CITY COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 853, 4 April 1868, Page 7

CITY COUNCIL.

> 'pr^aeffitf ''V^&^m&^jS^ 'f 3BMR^ f *!isli; ■ 'Irodli, 'Driver,r Car-j-fSb&ibiih'i v-h*' v TfiH"t?# - '/s?.' •■• >k^ • -'*] > *•"• • j Mr D6r»s.(pr"esenteaia» memorial from ■S»«d«te»ter dft'sLeith. i representing ;shitfeT!^^ footbridge* across .the -Water of ieith uV^e; Bet banical Gard tins had • been, ••carried away bvthe "EVbrnJtT*- Jlood; that. *tly%.tbjri<lge f r /t'* bbe. ce >' HJ'^ 3^ vv l * *he j<>}t\t \ ; *>xpjj&'njsib, ( <^ { ot\ 'tho ueijrhborjhopd jki-dyjof ' -thp >Cu,ujacil; .and,, that, if j Another footluadge-were erected, jas they ' racuiufUttuded, it - should < be«sitiiated at< iih^imter^eeiiio'n qf ( the riv.er, by? St. David^ street. He moved .tha^t tlie memorial be Tejerred to. the Works Commfltee, and ihat, meantime, ; the -Eh jineer! 4 should be areciuested to prepare a plaji.and Bpecifications for such a bridge., v „ IMr Driver seconded the motion, and i.t ; Ti^»ragi ! eed to. , '•! ■< -:': '- FINANCE.The following was the report of the jPinanoe Committee : — - i Your Committee have the honor to sub- i mit the following report, with recommeridations. as follows r— '■ H ~1. The -Fire Brigade Subsidy.-— That "rthe last decision of <tfre Council, viz., to pay. JL2OO per annum subsidy,' be adhered to. ' ' 2. The letter from the Dunedin "ATater Works Company, as to amount to be paid "by the' City Corporation for" water for varidus uses. — Your Committee cannot recommend that any alteration be made, as to the amount offered per annum — viz.,Lloo; seeing that the ratepayers are already being' hetvuy taxed by the Dnnedin Water Works Company. 3. Advertising. — That in future a share of advertisemeits be given to the Evening Mail, in cases -where it is desirable to advertise in tile Evening, papers. 4. Your Committee recommend the accounts for payment, as per warrant attached, amounting to L 1931 14s. "Mr Cabjrick, as a member of the Finance Committee, stated that there were still one or two subjects wliioh the Committee had to consider — among others & reply to the letter of the ' Caledonian Society. • Mr Pish, on the grounds that advertising was already expensive, objected to the principle of advertising in the two evening" papers. He wonld rather see the advertising limited to th^ morning paper. ,Mr jDriver explained that what the Committee meant was that any advertising in the evening journals should be shared by the two papers. The Commit-

tee had endeavoured to keep down the

expense aa far as possible ; but as a public body they were bound to give each paper a fair share of advertising. There was one matter referred to in the

xeport • about which the public should have a distinct understanding — he alluded to the treaty with the Water Company, with regard to the supply of water on the occasion of fires, and for the watering of the streets. It might come to be a very serious question, in the event of a large fire, whether the Water Company has the power to refuse the Fire Brigade the use of the water. He thought that, from the extent to which the citizens were already

taxed, and from the probability of an additional tax being required as a guarantee of the eight per-cent paid by the Government, nobody could fail to think that the citizens were quite sufficiently taxed

■without the Water Company asking a large amount for the object in question. The Committee had offered LIOO per annum, and they

«ould not recommend a larger sum, considering that it was fair assessment on

the quantity of water used. They already paid-L2O or L 25 a year for water for these ■oifices, which was net used at all, and a great many people paid in the same proportion. He could not help thinking that it would have been some credit to- the Water Company, if, under the circumstances, they had offered the water gratis. As it was, the public should distinctly understand the offer made, and that, if anything did happen, it was not - the fault of the Corporation. The Fire Brigade could scarcely be blamed, if, in the event of necessity arising, they wore to take the water by force. Mr Fish had understood that it was the intention of the "Water Company to refer the matter to the Government. Mr Carriok said that the letter from the Water Company requested that a reference should be made to the Government, but the Committee conceived that the Government had nothing to do with the matter. - 'Mr 'Driver, imagined that the Government would have a delicacy in interfering, as they -would themselves have to come to the citizens on the matter. The -Chairman, as one of the Finance Committee, could not consider the suggestion,'to refer the matter to the Government other than a gratuitous insult. He thought they were as capable of dealing with it as was the Government. 1 The report was adopted.

'-nnVtlie foUdwing*e^r6 otaffiabjQofcasreferr^d ' I for,WIiaCTM apdiQjtuwSj-jr, ! jcfcfo^ake^Any s)3rve ; your, Comra jttee b^g^to recommeUdiiaat ftheT smcipEof 'iSuisaaces ' f t&>, instarVctacnio" ,giveail.,'fpcli^part ♦»r I pne'' J iriontli :^ '£dti&Ttb rem'ive; I fi' l orn off the Reserve ; ' i&d. ' Jailing cptnp'i-nce'' l wMiu .t*h'at intru^ 'tiiat 'the'Tn.spgetoi; 414 1 AkA ,imt!ivt.l'ilAte'^rbceediligs'td effect ithdi mnwVat' ■- ' '•" ■<• > •**•<<.<./ '") • >'• 1 ] 2;' l The / Ba£b'' sV/P.tJi-Vt Bay Jetty.-^r-'YonrCdmmittt.j^i'i! Iwcwitb co submit, for, '• the information of &l**Gi:y, uninciL theSur- : [v.eybr?S;,report r as to-.'jwhat i$ necessary to be r u«/dq*takea- to render the • B.aths complete. ,and.an. esjsunate of the cost ; your Commitjbee preferring that ,tl^e Council sbou'd corn's) to 'a, ffecislon as to taking the management of the Baths, or otherwise." ' , ! *' ' 3. jiTlie'.Town Belt Leases —^These leases are now'ready for execution by thelesseea. The Chaibmait said the Committee con? sidered*that tihe subject of the Baths -was one which it was better to leave >to the .Council. "* Mr Dods thought* that, if the Baths were only to be a source of expense to the Corporation, they had better be le_ft .alone. It was his understanding that some one was prepared to fit them up a'ud 'maintain them at his own expense, on certain conditions. If it was to be otherwise, it were better not to interfere. ' Mr Driver said it was certainly not contemplated that they should take the baths over, if they were going ;to entail any expense, and i,t was doubtful if they should take them over at ali If they did so, it seemed to him that they would be paying cheaply for what would ultimately prove a nuisance and a source of trouble. They were, no doubt, necessary, and a great benefit, but he saw* no object to be gained by the Corporation taking them. One reason for so doing was that the Corporation could make laws which a'Cqmmittee would not be able to 'do. He thought that was an error. T|ie Corporation could take no charge of them, unless the power to do so were delegated by the Government— he believed, by ihii General Government, as proprietors of the'hirbor. The power migat have been delegated to the Provincial Government, -but tfie management of the baths, but could as readily be given to a committee of gentlemen as to tne Corporation, and lie saw no' reason for the Corporation undertaking it.

Mx Fish could not agree with Mr Driver. It was as much within the duties of the Corporation to provide clean baths as it was to keep clean streets. In a sanitary point of view, the matter was most important. There had been an opportunity of the Council taking over thtse baths, with advantage. That opportunity might not now exist ; but even if they cost something to complete and to repair, he thought thVv should be taken over. He was convinced that they could be made thoroughly self- sup porting.

Mr Driver moved " That the Tcwn Clerk be instructed to write to the Baths Committee, intimating that the Council respectfully decline to take over the Public Baths." He suggested, however, that any information obtained from the Surveyor, and all the assistance that could be given, should be given to the Baths Committee. He thought the Committee had quite as much ability to manage the baths as the Corporation had, and no injustice would be inflicted upon bathers, or people who required bathing. Mr Wain seconded tho motion.

Mr Fish opposed the resolution. A private company of genilemen had not the power to deal with the matter so well as a corporate body, and it was, no doubt, that consideration which had induced them to ask for the assistance of the Corporation.

Mb,Carriuk thought they should adopt the report, leaving the question open. He considered the baths should be under the management of the Corporation. He objected to any great expense ; but he thought the time might come when they would see their way to taking over the baths. . Mr Driver amended his motion to the effect that the Council " declined at present," &c. He thought that the trouble of getting proper and legitimate possession of the baths would be somewhat considerable, and he denied that the Corporation was the only fit body to establish baths In large cities they might encourage them, but he knew that in Melbourne the Corporation started baths which, were, tlie most filthy places he had ever stepped into ; while, in private establishments, competition induced the proprietors to keep them in good order and condition. The Committee were in as good a position to let to a private party, if it were desirable, as the Corporation. The Chaibman considered that the amended motion .would meet all views. It merely said that the Council would not at present interfere. On a division, there voted : For the

y t Thf ,fEabJi% I^htingj !^am?M»^,pr«> rr . senfcea (the, following, repo^tf and accom : ' partying corresppnd6h.ee z^' < t>l ,1 „/ ' } , ; " : • Your'CkttrimitteVbeg^fco^rfiport having duly ' "considered' all tlie cirennfofcKrces of *$he-late, GftET-eontraotej awl t\Kfnbt%yv)<aitoiyßaghaMec-. .'view .with MrrS./fH»j»o*iejo^ obt»wed> a, ,fartlier,9pini6n from J^[r J, v-ti^i-Sinith^ which the. Committee; refer; to the Cotracil\'J^ur .Committeer.actuig on the^Solijpitor's^opiiubn,' Have now, .siajply jto recomajend^that th©jepn* tracts be considered aV'at an end ; and .' Wat notice be served 1 accßMrrigly'oii'M'r-Htitvliv 'son and;i!he Gas' Compajajr s Secretary forthwith.' ; •';,-,.{ ' ' ' Him Street, DunedirC Ist April, 1868. " " ! J. M.'Masaer,' Esq'. l T6w& Clerk. ' - '"■ Sir— l beg* to acknowledge receipt of your lettef herein of the 31 st'ult. > -• ■ i .> In accordance -with the' wish, .of \tHe' Council I have re-ebnsidored this matter, and I beg to state that- 1 .see no , reason to alter the opinion whichil have , already expressed, to the effect that Mr S. Hutchison has, in point of law,, abandoned the further performance of the contracts, and has consequently released the-Corporation from further liability thereunder. lv my opinion, Mr S. Hutchison's statement that' he has" been carrying but the contract of "1862 as agent of the Gas Company' is palpably nntrue, having regard to the lease of the Gas Works, dated' 3 1st March, 18*i6, which appears on the Register of Deeds.

1 have framed notices -which I think it advisable to forward immediately to Mr S» Hutchison and the Secretary' of the Gas Company. — I have, &a,

James Smith. Offices of the Dnnedin Gas-light and Coke Company (Limited.) To His Worship the Mayor of Duned.n.

Sir— The Directors of this Company having observed in the public Journals, that at a meeting of the City Council, a statement had been made, to the effect that the I)unedtn G.iß Company had transferred to Mr .Stephen Hutchison the contract for the Public Lighting entered into with the late Town Board, in 1862, and that in consequence, the Council had been advised to evade thx-ir responsibilities -und^r such contract, they, (the Directors) feel it their duty to state, for the information of his -Worship and the Council, that no such transfer has ever been made to Mr/Stephen Hutchison, or any other gentleman, and therefore, should there be, on part of the Council, any interference with the carrying out of the several covenants of fiftfc said Public Lighting Contract, the Directors will be coinp lied to resist the same, on behalf of the Company. I am further inst r ucted to state tbat the lessecof '•the Gas Works, Mr J. W. Hutchison, is acting for and on. behalf of the Company, and in reference to the contract, the Council can inform themselves of the only condition uader which, they c*n terminate thu contract, vide the 7th clause, viz. : in the event of the public lamps being without gas for 14 consecutive niuhta. — [ am, &c. Bex Willotjohby, Secretary. Mr Fish moved that the report be adopted.

Mr Carrick recommended -the consideration of the report in committee of the whole Council. It involved several questions which should not be hastily dealt with.

Mr Driver approved of the matter being considered in committee. The report recommended a veiy strong course to be taken.

Mr Fish had no objection to second Mr Carriek's proposition, but he did not see that much was to be gained by it. He was fully prepared to endorse the opinion that the contract should be annulled.

It' was agreed that the matter should be considered in committee at the close of the other business.

PUBLTC WORKS.

The following was the report of the Public Works Committee :—: —

Yotir Committee have the honor to report as follows :—: —

1. They recommend that the land-slip at Stuart street, near the District Seh N ol, be repaired by day-men, as a charge against amount allotted for expenditure in High Ward. Estim >ted cost, 1.10. "

'2. They recommend that no' additional permission be given for versona to remove gravel from the Water of Leitb. until the Insuector of Works has reported that the public requirements for footpaths, &c, have been satisfied ; but that private persons may be allowed to remove stone from the Town Quarry in Maolaggan street, uader usual supervision. 3. Russell street, as referred to in Mr M'Gregor's letter, will, be attended to in usual course ; and instructions have been given to effect certain alterations at the culvert crossing George street, near the' < Old Synagogue. ,

4 The Tender for Asphalting. — Your Committee s^e no object in making a contract with -Messrs Livingston and Company, as they do not offer any modification of their usual price ; but the Committee recommend that, for the present, ■ Messrs Livingston be employed to make such repairs as way be, from time to time, ordered.

Surveyor auilttie Inspector .t>f Jworlse. "ijoSfc-* "*, }ng at all tne^clr<iu^^ste'4^f^^,%^ / • ? ' Yddomm-afd bl&\i*!&fa]}s&B&[(j&he:i s made to the -corit.r^top^^fffijß^ltote $&%&» 'by the Surveyor., ' fT^"^-Wn-,w <n 1 , SevesL reportl Vi o» lhe'^amy.itr'M 1 1 1 ,culvfe# 'We* : i)&s?fTM' 'rssj?pw&y WdL^ eSatoinefl J |hei*ul^^%l^^^*^ s aiiß«fe^of'i the' Committee', rfiportedijit^itf^ati^w^vplac^s^i^ned,, i> i,h>y n^nj R 4 I |;h4 r bji^w Jfl on edge ; and at aaotiher .placßi aecorajnff -, ix) a diaoram.theyffave. 1 They considered " the -Vorfc ;to, have been executed 'in, ! a. '.^o^'.^worWaillille^ "sfcyre.^Thm;* others, .who, had 'examined gt'fa&Jilie ' •request of Mr B&pdeß, fouftdfcncfoonthe ' flat, and 'saEcT instead of / cement:' - Mr Barnes also, made a report, he stated ' that When the culvert was opened on the. top, according to arrangement withinem- , bers of the^ Committeej ," The, Sutveybrr 1 , threatened to summon me for so dbing,; and. I tdld'him I did not!carefdr I 'W summons, as I had a f duty't6 'per-' 1 form td protect. ;myseK.'*:;/' The. SSu- f veyor reported :~ v Ori examining thesewer' in Itattray' street, t' find fhat the outside rim of the brick-work liasj' ' at the bottom J of the invert, been laid orl" the flat, instead of on the edge, ftar a ' width of two feet in some places, and' 14 inches in otlier3, this departure . from the specification being local, and not throtighotit the' sewer\ I do not consider tlie stability of the work' at" "ail affected by the alteration, although it was irn> proper to make the alterati6n "witliout ' my knowledge or consent.' I calculate^ 'that had the greatest ''irregularity discovered extended the,' whole-length of the sewer, the saving' to/ thei^conitractor would' be about. ICfeO bricks,, value li 2 ,10k, but. as. the Irregularity varies in degree, and is confined id only a portion of the sewer^ I cb not think the saving has been more than 25sv "I beg-'io* withdraw the. 'recommendation for 1 ail' allowance which I. laid before the Committee in my last report." ' '.' '* Mr Fish said it would be in the recollection of the Council that the Surveyor had been requested to examine the Rattray street drain, and they were aware how the request had been treated...' Tfc had been treated with contempt— -in fact, ' by an absolute refusal^-the Surveyor sayinsr, in effect, that, shaving given his certificate, that was bound to be 'right. Now, they had 'another report, recommending that the compensation formerly proposed should be withdrawn. 'When an officer of the Corporation acted in that manner, he could hardly bs said N to have its confidence. At any rate, he' had not the slightest confidence in the Surveyor as an officer of the Corporation, and he thought the Surveyor's acts in these affairs justified him in coming to that conclusion. ' There was another matter — the construction of culvert 3in "Princes street — in connection with which the same thing was occurring. In fact, it appeared to him that the Surveyor cared very little whether the work was carried out according to his plans or not. Such was his opinion, and he thought it was a just one. He intended to give notice of motion in reference to the matter.

Mr Driver did hot mean to reply to the words of Mr Fish. He was only too glad that Mr Fish was the only member in the Council who entertained the same feeling.— (Mr Fish: Oil') He did, however, make the request, that when the Inspector of "Works made a report, the Clerk should leave out those portions which the end of a report usually contained. .It was these remarks which were the cause of all the ill-blood in connection with this affair.

The Chairman agreed with Mr Driver, that such remarks should not conic before ttie Council.

Mr Dods to a great extent endorsed theremarks of Mr Fish.

The Chairman- understood that the misunderstanding was now at an end. The Surveyor had expressed the hope that Mr Barnes and he would get on better, as they'were understanding each other better than they had" done.

Several reports from the Inspector were read.

' Mr ,Cariiics: thotight there was rather a disposition on the part of the "Works Committee, and the Inspector, to expend money on the lower parts of the town,- to the neglect" of the higher parts. ' The Council then went into Committee, and were engaged for an hour in discussing the report from the Lighting Committee, on the subject of the gas contract. The discussion ended in the matter being referred to the Committee for further report, to be brought up at a meeting: to beheld on Wednesday next.