CITY COUNCIL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13673, 16 August 1906, Page 8

CITY COUNCIL.

Tito ordinary meeting of the City Council was held la'ii. night, the Mayor (.Mr Q. Lawrence) presiding. Tltcro were also preBC.nt—Crs Arkle, Loudon, Walker, Connor. Wilson, Rutherford, Cole, Sltacklock, Harrison, Fiddcs, Burnett, Riley, Small, White, Scott, Brinslcy, Core, and Crust.. MAVOIt'S MIXI'IK RE EXPT.NDITI'KE. Tho follouintj niiimt-e by the Mayor was read:— As tho first quarter lit! passed. and lliifl i? tho earliest opportunity I have had of submitting to you n financial statement, more particularly in respect of the expenditure in city works for the current year, X a.m gratified to state, upon the figures supplied by }(r Titclicner, lit? city treasurer, that the expenditure for 1 lie quarter'(aiding 30th June, 1900. »s compared with a. corresponding term { llio previous year, Aows v, saving ot £1140 17s 7(1. The city Ireasurer, in writing upon this subject, state?: "I sun unable to supply the comparative statement for ilio sarnn period last year as (hero were no bookn kept showing cost of works done, nor, so far as I can • Sccrtttin, was the proposed expenditure allocated in dotail to the various works necessary in the city." II will he wen now (hat with the new method of record of cxi'.euditure, as set forth in the town clerk's report of 31st March, 1906. recorded in the city engineer's office, and from "time to time examined by tho city treasurer, tho council will in future be iu . posncfsioit of not only all expenditure but tho details of the work, supplies, etc., in which *tln> sarno is made. In a measure this saving is due to cortvin works voted not having been proceodcd with. These, however, will probably be undertaken during tho year, and in such an event a notoff in tlio expenditure to maintain % proportional? saving will l)e mado by a reduction in maintenance and other urgent, works that are now being actively pursued. Herewith is a nummary of the statemonts submitted 1/y Mr Titohcncr, which will further nerve us complele information fur the varioua commit'.cen of tho council: — Summary of .Staienfents submitted by the City Treasurer re Allocation and Expenditure. J line ISO, IDOS. Public Works Committee— Allocation Expenditure. City ivories 13818 4 C jt«S3 18 11 June ,10,)tt0c. City works .. £1750 0 0 £1,1.17 1 4 Quarter ending June 110. 1900. Allocation. .Expenditure. Public Work Conuniftft: .. i 5,207 0 0 JS 4,70.1 7 1 Genera! Committco .. .. 1.717 15 <i 1.70 17 C Reserve) (kminiitieo .. .. 7.10 15 0 S3I IB 9 .finance Onri. miHco .. .. 0,813 17 7J G,7;M 1 0 (las Conuuilten 1-J.SOI 0 0 10, li) 11 i Water Committee .. .. B,(H!> 6 8 6,730 0 G Tlio mifiuki v/tm received.

CR CORE ANI> Till: '[MSI niW-OVEFS. The Secretary of the Tramway Workers' Union wrote expfffoinpr regret at the "wiioilndcd statement" made hy C'r (lore at u recent .moc4iiiff of Jho council to flip effect that tlio Balo of ccvicossioii tickets enabled conductors to make 2d in tho shilling, and asking llmt, C'r Core ho fequestod lo stib(itahtiaW or withdraw that statement. The union felt justified in making thin rei|iiest, bccause the men wore debarred from defending tliomwlve l ) in the pn*s. The following report, on i.lie matter by tho Mayor and Or London (cJmirman of the Tramways Committee) won read: —

Pursuant 1o tho resolution of the counr.il that wo should report on the letter ot the Tramway Employees' Union, in which exceiv lion was token to tho statement mado liy Or Gore in connection with the ticket system,, we have to wv as follows:—

(1). Tint it has liemi reported to the committee oil several occiwiona by the management that irregularities have taken place in dealing with concession tickets, and in some eases those liavo been admitted by the employees concerncd.

(2). That in consequence of such irregularities a nnmbcr of officials liavo either been dismissed or called upon to resign, but tiat isolated cases of the description referred to are inseparable from any Ayafom of tramways whoro a large number of officials art) employed. (ill. That Cr Goro did not intend that his remarks should apply to the employees generally, and no ono regrets moro than ho does Hint they should have been bo misconfttnietl. Ho has frequently spoken in generous appreciation of tho character and zeal of tho tramway employees, and if bis full leniark.x had boon published on this occlusion we do not think any exception would liave bcon taken. (i). 'J'hjt tho council and tile Tramways Committee are justly proud of tlioir iramlvays ntjfT, and regard them aa a body lo lie thoroughly upright and conscientious in the performance of their duties. The communications were minuted a? " received." TORtURY PARK. Tile Smclary of |,|n> I'liiU'iiayers' Ajjocia|ion wrote asking for certain information ill regard to Forbury Park, in order to enable it. to discuss tho jjropo.si;d purr;!ia.;o of tho ground on its merits. It wished to know—(l) Tlio actual price at which llie property has liwn ollerod tn t lio fit v. (21 To convert (ho property into a park and recreation ground, accessible hy proper avenues mid approaches, would il be necestarv that llie City Corporation should acquire other lauds? (3) Wlint was the ostimuted cost of (a) formation of tho Forbury jjropert.v into park and recreation grounds. (1>) purchase of accessary avemies and approaches. and (e) fornntioii of these avenues 4iml approaches:' (4) Is il. possible to make any estimate of probable revenue? (5) As the corporation owned a largo area of land on tlio Flat, w«* it possible lo convert this into a. park? (6) cost- of last-named proposal : aiul (71 lias an estimate boon formed of the amount nrvcMiiry to l;o rai;cd to carry out tip who!" project? Tlio followin;; minute by tlio Mayor was Tcnd:I am oi opinion that a reply should lie forwiudrd Mi,.' Uiis question is not suflieionlly utlvanctd !i> r.iltnil ef cVlitfiin replies to the queries, be,', the ci'.i/.etrs ran t,e nstlired in the im.'itimo that ewry pn.isih'o rniisidei alien will b? given the pio:v>s,i.l by -the colli:-.-'.! in n''. its resjvects vj ensure l.iio •prolrc'i'.m oi th-')' intcr.'s'.s, and 'but in (lecici'm will b? a,-rived at tmi.il all -tlic facts* twl' ceinplrle information jc before them (tin ei'i/e'.'.l, at:d this nrfviaiisi lo the vote bring tfik'ii. The letter was received. and th.> reply approved. '\OMAi.nrs tp.ui pari:?. Mr \V. !?. I! viioids wrote hi rpferonw to Hie niiesiion i.f tram f.uw. slating (list if lie tiir>k :!:•• Irani from llie candied io the ■JW Otliee it cost him Id: if Ins wont on as far a? Haithwaite's he paid 2d: if his boy rode from llie ear-li"d to i!k- Octagon bo paid 2d: and if a suburban child travcll-,1 from St. Clair I > Ike iVi Ofiice Id was 6nllu!-"1lt. JMerrcd io l)i« Tramways (Jommillt'o. vnaic works coumittsf. C'r Wii-oii. in 'roving the adoption of llie Public Works ('nmiuitlee's report. *niil tha; ]h' would be iileascd to I'ive any iiworinai'on required.—Cr While asked for information as to the proposed iiosiiinn of a latrine on tho south side of St. Andrew stroei.—Or Kilev moved that; clause S. as lo the declining of an app'icalion to make additions to a wooden building in Cumberland street, be referred back to the eominittoe for further consiideraiiou.--Cr Scott said the commitioo should not refuse lo allow repairs to stable owned 'by Mrs Mary fSkipworth. ilopn street, unless on the recommendation of the health olllcer.—Cr Fiddis called attention io the Yory defoctivc condition of the roadway jioar the tram lbic in Anderson's Bay road. Cr Crust was jjlml lo sop that llio oomniitfep wa-s continuint; io establish public latrines. The ono to he established in .Wty street was Ittdly needed. Tho condition of the city streets was shameful. M?n thonld lie put on just now. instead of kioii heinjr put. off. Some of the roads on tJ:e Holt, wore in a horrible condition.—C-r Wilson said tlio silo of tlio latrine in St. Andrew street was two chains from (ieorgo street, opposite a blnnk-frnnt. building. Action takon with regard to the wooden buildiiiK in Cuinberlaud street was taken according to .statute. As to the stable in Hope _ street. Dr Osston had written to tho council tinting that tlm building was unfit for use as a rUble, and should bo (lone away with. Ho did not. think tho streets were no bad as Cr Crust, suggested.—The clause with regard to tho appointment of Mr V. A. Ijncevad as building inspector, at a salary of £200 per annum, was struck out, the Mayor intimating that Mr l«tngevad woitid not take the position at the salary.—Cr Riley's amendment was .-aiirocd io.—The report was adopted willi amendment.'. watch committee'* uepoiit. Or Scott moved th.e adoption of the Waiw CommittcoK rv>porl. The remission of rates to Otago University was probahly proposed for the last time. It not bcintf likely that any remission would lip asked for next, year.—Cr White did not see why any remission of rates shoukl be made to the Outgo University—Cr Uore did not think there was any legal right to remit rates to tho University.—The report wa* adopted. UEKEHU. (UMMITTCK'S RII'ORT. Cr Arkle moved tlio adoption of the General Committee's report, lie did not know why the work to )« done at the Fire Brigade Station wan cut, down to iJij 15s, when tbe committee authorised an expendi. tare o' £70.— Ci Loudon was anxious to know Ikw lmii'h loujter tliey wore to be

kept waiting for the by-laws. The by. laws wexo urgently inquired.—Cr "Wilson agreed as lo the by-laws.—Tho Mayor said tenders were called for a portion of tho work at, the Fire Brigade Staiion. The other part wa.s being done by day labour with materials in stock.—The Chairman said that proper attention was being paid to tho by-laws.—The report was adopted. TKAMXUS COMilmiiK. Cr Loudon formally moved the adoption of tile Tramways Committee's report.—Cr J'urnrtt noted that there wtw a proposal lo obtain now check tickeis, He wi.-iutl lo know who was rcspoii?il>b for tho tokens. —Cr Walker said the trouble witii j.oken; iu ono inslance was due to the stupidity of the conductor. Tho tokens had caused injustico to ihe citizens. They mighi benefit the revenue a little; but ihat. they should only bo sold in two or three sliO|k in tho ccnt.ro of tlio cily was unjust to j-cople living in tlio t-üburbs.—Cr White thought they should revert to (he old older. A* to the token system there was complaint.—Cr Wilson urged the ru'cessiiy of appointing another stopping-plan? on Forbury road. Between tlio comer and Allandalo road iliero was only one stop in 50 chain?, and residents suffered much inconvenience.—Cr Arkle said there win an idea that the tokens were dee t_n the new niaimfer. Ho understood thai, tlial, was not the case.—Cr Fiddis favoured a reversion to tlio old lickct-system.—Cr Loudon paid the lokeiis were not introduced by the traffic Mipcrinvendent, Tho superintendent would bo a.-ked to furnish a. comprehensive report dealing with the whole ticketsystem. Certain of the defaml tokens hroughi to the committee's notice were very had. In one cu.se a token had been split, and each half used to pay a fare wiib. Tho conductors would be instructed to use rcaf.oiiablo discretion. Cr Wilson's suggestion as to a stopping-plnce in Forbttry road would he hroughi. to the attention of the traffic superintendent. .Mr Alexander was strongly of opinion that it would be unv.'i#o lo iticre;;-e I lie number oi the placw at which tokens were sold.—The report, was atiopuxl. I'OWKIt A.vn LIGHTING COMMITTEE. Cr Brinslcy moved the adoption of the Electric Power and Lighting Committee's repwl. As to tho proposal to spend £155 on tho renewal of the telephone line between the fall; and Berwick, the original estimate, was £350. The committee lia<l adopted an alternative system and route, and so saved money. As to the proposal appointment- of an assistant electrical engincor at £375, the original proposal was to pay £500 per unman. Tho emmnitlee eoutiidurcd £375 enough to start with. Salaries could he raised according lo merit if the syslein proved profitable. The recommendation that Mr Cable, of Ayr, should lie appointed was made by Mr (loodmau. Of courss the mailer was for the council to decide. —Cr Alkie supported tho motion. Tho council should cerlainly malke all appointments. The position of tbis account, was not. very satisfactory. In till £112.000 had been sp»nt, whereas Mr Stark originally proposed to bring iu 1000 h.p. for £80,000. That estimate had since been materially altered, anil lie should like some information as to that.—Tho Mayor said Cr Arkh) must give notice of motion. —Cr While moved that the proposal to appoint an assistant engineer be struck out.—Cr Burnett seconded the amendineni. Expenditure in this department was reckless, and he protested. An engineer at £700 a year was quite enough.—Cr Core said the vacancy should be advertised in the usual way.—Cr Connor said an assistant would be required. He moved that the elauso be referred back, with a recommendation thai tho vacancy be advertised at £300 a year.—Tho Mayor said be could not accept this amendment.—Cr Fiddis expressed disapproval of the circumstances of Mr Goodman's appointment.—Cr Knott said an assistant electrical engineer was absolutely necessary, lit' Coodman could not do the whole of the work himself. The appointment should be made as soon as possible. Any estimate of cost originally given, by Mr Stark or anybody else, was only up lo Halfway Bush. They had thrown the onus of making the scheme a success on Mr Gpodman, and they must take his views into consideration.—Cr Brinsley was sorry that the. proposal to do without an assistant engineer had been made, because it simpler stultified the whole lliing.—Tlie Mayor was surprised by the amendment. It was not necessary to advertise, since good men had already applied.— Cr White's amendment, was lost on the voices.—Tho clause as io the appointment of an assistant, engineer was amended so as to provide that the assistant, engineer should be appointed al next meeting by the council.—The report as amended was agreed 10. OTIII-1! BEPOHTS. The reports of the Reserves and Gas Committees wore adontcd. The adoption of I lie Finance Committee's report wa.s moved bv Cr Smalt, who said that, iu regard to the Waipori loan, flu' arrangement was similar lo thai asrreod lo bv the council previous to the last loan. Cr Loudon said no doubt councillors bad noticed that in the Supremo Court case, the Commissioner of Cusloms against the City Corporation, the cily bad been successful. This ineatil a saving to the cili'/eivs of a sum of £ R 53. which oilier',vise wuuld have had io be paid in duty on tramway material. Tie thought 'hat Mr Coodma.n and Mr MacCt'ego'' deserved the special thanks of llie council for the way in which tliev had fought the ea.se for the citv. —("Tlear. heal'.")— I The Mr,vol' adder! that Mr Cood--111:111 mentioned lo hint two inonilisn?o that ho had little donbl as to the outcome of the case.—The report w.-.s adontcd.