CITY COUNCIL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3437, 17 April 1879, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

Tho weekly meeting of tho City Council waß held last night ; present — Hia Worship ! tho Mayor, Councillors Tremayne, Gapes, Lezard, Binstead, Clifford, Ayers, and Cass. .FINANCIAL. The Town Clerk reported fchafc fcho general rake dohifc balance at the Bank was £1070 7s 3d ; drainage account, credit balanco, £852 10a 2d ; bdls to be paid, £271 3a 9d. MAYOBAL. The Mayor stated that Bince last meeting he had forwarded letters fco the different local

bodies who were in favour of tho next .*cs-»ion of Parliament sitting here, enclosing the resolution passed at the public meeting on Thursday last ; also, copy of resolution relative to the Addington workshops to the members of Parliament for Canterbury, and to the members for the Chamber of Commerce. He had reoeived a letter from Sir George Grey relative to the Queen's thanks for the condolence of fchp citizens of Christchurch at the death of Princess Alice. Ho had received intimation of the intended visit of the Governor and his family, and at the request of the Hon Mr Fisher lie had looked out for a suitable hotel, and had almost decided upon the Terminus Hotel. He proposed to invite his Excellency to a banquet at that hotel during his visit, and he hoped a Committee would be for tied to prepare an addreaa to the Governor. Ho had already drawn out a rough draft of one. Wifch regard to the reßolution passed last week relative to the Kaitangata Relief Fund, he had wri'tento Mr Gillies, tho secretary, whose reply he thought, would ho found satisfactory so far as the distribution of the funda waa concerned. Ho might state that a final meeting of the Fete Committee had been hold, and he was authorised to forward the proceeds of the fete to Mr Gillies. He was sure the Council would, affcer reading the letter, agree with him that the money should be forwarded forthwith. He was aorry to say one of the Corporation workmen died suddenly that day, leaving a wifo and four children. He mentioned this aa it waa a case dciicrviug the consideration of the Counoil. He (hia Worship) then referred to the dissatisfaction of licensed carriers at Mr Heywood and others carrying parcela and goods without a license within the city boundaries. After some discussion, Councillor Cass moved and Councillor Gapes seconded — " That, subject to favourable legal advice, the Town Clerk inform Me3sra Heywood and Co. thafc fchey are guilty of a breach of the Carriers' By-laws, in calling for and delivering parcels within the city." Carried. MATSON' 9 LANE. Councillor Wilson moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Councillor Lezard and carried — " That the Inspector of Nuisances be instructed to oxamino and report upon tho privato roadway, leading from Cashel street to Matson's wool stores, and especially to roport upon its sanitary condition."

COBBE!

IPONDBNCB,

Mr Garnet Walch, editor of a new work entitled " Our New Decade, or Victoria in 1880," to be published in Melbourne nex; year, wrote, asking the Council for their patronage. The work wo-. ld be descriptive of the rise, progress, and present condition of the Colony, and would be beautifully printed and profusely illustrated. Ib waa intended to place ifc before tho public as a grand national memorial, and as an appropriata souvenir for visitors to Melbourne during the Exhibition year. The work would bo dedicated to the Hon. W. J. Clarke, M.L.C., and would contain a full list of patrons.

The Town Clerk was instructed to write to tho proprietor.- of the work, stating that the Council would take a copy of the work.

W. H. Dennis, Oxford Terraco East, wrote complaining of the filthy state of the back premises near his hoiiee, owing to the presence of cess-pits, and asking tho Council to take some action in the matter.

It was decided that tho Inspector of Nuisances should serve tho owners with notice that they should have pans on their premises instead of cesspits. Mr G. Croft wrote complaining of a nuisance in Horatio street. Referred to tho Sanitary Committee.

A widow, 74 years of ag<\ named MCor mick, wrote aaking to be relieved of the pay ment of rates, aa ahc was too infirm to work, Letter held over.

A letter was read from Mrs Conjers thinking the Council for their congratulations upon her husband's recovery from his recent accident.

KESKBVES COMMITTEE,

The following report was read

"Your Committee beg to report that they have considered- tlio question of conditions for letting the Gerakline Reserve of 2000 acres, and beg to submit the following for tho Council's approval : —

" 1. That the reserve be let as a wholo.

" 2. The term to be ten years.

•' 3. The whole of the boundai-y fenco shall be a legal fence, planted and be in good growing condition within tho first five years of fche term, and thafc all fences on fcho land ahal! bo kept in good order and condition. " 4. The tenant shall plant nofc less than 20 acres with English trees or Californian conifora trees, within the first five years of his term.

"5. Tho tenant shall lay down in English grasses and clover seeds not less than 500 acres of the reserve (2) two years before fche expiration of the term, and that all grasses and clover seeds shall be submitted to the Oouncil for approval before being sown. "G Tho tenant failing to comply with all or any of theso conditions will be subject to forfeiture of his lease on receiving (•<) three months' notice of such neglect from tho Corporation." In clause 2, Councillor Tremayno movod as an amendment — "That the term of lease bo 14 years instead of 10 years."

Councillor Jenkins seconded,

After discussion, the amendment was loßt,

After clause 5 the following words woro inserted in place of clause 6 : — " That tho lease contain such further stipulations as the Solicitor for the Council shall deem necessary." The report was then adopted. CONFERENCE RE SOUTH TOWN BELT.

Tho following report was read : —

" Your Committee beg to roport that a conference with the Sanitary Committee of tho Sydenham. Borough Council took place on Thursday, April 10, when the question of the maintenance of tho south side of tho South town belt was discussed.

" It was argued on tho part of tho Sydenham Borough that in coniequenco of tho cityhaving formed the north sido of the belt to suit the levels of the streets in the city, it wou'd bo unfair to ask thafc fche south side bo formed at; fche expense of Sydenham fco fche samo lovela, as it would entail some expense to lower those Btreets leading to tho belt.

" That a portion of the belt, from fche Lincoln ioad to Colombo street, hail been formed and shingled for yeai-d past, by the Spreydon Road Board and the city, and carrying out the work as now dosired would interfere with the work that the Spreydon Road Board had already paid for to suit tlio city alone. " That tho city should in fairness pay apart of tho costs in consequence of the unnecessary expense fche Borough would be put 10.

" Tho question of boundary was next introduced, and it was suggested by the Mayor of Sydenham that the city should do the work required, and if they could legally make the Sydenham Borough pay for it. " On tho part of the city it was pointed out fchafc a considerable sum was received by the Borough from rates from the properfcy fronting on the belt, and as the nuisance complained of aroso wholly within Sydenham, it was not right to ask tho City Council to spend tho city rates for fche benefit of Sydenham. The Council had, howover, to accommodate tho Sydenham ratepayers living on tho belt, ordered a man to be put on temporarily to abate the nuisance.

" Tue City Council would be quite willing to form and keep in good cond tion tho wholo of the belt, if fche narrow slip of land between the railway and belfc was honied over to the Christchurch Municipality.

" That the City would do the work on Sydenham paying the whole cost, or they might do it themselves, provided ifc was done under fche supervision of fche City Surveyor. "That the system of levels adopted waa the best under the circumstances, and the feeling of the Counoil waa not to expend any of the City rates on tho South side of the Belt.

" That any work done thereon must be under fche supervision of its own Engineer.

" Councillor White stated, as hia opinion, that if tho City would not pay a portion of the expense, Sydenham would not pay the whole, and it would be better to leave it for Borne one to be indicted for tho nuisance that existed, and then ifc would bo sot.fclcd who was liable to pay* " The Chairman suggested that as the nuisance originated iv Sydenham, any action of the kind, taken as indicated, would recoil upon the Sydenham ratepayers. " The Conference then closed.

" Your Committee therefore submit the substance of their labours to tho Council." Wilson movod fche adoption of fche report, stating that it had been drawn up after three hours' careful discussion, With rrgard to a paragraph in the papera about tho dismemberment of the city, that was. a mere bjaßt on 'the part of ono of [the Councillors of Sydenham, Councillor Gapes thought, in the matter of

rir: : ir.igc, tho Council should show the Sydenham Borough some consideration. It was tho duty of the Council to abate the nuisance, and to charge th* Borough a reasonable proportion of fche cost.

Councillor Clifford thought the Counoil would bo going out of their way to spend rates on the Sydenham Borough. Councillor Binstead thought the Christchurch City Council ehould do the work, and charge the proper share of the coeta to Sydenham.

Councillor Lezard considered the Sydenham Council were acting liko little children. It was absurd for the Chriatchurch Council to Bpend money on another Borough. The Inspector of Nuisances should watch for a case and then bring the matter before the Court.

The Mayor said the people of Sydenham should petition to be annexed to Christchurch. These small Boroughs were a nuisance, and he had always held this opinion.

Councillor Treinayne hoped the work would not be done by the Christchurch Council except under their Surveyor, and at th 9 cost of the Sydenham Borough Council. The report waa unanimously adopted. BEOBGANISATION COMMITTEE'B BEPOBT. " 1. The Committee recommend the appointment of a Solicitor afc a fixed salary of who shall attend all regular meetinga of the Council, and shall be hold responsible for all new By-laws and all legal matters appertaining to the business of tho Corporation, and shall represent them in all Courts of Law.

"2. The Committee recommend that the services of Mr Haskins be retained aa Town Clerk, but that hia dutieß be strictly confined to the duties of hia office, and subject in all things to the legal adviser of fche Council.

" 3. The Committee recommend that the services of Mr Murray should bo retained as Assistant Town Clerk.

"4. The Committee recommend the retention of the services of Mr Walkden, the Surveyor, but consider moro energy should be displayed in carrying out the works of the city, and that a' competent Foreman of Worts Bhould be appointed to assist him in his department.

"5. The Committee recommend that tho servicea of Mr Hobba, the Inspector of Nuisance?, bo retimed, but that his time should be devoted more to outside duties, and lesa to office work.

" 6. From enquiries made, the Committee are by no means satisfied with Mr Gordon, the Aaaistant Inspector. Want of euergy haa been shewn in the collection of the scavengeringrate, a large proportion of which is now outstanding, and a gonoral want of business tact incirrying out the duties of his office has been manifeated.

" 7. The Rate Collector, Mr Tribe, has been in the service of fche Council since fche year 1866, and has proved himself a faithful servant. Tho apparent want of energy in hia department is mainly due to his advancing yeara. The Committee do not see their way to his being superseded, unless the Council were in a position, or had the power to superannuate him.

"8. The Committee are nofc fully satisfied with Mr Barker, the assistant collector, but as he showa a desire to become moro efficient, they recommend that his services be retained for the present.

"9. The Ranger, Mr Beck, who has been recently appointed, lias, so far as we can learn, given general satisfaction in carrying out the duties of his office.

" 10. The Committee are strongly of opinion that if any additional necessary clerical assistance should be required, fch ifc the Town Clerk shall make at plication to the Council for tho same, to prevent any disorganisation of othor departments."

In reply to Councillor Gapes, the Mayor said there were, he believed, solicitors in Christchurch who would apply for the appointment, which would of course bo advertised. The cost of legal advice last year was about £150, bufc that waa not a fair estimate of the coat. The Council had been placed at a disadvantage in nofc haviDg a solicitor always present; to advise them.

Councillor Casa thought it would be better to advertise for applications and get offers sent in. It waa uselesa to have a Solicitor sittting at; tho Council every meeting. The report waa a miserable reporb for bho purpoae for which the Committee was appointed. Tho enquiry waa intended to investigate into the working of tho officers, with a view to seeing if tho officera had done their duties properly ; bufc this had nofc been done. Nor was there any retrospective report of the working of the dopartmenb for 18 months back.

The Mayor pointed out that the report was drawn up after great pains.

Councillor Gapes waa afraid a legal adviser would not be got to do all that was expected, at a cost which the Council could afford to pay. It would cost £1000 a year ; but if it only cost a third of thafc, the Council could get the work done cheaper. He did not think ho could vole for claußO 1.

Councillor Ayers supported the clause, pointing out that the Council woro not bound fco appoint a solicitor at v cost thoy could not afford to pay. Ho held that fche solicitor should be present at all meetings, when his opinions would bo more matured.

Councillor Binstead supported tho clauso, which was carried.

Councillors Cass and Tremayno objected to ho latter part; of clause 2, as ifc would make .he Town Clerk subservient; to the Solicitor.

Councillor Ayers said there was id intention to cast reflection on the Town Clerk, who, however, on legal points should tako the opinion of tho Solicitor.

Councillor Binstoad supported fcho clause. Tho Mayor said such a clause would clearly define the duties of both parties.

Councillor Cass moved, as an am. ndmeit, and Councillor Lezard seconded — " That tho last section of clause 2, 'subject, in all things to tho opinion of the legal adviser,' bo struck out."

Tho amendmonfc was lost, and tho clause passed.

Tho report was, after somo further consideration, adopted.

Tho question of Solicitor's salary was ullowed to s. and ovor till noxt meeting.

surveyor's report.

Tho Surveyor reported —

" 1. The information thafc was nsked for by fcho Council afc lasfc meeting, with respect to tho quantity of asphalting done, and to bo done, is as follows : — Quantity done up to date, 41 miles ; remaining to bo dono, 9 miles.

" 2. The north side of tho Ferry road has been channelled, und as soon as tho water is diverted into ifc fcho other aide will bo commenced.

" 3. Tlio channelling of the South belt ib commenced.

" 4. The following building liceneos havo been issued: — Mr Trent, Worcester strcot; Mr Blyfch, Cheater street ; Mr Gee, Manchester streofc, Sfc Luke's Parsonage ; Mr Gee, Manchester sfcrcefc, Sfc Luke's school ; Mr Foßter, New street." Roport adopted. RANGKR's AND INSrKCTOn'B BEFOBTS. These reports were adopted. Councillor Lezard moved, and Councillor Tremayno seconded, and it was carried — " Thafc in fche opinion of tin's Council ifc is deßirable that Ranger Beck bo appointed Inspector of Cabs and Hackney Carriages, in lieu of Inspector Hobbs, so as to enable that officer to direct moro of his time to fcho sanitary conditions of the city, and that tho rosolution appointing Mr Hobbs as Cab Inspector, bo rescinded." COLOMBO STREET BRIDGE. Councillor Tremayno movod a resolution to tho effect that the Colombo street Bridge remain open lor traffic as heretofore, and fchat no steps bo taken to carry out the suggested improvements. After a good deal of acrimonious discussion, arising over Councillor Wilson's guarantee to provide the funds for the extension of the bridge, the motion was carried. TOWN HALL, Some further instructions relative to details in tho erection of the Town Hall were proposed and adopted. THE GOVERNOR'S VISIT. The following Committee wore appointed to draw up an address to Hiß Excellency tho Governor: — His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Gapes, Jenkins, Cass, and Ayers. KAITANGATA BELIEF FOND. The Mayor read the following letter received from Mr J. L. Gillies, Secretary to the Kaitangata Relief Fund, Dunedin, in reply to his letter sent in accordance with the resolution passed at the last meeting of the Council : — " Dunedin, April 14, 1879. " C. T. Ick, Esq., " Mayor of Chrisfcchurch. "Dear Sir, — Recognising tho right and propriety that any subscriber, or oody of subscribers, to the Kaitangata Relief Fund have to make enquiries m regard to any matter connected therewith, it affords me

pleasure to reply to your favour of April 8, which enclosed a further sum of £35 14s 4d.

" With reference to the remarks reported in the newspapers as having been made at a meeting of your Council, I tako leave to say thoy were as uncalled for as they were rude and ungeutlemanly, and therefore dismiss them as unworthy even of this notice.

" You are doubtless aware that at a public meeting, presided over by hia Worship th? Mayor, and attended by a largo and influential assemblage of tho leading citizens of Dunedin, a Committee was elected to take charge of the raising of a fund to relieve the sufferers from the Kaitangata colliery accident. Hia Worship the Mayor was appointed Chairman, Richard Oliver, E*q., M.H R., a w.-11-known merchant, a director of the Colonial Bank and .- f several other local institutions, was appointed Honorary Treasurer, and myself Hon Secretary. Afterwards I received the co operation of a well-known gentleman, Mr M. W. Hawkins, to aid me in the work, and so avoid employing paid labour. " It was then agreed we should confine our canvass to the provincial district of Otago, but that we should receive frankly, and accept gratefully any voluntary offers of assistance, the sum estimated aB being requisite amounting to tho large sum of £10,000. For all such assistance the Committeo feel grateful, and I think it is now pretty certain that tho amount will be realised.

" Ifc was further resolved — ' Thafc a circular be printed and circulated,' a copy of which, and of the heading of our subscription list, I enclose, which will givo yom an idea of the mode of our procedure. Over 700 of these circulars were posted, and applications were received for over 600 lists. As the lists are returned, tho amounts paid into the Banka are acknowledged daily in the newspapers. The lists having been all registered, we know exactly who are responsible for their return. I may also state thafc the public here were made aware of these arrangements, and were requested aa a security to themselves only to contribute to the official lists. We have found the arrangements to have worked well, and have now some £6000 bearing interest, having arranged thafc whenever tho balance amounted to £500, a fixed deposit bo made for three months.

" Affcer the Committee fixed the general principle of action an Executive Sub-Com-mittee was formed, numbering amongst ita membera, besides those already mentioned, Mr Leary, lato Mayor of Dunedin ; Mr A. C. Strode, late R.M. ; Mr Hodgkina, solicitor; Professor Salmond ; Mr Kinross, merchant ; and Mr Rennie, ono of our earliest and most respected settlers.

" A personal visitation was mado within a few days after, and again a fortnight after the accident, of all fche families, by a member of the Committee, who obtaiued replies to a series of questions previously prepared. Tho information has been registered for reference ab any time.

" The Executive Committee, after carefully weighing all the circumstances surrounding each individual case, adoptod an interim course of action, leaving ib till the subscriptions came in, and the amount that would bo available was known, before recommending to tho subscribers any definite proposition. Tlio general scope of our action lias beon the avoiding of giving any large sums of money and providing only for present necessities by giving a weekly alimony ranging from 12s fco 30s per week, each case being dealt with on its own merits. Confinement expenses we have also paid, three children having been added to the number since the accident, and we havo reason fco believe there will bo several more. The advisability, indeed the necessity of distributing the widows at onco presented itself to our attention, and the Committee has agreed to meet tho expenses of removal in any case where it is satisfied that the change will provide a better field for the exercise of the widow and family's own energies. Indeed, I may say the policy aims afc so to treat them, and so to apply the fuuda as will best develop and encourage as much as possible a spirit of self-reliance and energy, and I am happy to add that almost without exception they havo expressed a desire to be so treated, and evidence by their own exertions and diligent conduct that they are anxious to preaerve the most excellent character wliieh they had acquired in the district, and which fcheir clean houses and fcidy and fairly educated children all gave tokens of. Ono widow (and child) wishes to be sent Home, and in her case we propose to pay tho passage and any outfit thafc may be required, givo tho captain of the ship £5 to bo paid to her on her arrival at London, and remit £50 to the care and management of tho Mayor of the town in England whoro she belongs to ; she giving the Committeo a clear discharge from an>- future claim on the fund.

" As fco what may ho determined on ultimately as a permanont plan of relief, the slightest reflection ought to satisfy anyone that matters cannot be ripe enough yet for fchat, for we do not know yet exactly how many wo will have to make provision for, n r what supply we will have to make their provision from. For myself, haw'ng visited tho families personally, and, perhaps, studied various contingencies as closely, if not moro bo, than most pooplo, I am much inclined to think that no cast iron rule of relief should be laid down, but that tho circumstances of each case from timo to timo should bo considered, and such relief only bo afforded as is deemed prudent and necessary, keeping in view that provision bo made specially to secure the proper up-bringing, clothing, and schooling of even tho babe yot unborn until ifc is able fco do for itself (say 14 years of ago), or, by tho marriago of it smother, another guardian provided for ifc. These latter remarks, however, aro only my own personal viows. I shall only further add, that tho Committee has repeatedly expressed tho pleasure it would have in receiving any suggestions, and I can assure you thafc any coming from you will receive fcho moßt attentive consideration, and a reason given if not adoptod. —Yours truly, JonN L. Gillies, Hon. Sec."

Tho Mayor thought tho letter extremely satisfactory from all points of view. It was decided by the Fete Committee that he Bhould forward the balance of tho money collected — some £700 — to Dunedin to-morrow.

Councillor Cuss said eomo impression had gone abroad that tho Council demanded to know what was to bo dono with tho monoy before sending tho money. The Mayor said the exception was not to tlio resolution, but to the remarks made by members of the Council.

Councillor Cass said lie would liko it to bo understood that tho resolution did not imply that.

Councillor Biusfcead said thoro wiw only one member who oxproeaod on opinion in an objectionable way. He repudiated that several members had done so.

It was unanimously agreed that tho letter was satisfactory.

The Council then adjourned at 11.15 p.m, till Monday noxt.