CITY COUNCIL.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3139, 4 March 1871, Page 3

CITY COUNCIL.

— ,^»— — The usual fortnightly meeting of the Council was held at their offices yesterday afternoon, at half-past 3 o'clock. Present — Councillors Eainie, Moss, Carpenter, Miller, Plimmer, Quin, and Mills. MINUTES. -w The minutes of the lost meeting were read a&HI confirmed. jfy WEBB STEBET. ifr Hordinge represented to the Board the - Btate of W ebb street, and said ho was prepared to pay £5 towards the necessary expense of repairing. Some discussion ensued on the application, Beverul councillors saying that a good deal of work had already been put out on the Btreot. The matter was referred to the engineer. COBKESPONDENOE. A hatch of outward correspondence was read.

GAS SOB THB CITY. A letter was read on this matter from the Manager of the Gas Works. As it appeared that the Gas Company was anxious to come to terms with the Council as regards lighting the city with gas, His Worship suggested the appointment oi a sub-committee to consider the matter. Councillor Quiu said that twenty-seven lamps had been lit for £234 6s per annum, and if the Gas Company could make theis terms anything approaching that, he would have no objection to even go to the length oi an additional £50. After some remarks by Councillor Mills, Councillor Moss concurred in the view taken by His Worship and proposed that a sub- committee be appointed to make arrangements with the Gas Company for lighting 24 lamps at an annual cost not exceeding £200, the cost of fittings to be borne by the Council. The committee to consist of His Worship and Councillor Mills. After soine discussion the motion was agreed to, the report to be brought up next Bitting day. It was agreed to call for tenders for lighting the city with gas. CANCELLING A LEASE. A letter was read from Mr A. H. Owen requesting the Council to cancel a lease lately held by the late Mr Edward Owen. It was agreed to grant a release to the executors. WATER PIPES. A letter was read from Mr Buchanan, of Leith, requesting the appointment as buyer and agent for tho purchase of water pipes for the Council. The Engineer promised to report upon the matter. PIKE ALARM BELL. A communication was read from the C.V.F. Brigade, respecting the erection of a largo fire alarm bell for the City, and stating that a depuuttion had been appointed to wait upon Mr Pearce and the Mayor. Tho cost not to exceed £'.50. Consideration adjourned. CUBA STUEET. A complaint from the residents of Cuba street was referred to the Engineer. WAGES AND ACCOUNTS. The monthly wages sheet and other accounts were passed. SOAP. BOILING. The following report on the matter was read by the Engineer : — " I Luive ike honor to report that in accordance with my instructions, I have occasionally visited the soap boiling establishment in Willis sireet, complained of by Messrs Tustin, Lawrence, and Pnttison in deputation, and by letter from Mr Fianimore. "On several days I had opportunities afforded me of witnessing tho boiling in full operation, and the proprietor very readily gave me permission to examine not only the manufacturing portions of tho premises, but also parts set apart as residential. " I am of opinion, after inspection and consideration, that such trades should not be permitted within the city limits. " The establishment under report, I am bound to admit, carry on their works with as little offensive smell as possible — yet the odors that arise and permeate evorythiug in proximity are sickening, cannot fail to prove an annoyance to neighboring residents, and not only that, but also injurious to health. "The proprietor informs me that the scarcity of water during the past summer lub tended to increase tho smells, he not being able to cleanse the works as frequently as usual, "It may be said that such trades are carried on in almost all large towns of Great Britain. This is true, but on the other hand it will be found that all such offensive trades are usually grouped together, and to each other, therefore, can prove no annoyance. Also, they are placed under sanitary inspection and regulation. Here, however, we find it in our principal thoroughfare without Buch proviso. " In conclusion, I may say that the proposed bye-law No. 48 will, in the future, reach such cases as the one under report ; but in the present case it is for the Council to decide whether it has jurisdiction in Buch matters. At present I think not ; but each complainant has his remedy at law." The report was adopted. TIME OP SITTING. The hour of meeting was altered to 4 p.m. The Council then adjourned till next Friday week.