THE CORPORATION OFFICES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1163, 15 June 1894, Page 30

THE CORPORATION OFFICES.

PROPOSED ADDITIONS. At the meeting of tho City Council last night, the Public Works Committee recommended that the report of the Corporation Offices Committee, already published, be adopted. Councillor Barber said ho thought it would bo very unwise to incur such an expenditure. No doubt they were cramped for room, but they should let the building remain as it was for a little longer and put up a temporary convenience until they found a purchaser, and then erect a building which would bo a credit to the city. He moved that tho report be referred back to the Committee. Councillor Eraser seconded the motion, because, he said, he understood the proposed alterations would cost about JUOOO. ,£SOO had been allocated foi this purpose, but they never understood it would cost so much as was now estimated. Their overdraft was quite large enough, without increasing it by .£SOO, especially when so many streets required improving. The Chairman, replying to Councillor Levoi, said a block on the reclaimed land had been reserved for the Corporation offices and a town hall.

Councillor Tatum supported Councillor Barber's resolution, thinking that if they spent .£IOOO, as suggested, it would add to the value of the building, and perhaps render it less saleable. He quite recognised that the present offices were inconvenient, but it would be wise to go on as they were for a little while in the hope of finding a purchaser. Councillor Petherick opposed the motion, remarking that the business of the Council had outgrown the accommodation, and if thoy got the additional accommodation which it was proposed to give for JBIOOO, they would get it very cheaply. The public would not begrudge them the money. They could grant .£SOO for the Queen's Drive, but could not give JBIOOO to improve their own property. Councillor Barber's resolution was carried by 6 to 3, the voting being as follows : Ayes—Councillors Harris, Barber, Tatum, Eraser, Levoi and Anderson. Noes—Councillors Petherick, Penty and Harcourt.