CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 446, 19 October 1869, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

Monday, Oct. 18. The usual weekly meeting was held at seven p.m., his Worship the Mayor presiding, and all the Councillors being present except Councillor Tombs. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. The Clerk intimated that during the week he had received from city rates, 1868, £2; do, 1869, £91 17s; licenses, £3 15s; nightsoil pans, £2 48; Market-place rents, 12s;'

total, £100 Bs, and that the bank balance was £207 19s Bd. Accounts amounting to £65 19s Id were passed, and ordered to be paid. The Surveyor's report was read and considered. A new plan for the stable had been prepared on a cheaper scale. The wet weather had prevented the section being prepared for Antigua street in time for tenders to be called for that evening. The stone pitching of the cab stand in front of Cobb and Co.'s offices had been commenced. The labour gang had been employed during the week in clearing out the ditch on the North Town belt, repairing the unformed portion of Antigua sreet, erecting frames for tanks, clearing out side drains in various parts of the city, filling up hollow place in front... of Mrs Butler's shop, and repairing the fence on the Ferry Eoad. The plan of the stable was laid upon the table, and, being approved, was referred back ' to the Works Committee with instructions to .advertise for tenders; iron or timber to be used for the outer portions, as may seem best adapted. The remainder of the report was approved. The following correspondence was read and considered:— Letter from the Provincial Secretary, stating that, the Crown grants for the city reserves had not yet been signed by his Excellency the Governor, but that should they be received before the Provincial Council session terminates, an Ordinance would be introduced for the purpose of conveying them to the City Corporation. Another letter from the same source, enclosing an account of £2 10s for advertising the city by-laws in the Government Gazette. Both lettere were ordered to be acknowledged, and the account mentioned in the second paid. X Letter from the Rev E. A. Lingard, secretary to the Cemetery Board, stating that he had been instructed to have five horse posts placed in Barbadoes street, adjoiniug the cemetery, and requesting permission to do so. Granted, subject to the superintendence of the surveyor. Letter from residents in Whately road, intimating that the cost of a stone pedestal for the lamp intended to be placed near Moore and Co.'s brewery had been subscribed, and thar Mr Tait was prepared to place it in position when instructed by the Surveyor. Kef erred. to the Works Committee, with instructions to make arrangements for the work being carried out. Letter from Mr M. B. Hart, jun., concerning a petition from ten ratepayers, request-* iug his Worship the Mayor to take the necessary steps to ascertain if the provisions of the "Public Libraries Act 1869," are adapted to the city of Christchurch. The matter being new to the Council, it was resolved, on the suggestion of Councillor Hart, to defer its consideration until nest meeting, the Clerk being directed in the meantime to acknowledge receipt of both documents. Letter from Mr R. W. Stoddart, complaining of the bad state of a footpath in Lichfield street, near its junction with Colombo street. Referred to the Surveyor. The Clerk was instructed to give the necessary formal notice, that the Council intend next week to strike a special rate in certain parts of the city as per recent petition for street watering purposes. The Rate Collector reported that he had delivered all the final notices, and requested further instructions as to what course he should pursue. Referred to the Finance Committee. The following licenses were granted : — Hawker, S. Ward ; carrier, G. Simpson. On the motion of Councillor Duncan, Councillors Bishop, Jameson, and Duncan : were appointed a committee to enquire into and report upon what additional sections of the Municipal bye laws it would be advisable to adopt for the city. L^ Councillor Hart suggested that some attention should be devoted to providing measures for ensuring the delivery of bread, coal, &c , within the city, of correct weight. The report on water supply for extinguishing fires, as deferred from last meeting, was discussed and adopted. Councillor Jameson then entered at length into the advantages which would accrue from the institution of reservoirs similar to that in front of Matheson's Agency, at the first two places mentioned in the report—Cathedral square and High street, near Mr A. J. White's — together with underground iron tanks in the less populous parts of the city ; and after explaining that the cost of the first reservoir would be less than the one at Matheson's, moved that the Council should undertake the construction of them on payment of one-third the cost of those residing in the vicinity, the Council not to take more than one in hand at a time, and to commence with the one near Mr White's. Councillor Bishop seconded the motion. A lengthened discussion ensued as to the mode of payment towards the respective reservoirs by those interested in them. Councillor Duncan objected to any particulars being defined at present, but urged that the Council should be left in a position to regulate the amount to be subscribed according to the means of the residents to be benefited by the work. Councillor Sawtell objected to the motion as compelling the Council to proceed with all the reservoirs at once, if so called upon, and thereby incurring a heavy overdraft. Councillor Hart objected to any portion of the cost being collected by subscription as not distributing the burden in an equal manner, and urged that the Council should either find all the money, no matter what debt they incurred, or strike a special rate on the properties to be benefited by the reservoirs asked to be constructed. Councillor Pratt opposed the whole cost of any reservoir being taken from the general rates, considering it unfair to the outside residents. < It was ultimately resolved, on amendmaat of Xkmncillor ßishop, " That, as soon as £60

ia paid into the Council, tenders be invited for constructing a reservoir opposite Mr A. J. White's furniture warehouse, of the materials and dimensions named in the report. Councillor Hart obtained permission to fix, at his own expense, an ornamental jet on the centre supply pipe of the reservoir, in front of Matheson's Agency. Councillor Sawtell moved, that a petition be presented to his Honor the Superinten • dent, praying that an Ordinance should be introduced during the present session of the Provincial Council for conveying the reserve of Cathedral Square to the City Council. Councillor Calvert seconded the motion, which was carried. The Council then adjourned.