TOWN BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 784, 22 June 1864, Page 5

TOWN BOARD.

A. meeting1 of the Town Board was held in the offices, Princes street, yesterday afternoon. MiGrey in the chair There were present—Messrs Main, Barnes, Miller, Howard, Bastings, Turner, Lowe, Murray, and M'JUeod. Affer the reading of the minutes, An irregular discussion arose as to whether the report of the deputation appointed to wait on the Government should be heard, until the answer of the Government should be received in writing. The Government had promised to transmit an answer in writing to the Board, but as it had not yet a:riml, the matter was allowed to stand over as any discussion which might arrive would be fruitless. I

Instructions were given to the Town Clerk

to execute a bowl to the (Government for LIO.OOO of the monies advanced out 'f the L 35.000 loan.

A series of resolutions were read by the, Cierk, drawn up for the purpose of defining the duties of the lately appointed Committee of Worka. The resolutions were agreed to.

CORRESPOND HNOE,

Mr Osgooa, of the Empire Hotel, wroti requestiug permission to open up the footparh and roadway in front of his premises, for the purpose of putting in a drain to carry off water by which his premises were flooded. The City Engineer explained that the contemplated work would only slight'y interfere with the thoroughfare for a short time. ' Air Barmes moved that the application be referred to the Works Committee

This motion was put ;md frst, and permheion was granted under the usual conditions. Mr S. Kelly wrote asking permission to drive drays witb. earth across the footpath in Hanover street, in order to enable hitu to do some ixLII g work. He undertook to repair any damage which might thereby ba caussA to the footpath cluriuf* the progress of the work. Th-3 application was acceded to.

Mr Murphy, of the Shamrock Hofel, wrote asking permission to form a crossing over the footpath to his stab'.es ia fiattray street.- Permission was granted.

Mr G. Wallworth obtained permission to erect a show hat over hi* shop front. Mrs Margaret Johnston, Moray Place, wrote complaining of the earth h-iving been cut away several feet from before her premises, rendering them, a'mo t inaccessible, au'l she asked that some compensation should be awarded her for the damage which had been done. After a short discussion, it was resolved that the Board declines to give any compensation for the damage done to the property, as, by the establishment of such a precedent, the Hoard would mub'i itself liable to an extent which.it wari. :mpossible to estimate. Mr Solomon wrote drawing the attention of tho Board to the fact that footpaths had not yet b.?en formed in Frederick street, between George street and Great Kin? street, and r-questing that this work should be carried out on an early day.

The letter was referred to the Works Committee.

Mr J. Wardrop wrote complaining of the state of a drain in Clark street, off Maelaggan street.

The letter was referred to the City Kngineer. A ietter was read from Mr E. Caspar asking to be reimbursed in thesumot'Ll3 iO3 which he had advanced to the Town Board for channelling in Hope street, and also asking thar. the owners of property in Hops street should receive notice to lay down pavement there. It was resolve i Jhat the amount due to Mr Casper be paii, if the sa-ne be ascertained by the City Engineer to be correct. Mr Barnes said he would give notice for next meeting, that the owners ot property in Hope and Walker streets receive notice to form the footpaths in th se streets Messrs Anthony and Finlay wrote calling the attention of the Board to the fact that they had taken certain contracts under the Town Board which thsy had finished, but which had not yet been certified for by the Engineer. The amount due to them was ab mt L2OOO, and as one of the firm wished to leave for Melbourne, they asked that the work should be examined an-,1 certified for by the Engineer; and on this being done they were willing to lie out of the mon^y for a tima, if the Board did not feel it convenient to pay the money at present. It was resolved that the City Engineer be instructed to give to Messrs Anthony and Pinlay, within 24 hours, directions as to what was necessary to be done, to finish this contract, so that they might be certified for. The Committee appointed at last meeting to inspect the various pumps for sale throughout th-a city,'reported that from their inspection they recommended that 10 pumps and 1 sate should be purchased from Messrs Murray, Kerr and Co. Mr Bastings moved, in accordance with the recommendation of the report, which was, alter a short discussion as to tha respective merits of pumps and stand-pipe.?, approved of. engiperr's report.

The OiiERK read the following report from the City Engineer: —

"City of Dunedin, " City ingineer's Department, "14th June, 1834:.

" To the Town Board,

" Gentlemen—Concerning your minute of the Sl3t ultimo requiring me to have the main road in front of the Carrier's Arms Hotel remedied. 1 beg to say that the work is in progress, but that the unfavorable state of the weather has delayed the completion of the formation, which is not in a condition to permit of the metal being spread, although I have it laid along the line. Ido not foresee any likelihood of its being spread this winter, unless a hard bottom is laid on with Hope-street quary stone. I have therefore to recommend the rtoard to supplement the expenditure by LSO. With regard to the work in London-street, which, by your minute of tho 7th instant, I was directed to proceed with, I beg to say, that the necessary working drawings are in progress, and in order to save time I should advise th± work to be han<!ed over to the contractor (Palmer) for the neighbouring streets, namely: Cargill, Albertstreet, etc., etc. " In accordance with minute of the 7th instant I have inspected the bank of earth opposite the property of Mr Sounness in High-street. The property comprises sections No?. 38, 39, 40, 41, and' 42 fronting the N.W. side of the narrow cutting above the smelting house, the depth varies from twenty-four feet in deepest part to four feet at upper end, the probable cost of removal would amount to about L 253, or if the stuff be used for the filling up of the Southern Market, and presuming gravelling material fit for footpath purpjses be obtained, a saving of LIOO might be made therein. •' With regard to Mr Meluish's complaint ao to the damage accruing to his property at the corner of Dowliug snd Princes streets, referred to me for report, I should recommend a temporary pathway to be constructed from the corner for about two chains along the south side of Dowling street, which might be efiected at a cost not exceeding L 1 0; it would also benefit thiee or four houses in Dowling street, the approach to which, at present is very bad. " In accordance with your directions to me, as to the improvement of the upper end of Walker street; if the street be formed for its full width from Melville street to Maitland street, metalled and gravelled in the usual manner, which I consider would be a desirable work, as affording an approach to aa improving neighborhood, my estimate for the work complete would be within say LIOOO,I submit a plan with the proposed gradient, in. pencil. However, in the present state of the Finances of the Board, I should recommend but LSOO being expended there this year, which the surplus material, if any, be deposited in the Southern Market, would very much improve, and render safe this now dangerous access to this portion of South Ward. I also lay on the table the requisite drawings for the works necessary for the conveyance of the water from the Bank property in Maclaggan street to the Town Board tank, the cost of which, together with the drainage for Mr Martin's Bonded store, I estimate will be within the amount allocated for this work ; I have therefore to recommend that the work be advertised for tender without delay. " I have the honor to lay before the Board my preliminary drawings for the streets named in my list of improvements for High Ward, namely:—l. High street. No. 1; 2 High street, No. 2; 3. Maclaggan street; 4. Stafford street, No. 1 ; 5 Stafford street, No. 2; 6. Graham street ;.7. Clarke street; 8. Grant street; 9. Alva street; 10. Hut street; 11. Hope, street; 12. Walker street; 13. Hope street. These drawings will be ready for tender as soon as I can get sufficient time to peisonally check the levels, -which,, I find is unfortunately necessary, owing to my haying discovered such serious errors in the original survey that I have been obliged to suspend the officer who had charge of that district, and commit the matter into other hands. It will take, still, some little time to complete the series of drawings necessary for tender. I may add, that lam thus carefttl seeing that I have made it ever my first point that these matters should, be so carefully considered as will prevent the Board getting Into ' interminable lawsuits with, contractors.

1 ' 1 have to b ing ■ efore the tfoaid the nece-sity of at ones putt ng in a connecting1 pipe sewer between one now existing1 in Melville street and that at the intersection of Melville and Princes streets, for the purpose of diverting the floods rushing; down a creek passing through Mr Jones' property; this would obviate the likelihood of flooding-3li the premises in Market street, as well as all the buildings fronting Princes street, which stand in a very dangerous state from flooding.

" I have to direct } cur attention to a paragraph in my Report to the Select Committee, of the Provincial Council winch reads thus :—

" 'The City Engineer, not having had a personal interview with the Select Committee, cannot permit this opportunity to pass without impressing strongly upon the min.'ia of the members comprising that Committee the importanca of the Oouucil voting early in the session a sufficient amount to enable the Town Board to place the main road, as also the more ;;outhern portions of this road, in efficient Older to withstand the heavy traffic during the forthcoming whiter ; otherwise the entrance t>> the Ciiy from the Caversham Uoad will be difficult, if not impassable.'

" I have again and again to further press upon your immediate attention the absolute necessity for my having an authorisation to keep at lea^t 10 to 12 maintenance men n;jin the recently completed works during the winter mouths, in no ma ter can the adage or "a stitch fin time" more aptly apply, than to these works, which have now cost upwards of L25.0U0: these streets will be ruined unless imra diats steps he token in this regard. I have, upon my own responsibility, (the delay beiug ruinous) done so as yet, but I desire fo have it recorded, so that no fault may hereafter be found with me, for uaauthorized expenditure. 1 may state that there is more than sufficient work for so small a staff constantly employed—viz., ia spreading the 4.000 yards of metal under contract, general maintenance, and particularly in keeping the storm water channels, surface drains, etc., etc,, open during the winttr floods; erecting lamp pillars, which are now arriving, and other sundry jona, arising every day too numerous to particularise.

" Referring to the maintenance of King street in particular, I have to sustge-t that the Town Clerk be instructed to write to Mr Mackenzie, to allow hia railway sleepers, whlih keep the traffic off the unmeta-lea portions of the road to remain during the winter. " I have to impress upon the attention of the Board and Cemetery Committee, the urgent necessity for the formation of the new road to the Cemetery j otherwise great incoavenience will be felt.

'I have the honor to lay before (lie Board a balance-sheet of tha L 85,000 loan, shewing the ■work in each Ward, contracted for, upon the basis of the original allocation ; also, giving the balance in each Ward still unappropriated—the whole amounting to L 5883 83. Thus : — South Ward. £ s. d. £ s. d. Contract works ... 3500 0. 0 Unappropriated balance 500 0 0 .. 500 0 0 4000 0 0 High Ward. Contract works .. 7366 12 0 Unappropriated balance 4133 8 0.. 4133 8 0--11,500 0 0 Bei/L Ward. Contract works ... 11,300 0 0 Unappropriated ba-_, lance 200 0 0 .. 200 0 0 11.500 0 0 Leith Ward. Contract works .. C 950 0 0 Unappropriated balance 1050 0 0.. 1059 0 0 8000 0 0 ... 5833 8 0 " I have the honor to be, "Gent'emen, " Your most obedient, " John Millax, "City Engineer." Mr lIAM moved' that the report of the City Engineer be referred to the Works Committee for consideration, and to report as next meeting of the Board. Mr Barnes seconded the motion. Mr MLeod saw no necessity for sending1 the report to the Works Committee. The fall Board were as fit to deal with the report of the Engineer as the Committee cuuld be. He moved as an amendment - " Thab the report be received, and considered by the Board, clause by clause." Mr Lowe seconded the amendment, which, was strongly supported by Mr Murray. Mr Bastings supported the sending; of the report to the Works Committee, as this was in accordance with the proceedings of all public bodies.

A very strong discussion ensued, in the course of which several members insisted upon speaking three or four times, and would not listen to the appeals of the Chairman until he threatened to leave the chair. The amendment was -then put and lost, and the motion, to send the report to the Works Committee was carried by the casting vote of the Chairman. MARKET STREET. A memorial was read from nine tenant 3 and proprietors of property in Market street, Princes street south, praying that the street shou'd be formed to its psrmanent If>vel, bofore the Board proceeded with the work of filling' up the Market Keserve. It also set forth that at present the owners of property ia the neighborhood of Mavket street were daily suffering great loss and damaga by the condition in w*»ich the street was at present, and the memorialists sought that some temporary relief should be afforded them by the laying down of metal to make the entrance to their premises passable.

A deputation attended in support of the prayer of the petition, and

Mr P. W. Hutton reminded the Board that some t:'me ago an arrangement was entered into whereby the owners of property in Market street gave up 33A feet of their ground for the puvpo?e of having the street formed to its full width, and they considered that they had some right to ask that the road should be formed to its permanent level. At the presenttime he could not get a;;ray taken in or out of his premises without having to hire a leading horse to drag it through the mud, which entailed a great expenee. The other owners of property there were in a similar position. He urged upon the Boa'd the necessity for affording the memorialists some relief from their present difficulties by laying down some heavy metal immediately. Mr Bastings did not think it was in the power of the Board to give any answer to the memorial until the decision of the Government with reference to the Market Reserve, had been received.

Mr MiT.i<ER moved that the memorial be re ceived, and lie on the table till next meeting of the Board.

Mr Barnes spoke in favov of the memorial. He knew that it wa3 impossible for the people in Market street, who paid heavy rates, to get in and out of their premises. He would move, that a few loads of stuff from Hope street should be carted to Market street, in order to give the inhibitants temporary relief. The question was here raised, if thss motion could be entertained without due notice being given, as it involved an expenditure of money, and was contrary to the Standing Orders. Mr Bastings moved the suspension of the Standing Orders, in order to enable him to introduce a motion on this subject.

This was agreed to, and Mr Bastings moved that the memorial lie over in the meantime, and the City Engineer be instructed to lay down a quantity of rough pitching and metal in Market street, in front of Mr Hutton's premise1 ', for about one chain, at a cost not to exceed Lsl.

Mr MoLbod insisted that this money should be paid out of the rates collected in South Ward. Mr Murray moved, as an amendment, that consideration of the memorial be resumed as soon as the communication from the Government is received. The amendment was put and lost, and the motion carried. PUMPS. Mr Bastings moved that tenders be called for the erection of pumps, or pumps fixed as stand-pipes, in such places as has been sanctioned by the Board. Mr Turner moved the addition of the words "or stand pipes'' as pumps would be useless in some localities.

Mr Babttngs objected to introduce the words into his motion.

The introduction of the words was then moved as an amendment and lost. Mr Turner moved another amendment, which was lost, and the motion was carried.

Air ; UiiHi.it said (haD a pivviuus rtsolui on of the Board had authorised the lirgineer to erect a stand-pipe ia Union street, which had never been done, 'lift as he insisted upon the resolution of Hie Bc-ard boi tig carried info eiFect, tie would more— '"That the City En&iueer shall, within fortyeight hours, call for tenders for the erection of a, stand-pipe in Union street, in accordance with a previous resolution of the Board, or be requested to send in his resignation." Mr Baknes seconded the motion, oa the ground lint be was sure die City Engineer would not call tor the tenders.

Mr Lows moved a, similar motion with regard to the stand-pipe which Lad beeu ordered for Maitiand street.

Mr M'Leod held that Mr Turner was only trifling with the time of the Board, by proposing a Kioiion of this nature.

Mr Bastings moved as an amendment— " Tiiat the Board do now adjourn to Thurs jay, at two o'clock.''

The amendment waa carried, and the Board adjourned.