CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 7222, 18 July 1884, Page 2

CITY COUNCIL.

Ail ordinary mooting of tho Council was held last evening. Present—Councillors A. W. Brown, S. Brown. Thompson, Wilson, McKenzie, Millar, Banks, Fitz Gerald, Pothorick, and Newman. In tho absence of the Mayor, Councillor A. W. Brown was voted to the chair. TENDERS. The following tenders wore accepted : —For lease of Fish Market, Thomas Irving ; for construction of culvert in Woodward-street, John Coleman ; for supply of 2000yds road metal, W. Baylias. Tho tenders for section 00, Te Aro Pah, were considered too low, and it was decided that none of them should bo accepted. Tenders for tho Ohiro-road maintenance being informal, the clerk was instructed to call for fresh ones. In reference to the Glenbervie-terrace formation, the lowest tender (that of Mr Britt) was accepted, subject to tho cemetery trustees signing the necessary agreement to a road to be carried through their property. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The Finaneo Committee’s report was read as follows : —The Committee beg to report—l. That it will bo necessary to send a draft by the mail of the 9th instant, for payment of interest due in London on Ist September next, and that arrangements have been made accordingly. Half-year’s interest, city improvements loan, LBOOO ; Wainui waterworks loan, L 3900 ; exchange bill stamps, LG 18s; commission J percent., L'.ii 10s. 2. Tliat LGOOO To Aro reclamation loan matured on tho 7th instant, and has been redeposited for 12 months at 12 per cent. 3. That they have not been able to complete their report as to tho funds available for the Te Aro reclamation, and ask for a fortnight’s extension of time. Councillor J. S. M. Thompson, in moving the adoption of the report, said tho Committee were of opinion that there was no reason why tenders should not be called for tho To Aro reclamation in a very short time from now. Councillor Newman seconded.

Councillor Miller thought the committee might have said something more encouraging, adding that the opinion outside was that the committee intended to shirk the work.

Councillor Petherick thought they should have had more information as to where the money was to come from. The Chairman : You will get that m a fortnight. The report was adopted. public wems committee. The report of the committee was submitted. The following letters were read in connection wdth the report : From Mr B. Loughrey, city surveyor, to Mr Joseph Saunders, dated 15th July. have not carried out the maintenance of the temporary flume at Wainuiomata to my satisfaction. And 1 hereby also give you notice to forthwith put the same into good condition and good working order.” From Mr Thomas F. Martin, town clerk, to Mr Sauuders;same date.—“l am instructed by the council to give you notice that the council holds you responsible for damages for the loss of water sustained by the corporation through the breach of your contract as above, and to remind you that damages will increase daily until the flume is put into proper working order.” From Mr Saunders to City Solicitor, dated 37th July.—“l am in receipt of your letterreerecting flume. Forsomedaya after the flume was washed away it was impossible to do anything to it on account of the freshets iu the river. I anticipated having the water last Saturday into town.

If tho flume was erected and the drain filled, it would bo washed away again, as tho body of water will lift the flume off tho trestle-work. Tho permanent supply will bo in tho town by Saturday next. In tho meantime, I will endeavor to meet tho wishes of tho Council.”

In connection with tho application of Mr Hayes for relaxation of building bylaws, Councillor Miller took exception to tho proposal of tho Committee to grant tho application. Councillor S. Brown also deprecated tho establishment of a precedent in this direction.

Councillor McKenzie did not see how tho by-laws were violate,d. Ho did not wish to see persons interfered with who wished to improve their properties. Councillor Fitz Gerald should vote against tho granting of tho request. The Mayor (who was now present), said that tho proper course would bo to grant tho request, and consider tho matter afterwards. The clause was agreed to. Councillor McKenzie moved that clause 9, to tho effect that tho council cannot take any action in connection with a nuisance be referred back to the committee. Councillor Newman moved, “That, in tho event of tho clause being referred to the committee, Mr Hall (tho person complaining), and tho other party to the case, bo allowed to appear in person," Both motions were carried. MOTIONS ON NOTIUK. Councillor Fethorick moved, “ That tho City .Surveyor lay on the table at each fortnightly meeting of tho council tho amounts of votes for streets and other improvements, showing amounts actually expended on each work, and sums on hand after works completed (if any), naming separately for labor and all materials used.” Councillor Fetheriok asked for permission to amend his motion. Tho permission was refused, two councillors voting against it. The mover then elected to move the original motion. Subsequently tho chairman ruled that permission could bo granted by a majority of the Council, and tho amended motion was therefore allowed, ns follows ;—“That the City Surveyor lay on tho table at each meeting of the Public Works Committee tho estimated coat of works ordered by tho Council, and tho amounts actually expended on each work.”

Councillor Banks agreed with the motion as amended. Ho thought tho time had come when every article of tho Corporation stores should bo accounted for.

Councillor Newman was of opinion that the return proposed by the motion would only entail a larger amount of unnecessary work on the stall’, and ho should vote against it. Councillor A. W. Brown thought tho motion was a most reasonable one. Even if the return did involve a little extra work, ho did not think any work would show a bettor outlay. Ho was very glad to bo able to support something of Councillor Petheriok’s.

The Mayor said tho effect of tho return would bo to create discord, to introduce into tho council an undesirable element, and to cause a deal of unnecessary work. Ho should vote against it, and tho council would have itaolf to blame for tho consequences. Councillor Wilson pointed out that tho information asked for could be obtained at any time from tho engineer. Subsequently tho motion was put and lost.

Councillor Newman moved, “ That tho names of streets be printed and hung on the lamp posts. ” Carried. The council then adjourned.