CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6693, 29 September 1882, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the City Council was held last night. Present—His Worship the Mayor, Councillors A, W. Brown, McKenzie, Newman, Thompson. Miller, Allen, Maginnity, Banks, Logan, S. Brown, Greenfield, and Diver. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was received from the Colonial Architect’s Office, drawing attention to the many complaints which have been made about the manner in which nightsoil is being removed, and asking whether any steps could be taken to remedy this. On the suggestion of Councillor S. Brown the matter was allowed to stand over, as the existing contract will soon expire. Mr W. Widdop, Hon. Sec. of the Eegatta Club, wrote asking that the Council should make some provision for a boat harbor while carrying out the Te Aro reclamation. The letter was referred to the Public Works Committee. DANGEROUS GOODS. The by-law providing for the safe storage of dangerous goods was confirmed. TENDERS. Five tenders were received for laying watermains in connection with the Wainuiomata works, that of Mr W. F. Oakes, as the lowest, being accepted. HOSPITAL INQUIBT. The Mayor brought up the report of the Hospital Inquiry Committee, and, in moving its adoption, expressed regret that the statements which led to the inquiry had ever been made, especially at the time when Parliament was sitting, as so much more notice would then be taken of them. Ha might say that the Colonial Secretary had informed him that had the Council not made any inquiry, he himself would have caused one to be held. He was glad to say that nothing had been revealed which would cast discredit npon the management or upon the Council. Councillor Maginnity seconded the motion, which was then adopted on division by 9 to 4. Ayes—The Mayor, Councillors A. W. Brown, McKenzie, S. ” Brown, Maginnity. Logan, Miller, Allen, and Banks ; noes—Councillors Greenfield, Newman, Thompson, and Diver. DRAINAGE COMMITTEE. The Mayor moved that the report of the Committee upon the petition of the Eetorm Association, that £IOOO be paid Mr Olimie in settlement of his claim, and recommending that the sum of £4OO be paid, be adopted. Councillor Logan moved the excision of the reference to the Eeform Association, and also that the sum paid be £SOO, which Mr Climie’s solicitors had intimated their willingness to accept. Councillor Banks opposed the amendment. Councillors A. W. Brown and McKenzie supported it. Councillor Thompson had opposed the payment of the amount, but would not do so any longer. Councillors Miller and Allen took similar views. The amendment having been carried, the report was agreed to. DAMAGE BT FLOODS. The report of the Damage by Floods Committee, recommending that several small claims be recognised, was adopted, it being explained that these claims arose out of drains being carried through private property, and not out of actual damage by floods. The Town Clerk having been instructed to amend the beading, so as to avoid misapprehension, the report was adopted. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. Clauses 2 and 3 were referred back to the Committee, as was also clause 13 dealing with the erection of a concrete wall at the foot of Mr Wilkinson’s property iu Brougham-street, and applications for concrete walls from Mrs Mitchell and Mr T. Eolfe. The remaining clauses were passed. Accounts amounting to £1745 19 s 3d were passed fer payment. RECLAIMED LAND STREETS. Councillor Newman drew attention to the position in which the owners of sections on the reclaimed land now stood. He moved that the opinion of the City Solicitor be obtained as to the liability of the Government to form the sleets. Agreed' to. RECREATION GROUND. Councillor Newman moved, “ That a Committee be appointed to consider what steps should be taken for the purpose of obtaining a recreation ground at Thorndon." He said there were two recreation grounds at the Te Aro end of the city and none at Thorndon, where one was very much to be desired. Councillors would probably agree with him. The question, however, was where a suitable site could be found. He suggested that a Committee be appointed to report upon the subject. A portion of the new Thorndon reclamation might be obtained for the purpose. The motion was agreed to. THE MOLESWOBTH MONUMENT. Councillor McKenzie to move, “ That the obelisk presented by Lady M desworth to the early settlers of Wellington, for the purpose of being erected as a beacon at Port Nicholson Heads, not having been used for that purpose, and it being no longer required there, in consequence ef the erection of the lighthouse at Pencarrow Head, a Committee be appointed to communicate with the Colonial Government to ascertain the cost and practicability of its being erected aa a drinking fountain, the Committee to consist of his Worship the Mayor, Councillors Thompson, A W. Brown, E. Greenfield, S. Brown, and the mover.” The motion was agreed to unanimously-

CITY DRAINS. Councillor McKenzie moved, “ That a Select Committee be appointed for the purpose of investigating the allegations made in regard to the drainage works of the city, with power to call for persons and papers, the Committee to consist of his Worship the Mayor, Councillors Thompson, Maginnity, Miller, A. W. Brown, S, Brown, and the mover, three to form a quorum.” It was in the interests of the city that this should be done.

Councillor S. Brown opposed the motion, and said he had watched the progress of a number of the works, and as one who ought to be able to form .a correct idea, he could say he had not seen anything that would justify them in performing what, according to previous experience, was simply a farce. Councillor Diver considered it beneath the dignity of the Council to pass such a motion, or to listen to all the idle talk or the stabs in the dark which people publish in the newspapers under assumed names. Councillor Magiunity intimated that ha should decline to act unless an engineer were also appointed a member of the Committee. Councillor Greenfield remarked that it the members of the Council named were to be looked upon as experts, the matter was simply a farce. A more absurd proposal had never been brought before the Council. Councillor Logan moved as an amendment that no power be given to call for persons and papers, that all the names but that of Councillor McKenzie be struck out, and that Councillor McKenzie ne appointed Chairman. (Laughter.) If Councillor McKenzie had anything to say against their Engineer, he should bring down a motion to that effect. Councillor McKenzie replied with some warmth, and took the opportunity to deny that he was in the Council as the delegate of the Reform Association. The Council divided—Ayes, 6 ; noes, 6. The Mayor gave his casting vote with the ayes, and the motion was therefore carried.

TE ABO'EECtAIUTIOIT.

The Town Clerk read a letter from the Secretary to the Harbor Board, stating that the Board had rescinded its resolution of the 9th March last regarding its section of theTe Aro reclamation, and was prepared to have it reclaimed with the Corporation portion. Councillor Logan moved, “That time for receiving tenders for the reclamation be

extended by a fortnight, and that advertise* meats be inserted in one Melbourne and on* Sydney paper." The motion lapsed for want of a seconder. CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE.

Councillor Thompson moved, “ That a congratulatory message be sent to Her Majesty the Queen on the successful issue of the Egyptian War.” He thought it] was one of tha thirds that would help to bring the colony under prominent notice, and, besides, tha result was such as to warrant them in doing so. The Mayor said it was usual for the Government of a colony to send such messages. He would not, however, offer opposition. The motion was carried and Connell rose as 10.30 p.m.