TOWN BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 665, 27 August 1864, Page 21

TOWN BOARD.

The weekly meeting of the Town Board was held on Tuesday, at the office*, Princes street, North Mr Horace Bastings presided - and there were also prpsent — Messrs Turner,' Barnes. Grey, M'Leod, Lowe, Murray, and D* Miller, jun.

STAFFORD STREET.

A memorial, nurneiou% sig-ned, from ratepayers in the upper part of Stafford street was read by the Cleric Thn memorialists complained of the utterly neglected state of the upper part of Stafford street, which, partly through insufficient drainage, was all but impassable, and which had of late been rendered worse by the street being rarely cleansed. The increasing traffic, apart from the deserts or the residents, demanded tnat something should speedily be done. Mr W. Mills, and others of the memorialists, attended as a deputation. Mr Mills said that they came as a result of a public meeting, held on Thursday last ; which meeting thought that it might be now fairly asked that grievances quietly borne hitherto, should be redressed The upper part of Stafford s'reet was a very slough of mud ; there were liolps in which a dray might be buried. From Melville street upwaHs, there was nothing like metal ; nor were there anything like known leveh so that properties could not be let, because people could not tell whether their house* would be 10ft, above or 10ft. below the road line The Chairman said that the Board had not overlooked or ignored the claims of Stafford street. It was partly due to the recent diflicaltv with the Government, anl paniy to the inability of the Engineer to get the plans ready, that the street was not vow in a ver/ difcerent state. But the deputation miaht rely that during the first week of next month the formation of Stafford street and the other proposed works in the <a ard would be let by contract Mr Mills thanked the Chairman for his courtesy, and the deputation retired. Permission wes given to Mr John Longworth to put down a temporary crossing over the footpath in Moray Place. MiCLAGOAN STRSET DRAIN. m The Chairman said that there was a deputation in attendance wiih respect to the Madagg&n street dram ; and he thought it would be well if the Board would express an opinion whether or not there might be fairly a general rate over the city, for the purpose of making this drain. He thought there miebt ; for the drain would serve a good deal of ground on eich side, and it would form part of the genera' system of sewerage of the city. The Board had often agreed that the open sewer that now existed ought to be put an end to : and they should now vote the sum necessary out of the rates, or resolve to ask the Government to -put it upon the estimates to be submitted at the ,next session of the Council. 'Mr Lafglandß (Messrs Johnston, Tathawi, and Bnrns being with him on th° deputation) said he was sure that none of the members of the Board could deny the great necessity for the proposed drainage being done. The present open dram was a very hot b?d of fever, especially just as thp summer waa setting in. It seemed to tha* £. meeting of re-odents lately held, (hat it would be most inequitable to specially rate them for makln.S thw sewer, which would have to be 6ft by sft and would be essentially part of a general system of sewerage. ir M , r Bauneß regretted that the residents in Maclaggan street had had so often to trouble themselves and the Board on this matter. The best plan would be to have a genernl sswerage rate, and to make this work the first charge against it. Mr M'Leod said that b»fore the Government could sanction a general rate, they would reqeire that plaDs for the drainage of the city should be submitted and approved of. Whatever the Government mieht desire, they could not do any thing un-il the end of the year ; and by that time probably, a municipal corporation would be m existence with powers to act for iMf in the matter which the Board assuredly did not nos Be«s. Mr D. Miller. j>m. approved of the matter being left until there was a Corporation ; which body would have the advantage of the report of the Bamtary Commission now fitting. Mr Turner wns as desirous as" any member of the Board could be that something should tie done; but he considered that a general rate for this work would be most unjust. It should be done by the Government : and he would move. " That the n ne k write to the GoT v rD E? enfc> re< l uest i»P 'hat a sum be placed on the Ffitimato, for the purpose of constructing the permanent sewer in Maclacjcnn street." Mr Murray secondpd the motion. Mr M'Leod thought this would be a perfect waste of labor. The Municipal Corporation am would be passed before a sum on the Estimimates could be authorised to be spent. The motion waa agreed to. HERIOT ROTV.

The Clerk read a memorial signed by 67 ratepayers in the neighborhood, praying that footpaths mifsht he formed, and pointing out what they believed would be the cheapest and best plan to be adopted. Mr Haggitt <with whom were four other of the memorialists) said that after a few hours' rain, the memorialists, an'l many other* experienced the greatest difficulty in getting from and fe-. their houses : indeed, the task was all but impossible. Many of the memorialists had expende 1 large sums on residences in this neighborhood, directly, no doubt, with the view of living m a healthy neighborhood ; but those houses were heavily assessed, and even footpaths 2m V"S^ eDa^ le peop . le t0 to them would add to thf'ir value, and. therefore, to the aesess. ment. lhe meniori .lists understood that LIUO I -bad been alloc ted to tbe neighborhord ; and they ' m , ight be BU PP'emented by 2 fl o?l» ♦« />,K rateS M would * ive the ™<idents access to thdr homes. Mr Murray moved that the memorial bo referred to the Works Committee, wSh SatYu™ tlo il? to report at the next meeting. Mr M'Leod necoeded the motion. Mr Barnes thousht that the sooner the Engineer got oriers to go on with the work, the

Mr D. Millkr, jun., thought that the ro«dI7footyiu" ° imSd halfit3widti1 ' «™« •• „ M , r ,. GR £ V ™<w»d Rs au amendment, '« That pahs, fn accordance with the prayer of th* memorialists, as soon as possible, thfSe not to cost more than L 100." Mr Baekes seconded the amendment.

ri M n P' iJ^ ItIIBI1 ' J usn -' sv ?e p sted that the LIOO should lw supplemented by L 125 out of the rates, and to be spent on the centre of the roadway.

Mr MLeod said that the LIOO could not be spent until the app-oval of the Government had been obtained, which, no doubt, the Works Committee would seek ; and as to spending money out of the rates, there was timply not 6d to be spent.

The Chairman thought that there was L2OO out of the loan allocated to this particular neighborhood, but he quite agreed with Mr M'Leod that it. could not be spent except with the sanction of the Government. As to money out of the rates there was none to be voted. He assumed that the LIOO proposed to be spent was meant to come from the rates, which it could not; otherwise, he could not put the amendment, becau3^ the sanction of the government must be obtained before any of the allocated money could be spent. The amendment wbs negatived, Mr D. Miller jun. proposed to vote as n further amendment, that the LIOO be suppleraented by Ll2soutof the rates.

The Chairman paid that such a proposal could not be entertained without notice. The motion was agreed to.

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TOWNT BURD.

The Cl«hk read a letter from the Provincial Secretary, noknowledging the receipt (in reply to nn application) of a tracing of the plan of the Octagon. The Government would adhere to their previous drofeioo not to sanction any deviation from the original plan of the Octagon- and they wo-ild give instructions that the octagonal Hue, and not the circular one, should be followed in putting down the kerbing, &c. on the Hospital section. They had also determined to adhere to the octagonal line iv forming the main line of road through the city. Mr Barmks had always thought that the Government had nothing to do with tbe main line except to metal it ; and tbat they could not alter a gradient or make a cutting without the sanction of the Bard. The Board should maintain its power ; and if the Government set any man to alter what had been done under the orders of the City Engineer, that mnn thould be given into custody and 10-lged in gaol. Mr D. Miller, jun., believed that no Engineer was at liberty to depart from the original survey plan of a towu. The original plan of Dunedin provided for an octagon, not for a circle ; and the Ordinance providpd for a pavement 10ft. wide from the building line, which could not be adhered to with a circle.

The Clerk said that the Ordinance required the kerbing, &<j., to be laid down " according to such reguUtions or directions as may be issued by the Board." The clause as to the 10ft. pavement referre-i to quite another matter, Mr M'Lsod proposed to move that legal notice be given to the Government to adhere to the line supplied to them ; but he subsequently raolified it t", "That the Government be informed by the Clerk that the Board intend strictly to adhere to the notice given to tho Government as to the footpath in the Octagon.* Mr Barwrs seconded the motion. Mr 'lurray moved as an amendment, " Thnt having heard read the letter from the Provincial Secretary; the Board expresses its regn>t that the Government ehould interfere with the platisof the Engineer for the formation of footpaths in tbe city, M it thereby destr ys the Ordinance under which the Board acts." He thought it wa» indisputable that a circle wts better than an octagon, whether for pedestrians, equestrians or vehHea ; and if n mistake had been made, honorable men would rectify it, instead of sticking to a mistake.

Mr Turner: Nothing can " destroy" nn Ordina" CP » « x^pt another Ordinance repealing it Mr Murray would substitute the words, "interfere with the Ordinance under which the power of th*> Board ia IWd." Mr Lowh seconded the amendment. lhe amendment was put and negatived; and the motion was carried by the castiug vote of the ChaTraan.

Mr Barnes, who had Toted for the motion, lett tho loom temporarily. Mr n. Millkr jun., called for a division ; and he, with Me-srs Miller, Grey, Lowe, and Murray stoorl up, as against the motion. The Chairman declined to take a division, under the circumstances. It was uniair to call for it, when Mr Barnes had left the room. Mr JJ. MiLLiR. jun.. was quite content to abide the rcult wheu Mr Barnes returned. Mr Murray : At any rate, Mr Chairmin, you wi'l^ admit that four stood up as against the motion.

> The Chairman : I simply rule tbat the motion is carried.

O3RRE3PONDEUOH.

A letter from Mr Win. Jeffreys, offerim? to the Hoard earth on sections belonging to him in Stafford street, for filling « p the Market Reserve was referred to the City Engineer ; as wad one from Messrs Kincaid, M- Queen and Co, relative to the removal of some kerbinc iv Great Kicg street. h

Permission to do the following works, under the usuil conditions, was granted :— Mr R. Edwards, to put down a crossing to Mr Lena's property in Geoipe street, near Frederick street ; Mr Joseph Mode y, to put down a grntimy over the water channel in Maffjrd street; Messrs Law, Sotnner, and Co, to put down a crossing in the Octagon; Mr IJ. White, to put down a crossing to a rigbt-of way at the Koynl Hotel, Water of Laith ; Mr V7m Stewart (for Messrs T. Robinson and Co ), to make a crossing to a yard in Hove street.

A letter signed " A Ratepayer" was read. The writer complained of the state of the footpath • but it was agreed that, being anonymous, the letter could not be received. Mr A. Beck wrote that the roadway across a gully at the top of Walker street was only beintr formed to half its width, instead of fully, as ordered. The piac* would be most dang«rous • but the evil could be very easily remedied. The letter was refened to the Works Committee.

The Inspector of Nuisances forwarded a letter sent to him by Mr James Tocuny. complainin* thaf Eom« drains being left unfinished at the junction of Princes street, Melville street, aud Jones street, the road was almost stopped The rixr ENOii«EEßexplainedthatuntil Mr E. H. Cargill, Mr J. Joues. and others, drained their land, what was complained of could not be re medied ; but he was preparing a plan for Mr Cargill, and there would be no difficulty in the matter.

Mr J. C. Croon wrote ask'og permission to lay a pipe across the footpath in (Jeonte street, opposite Messrs Spicer and Murray's. Perinksion was refused.

Mr E. Casper wrote that he had made arr ragements for kerhing and forming the footpath opposite his premises in Hope street; but those with whom he had engaged told him that the work could not be done, in consequence of the pathway in the a joining section having never been formed. As be particularly objected to disputes with workpeople, he requested tbat immediate attention might be given to the matter. The City Ehgtnebr said that it was very denrable that this path should be formed ; and earth coull conveniently be got from Hitrh street. jo s,

It was ordered that the Engineer should cause tne matter to be attended to at once. A letter from Messrs Jones and Williamson re qnefltbg to be allowed to kerb and flag in St. Andrew street, in a specified way, was referred to the Works Committee.

REPORT OP TEB.P.rudfoj WORKB COMMITTEE. The Clbrk oraliy reported the results of a meeting of the Works Commttee which did not terminate until the moment before the meeting of thi Board commenced. The report of the hngineer had been fully approved, the works named having been done with the sanction of the Board. Mr Macmtyre to be informed that the works in Oargill street were under contract. The question of erecting a pump near the Royal George Hotel, to stand over. The crossing rear Knox Church to be made by maintenance men. .The Engineer to report on Pearce and Pflcfcuam's claim tor layinct some drain-pipes. The question of works iv Filleul street, York Place, and Cargill street, (conducting water from the last named to the two former) to stand over, for some suggestions from Mr Barnes. Some metal to be spread on the footpath in Rattray street, in compliance with Dr. Hocken's letter. Mrs Lockhart to be informed that the Engineer would attend to the matter named by her. He (the Clerk) would prepare a report, and submit at the next meeting.

After some dfsetission, it wag ordered that earth should be removed from Walker street, so as to form it to us full width, as the first work dene under Messrs Pearce and Packham s Market Reserve contract.

Mr Murray was appointed to act on the Work" liOmmitU'e, during the temporary absence from town of Mr Redmayne.

MUHICIPAI. CORPORATIONS BILL.

The Cierk asked that a Committee should be namedto go into the merits, of tbe draft of the Municipal Corporations Bill. He had gone through it, and had found some very important ™ c ™; . H ? had made comments on the copy of iTu " had . receiTed f rom the Government ; ana the Committee would not be engaged long. Mr D. Miller, jan , thought there should be n Committee of the whole Board. The Provincial secretary told the Conncil that a copy of the Hill should be sent to each member of the Board. Had that been done 1 The Clerk had only received one copy ; but he hnd no doubt he could get one for each member.

• Mr .^RNER moved that the Committee consist of Messrs Basting?, Ham, Barnes, and the Mover.

Mr Guest seconded the motion; which was nfereed to after some further objection by Mr D Miller, jun. On the motion of Mr Barnes, seconded by Mr Groy, some soft metal, which has long been lying in Pitt street, was ordered to be spread on the westerly foot, ath in George street, from Dr. Purdie s corner to Union street

REPORT OP THK CITY EKOINKER. or?*- 00 — ° m Engineer read tho following re-

I have the honor to report, that in accordance with a minute of the Board, I have had the old road, to the Cemetery repaired (by Contractor ralmer) at an expenditure limited to L4O.

n, r> m \ c }? repoit u P° n a recommendation of the Board that I should arrange with Messrs M.-v-on and Clayton, the Architects for the new Tost Office, the proper position of the hoarding so as to facilitate the erection of that edifice. I have had several conferences with the gentlemen named, and finding that the buildin* will cover nearly the entire vacant space, bounded by Princes, Water, and Bond streets, it will be necessary upon the part of the city authorities that every facility be affordel to the General Governme«n m, an(l the coa fractors for this building. 'lhe architect* and myself having, after cose investigation, come to the conclusion that it would be advisable to remove the r E° wa T? oard Offi< " e ( now in ♦*»« Lands of the Fire Brigade) forthwith; with tins view Mr Mason and myself waited upon the Superintendent, fof the purpose o' suggesting to his Honor, that with bis permission the wooden tenement named, mi^ht with much advantage in. cases of fire, be moved pro tern. to the vacant ground, fronting Prince 9 ktreet, and lying between the Government Offices and the Maori House.

I have the satisfaction of stating that bis Honor graciously took instant notion in the matter. Seeing the emergency of the case, he promptly visited the place suggested by me, in °?£ p lr y ith , the honorable the Commissioner of Pub ie Works, whereon they both expressed themselves in favor of my sue-gestion, and that the mntter would have their best consideration, and possibly consent of the Executive, immediately upon receiving the usual official application from the BoarJ.

• I should make known to the Board that to even alter the old building, as suggested by the architect^ w-uld require one-half the total cost ot moving the entire edifice, to where, in all probability, xt may remain without public inconvenience for two years, whereas if left where it now stands, it must in any caae be removed within the next twelve monthe; it is therefore toryoutodeci.fe upon making the application to the Government, viz., that permission be granted to remove the tenement to the place named as tne most central locality available and where the fir« em-mrs would be at the instantaneous service of our very efficient City Fire Brigade.

t bud 6 ° rep ° rt t0 tlie Boar(J that Ml> Ra <2, ot Bell, Kae and Co,, is desirous to have the grade ot the upper end of Walker street altered to better suit the .level of his new house ; and that if so altered, he is willing to give bis guarantee for LSO to liquidate the same, provided that the descending gradient from the buiHing line of Maitland street be not less than two feet per chain. I h 3 ve to stale that the altered crade will be a decided improvement to the district generally, and would have been adopted by me ln ,,™ nfst instance, hnd it not been for the additional cost ; I have therefore to suggrst that the extra work bo done, and the cheque of Mr

Rae be handed to the contractors In liaui- ; dation. H "I have to inform the Board that Messrs Pearce and Packham are proceeding vigorously with the filling up of the Southern Market Reserve to the level required by the Government • also, Walker and Hope streets at schedule prices • ™ ,t l8 ° £ c removal of earth cutting, from Walker, Hope and High street?, at the price agreed on by the Board during my temporaryabsence—namely, 9<J per cubic yard. " I have, Sec, " John Millar, P.8.A., __ " City Engineer." Mr Turner moved that the Clerk write immediately to the Government respecting a newsite for the old Town Board Building, for the use of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. The motion was agreed to ; as was another ordering that the offer of Mr Rae be accepted. Ihe other portions of the report were referred to the Works' Committee ; and the Board adjourned.