting the tower ; and it was for the Council to decide whether any further steps should be taken in the matter.

Councillor Moeller understood that the bell metal of the old clock was lying waste, and that it was worth about LBO per ton. The City Engineer said he was not aware what had become of the bell-metal, nor could he give an idea of its value. Councillor Seed thought they should have before them the cost of the clock, made either here or at home. The Chairman said all the information they had was that it would cost between £6OO and £7OO imported. Councillor Seed pointed out that there wa3 some correspondence originally with Messrs Littlejohn. Councillor Brandon thought it could be safely assumed that the cost of the clock, made either here or in England, would not exceed £650. ,

Mr Duthie briefly stated the feeling of the Harbour Board on the matter. He had, he said, consulted various members of the Harbour Board since its last meeting, and thought he was quite justified in saying that the Board would contribute in the same proportion as the City Council. With respect to the bell-metal, it was quite worth LBO, and would weigh about a ton and a half. , ' Councillor Fraser moved that a subscription list be opened at the City Council offices, and that the balance not subscribed be supplied by the City Council and Harbour Board in equal shares. Councillor Brandon thought the Council might give a further sum of L 175. He objected to subscriptions being called for public purposes, contending that the burden only fell on a few people. He was, however, prepared to support the two bodies giving half the cost. He moved as ..an amendment, that the Council contribute a further sum of L 175, and that, subscriptions be invited in re duction of the amount.

Councillor Seed disapproved Councillor Brandon’s-amendment, on the ground that people would,, look upon the two bodies as finding the whole amount. Councillor Heaton was opposed to the two bodies going begging for subscriptions. Councillor Braiidon’s amendment was lost on the voices.' , ' ' Councillor Harris moved as an amendment, That the Corporation, in conjunction with tho Harbour Board, give £2OO each toward the cost; of the clock,, and that subscriptions be invited from the public for the balance ; in the event ,of any deficiency, the balance to be made up between the two bodies. Mr Duthie thought that the Harbour Board would prefer that the whole amount should, be supplied by the two local bodies. Councillor Harris’ amendment was lost on the voices.

Councillor Seed supported Councillor Fraser’s . motion, knowing that certain sums of money had been promised which they were not so well off as to be able to disdain. ; At tliesame time he disapproved hawking subscription lists around. Councillor Fraser’s motion was carried on the voices. On the’motion of Councillor Seed it was decided to supply the Government with the information the Council had with respect to the bell-metal. -

A discussion ensued as to whether tenders should be called for the clock, Councillor Brandon pointing out - that if the Government’imported it the Council would not have to pay duty. It was pointed out,-[ however, that this was a matter beyond the jurisdiction of tho meeting. - Mr Duthie . explained that there were three tenders in tho hands of the Government for-the clock, of which the Council could have the, benefit. He suggested that a- committee, should be appointed from the two bodies to deal with the matter of tenders generally. The Chairman said that would no doubt be done. _j _ This concluded’ the business.