MUNICIPAL COUNCIL.

CHRISTOHUBCH.

Monday, Aug 2.

Tho Counoil mot at tho usual hour. Present — His Worship tho Mayor and all tho Councillors. FINANCIAL. Tho Town Clerk reported that thooverdufL at tho Bank amounted to £-2861 5s 4d. Receipts during tho week :— City ntei, 1875, £88 lis 8d ; Waimakariri do, £14 Kj 2d; watering rate, £10 Gi lid; deposits cv contracts, £16 15s j fines from Beside;:!: Magistrate's Court, £2 10j j quarter's rent for paddock, £2 13s GA ; Standard Insurance Company, £9 5s 6d ; licenses, &c, £11 123 ; total, £156 11a Id. Wages, contracts, &o. (City account), £660 16j lid ; do (Drainage account), £103. Ovordraft (Drainc^e account), £212 ISj; credit to Draiuago rato account, £864 3s Id. COLLECTION OP BATE 3. Councillor Ick inquired whether the Finance Oomrnittoo wero satisfied with the speed at which tho City rates were being collected ? There was an ovordraft at tho Bank of abouj £3000, and ho would liko to know whether" tho Finance Committee felt that at tho end of tho financial year tho balanco woold be on the right; side ?

Tho Mayor said tho Fiuanco Committer was satUfiod that the officers of tho Council woro doing their beat to get tho notices one. Ho did not know that it would bo suoh a vei / sorious thing if tho overdraft wero not completely wiped off by tho end of the finance l , year. Wellington was bohind to a very considerable extent not long ago. Councillor Baphaol said that greater energy should bo displayed in getting in the uu.. They had plenty of officers, and ho did not s >> how tho notices could not aU bo delivered 'i a wook a two. The Mayor romarkod, that there wero 400 notices to bo mado out and delivered, and tb \ could not be dono in a week or two, unh>. tho Council omployed extra clerical assistance. Councillor Baphael said he would mow next week that ovory sovonth ratepayer on tho 801 l should be summoned at once. ABOLITION. Tho Mayor said that during the pait we; v a petition was presented to him from foi-.i-five ratepayers, requesting him to call a publiu meeting re tho Abolition of tho ProvineL.-? Ho had communicated with tho hou iC. Eiohardson, with a view to ascertaining wlkm tho Bill would como on for second readin ... and ho received a roply that the second read U, • would tako placo on Friday next, Ho h.t therefore called a publio meeting forThut'scii>;<noxt, at tho Oddfellows' Hull. Ho had rui-i tho proposed measure, and ho thought it would recoivo tho support of tho wholo Counoil, seeing that tho Government desired to endow Municipalities so liberally. scbvkyok's RfcrOßT. Tho City Survoyor reported that last we k two stroots woro advertised to bo channolk J, and only ono was lot. Tho Works Committ.o recommonded that tho other should bo let to Mr Jarvis Beard. Tho pieoo of channelling in Durham street was completed ; also the piece in Manchester street, with tho exception of the culvort, which would be built in a few days. Tho channelling of Cashel street and Horeford street would shortly bo completed. Tho gravelling of the roads and footpaths progressed vory slowly, owing to tho oxtremely bad stato of tho roads leading to tho pit?,

and also the great quantity of water in tho pit'?. The repoit was approved. MADRAS STBEKT DBIDGB. Councillor Bishop said the Works Committee had considered the subject of the erection of tho Madras street bridge, and they hud come to the conclusion that there should bo no alteration in the plan. The proposed bridge was estimated to cost £1460; timber to ' i good Australian ; abutments, concrete and ono ; outside girders and bandrailing to be 1 . n ; width, 40ft, or nearly three times the - i Ith of the present bridge. The style of the bridge would admit of stone piers being built in tho rivei' at some future time, and the whole covered with iron girders, but at present this plan was too expensive. He begged to move that a bridge be erected according to tho above plan. The motion was agreed to. It was also resolved that the Works Committee call for tenders in tho same manner adoptsd with regard to tho Montreal street bridge.

Councillor Bishop moved—" That the construction of Hereford street Bridge shall be the next to follow that of the Madras street Bridge, and tho Surveyor be requested to prepjro plans and specifications at convenience j cost not to exceed exclusive of the intended contributions."

Councillor Ick seconded the motion, and in doing so said that the present bridge, leading as it did to the Museum, College, Publio Library, Polico Dapdt, and Domain, was ft disgrace to the City. Councillor Raphael said he hoped Councillor Bishop would not press his motion until they ascertained what tho contributions would be. If he were credibly informed, he believed that Mr Lane did not intend to contribute a single sixpence.

Councillor Hart said that if this bridge were to be erected, it should be on the understanding that ono half of the cost were subscribed. This was the principle adopted with rjgard to the Cashel street bridge and other bridges in the City, and he did not think ft should be departed from in this instance. He begged to move as an amendment— 'That as soon as the persons interested pay in one-third of the cost, the City Council will be prepared to carry out the work."

Councillor Calvert seconded the amend* ment.

The Mayor said the principle referred to by Councillor Hart was a very good ono, and one that he should support if they were going to erect a bridge out of rates j bat this was not the case in this instance. He thought it would be too much to ask those interested in the neighbourhood to contribute one-half the cost of what would fae a permanent work.

Councillors Jones and Gapes spoke in support of the amendment.

Councillor Bishop said he was sorry he could not see bis way to altering his resolution, as the cost of the bridge would not come out of the general rates as was the case with regard to other bridges in the City. The amendment was put and carried. NOBTH BELT.

Councillor Fart inquired when the plantations on the North belt would be removed ?

Councillor Ick stated that the matter had previously been discussed by the Council, and after a conversation with Mr M'William, it was found that the removal would cost about 10s a tree all round. This being the case, it was considered that the work should not be undertaken, this year at any rate. COBRBSPONDBXCB. A letter was read from Mr E. J. Wakefield, M.H.R., suggesting that the Mayor and Counoil should take action towards having a petition presented, praying for increased represent tion of Christchurch East and West.

The Mayor thought it was desirable that nation should be taken in this matter. It was .moortant that population should be properly represented in tho next Session of tho General Assembly. Tho Council had seen the evils of oroperty being represented and not population m tho Proviuciiil Council. (Hear hear.) He thought a Subcommittee should beappointed to put petitions in motion.

Councillor Hart moved— "That this Council •s of opinion that steps should bo taken to increase the number of representatives in the General Assembly for the City Districts. Nat the Mayor and Councillors Hart and L' -hop bo a Committee to carry out the fore•ioiug resolution."

Councillor Calvert seconded the motion. The motion was agreed to. The Town Clerk was instructed to acknowledge the receipt of Mr Wakefield's letter, with thanks.

A letter was read from tho Secretary for Publio Works, intimating that a voucher had been passed for £75 towards maintenance of tho Government Fire Engine for tho past half-year.

A letter was read from tho Secretary of tho Gas Company, stating that the Manager's attention had been called to the matter re the supply of light to the public lamps. A loiter was read from the Chief Postmaster, calling attention to the necessity of re painting tho Post-office and carrying out crvtoin minor fepairs.

Keferred to tho Works Committee.

A letter was read from the Secretary for Public Works, statiug that tho Government intended to use the stone in front of tho Supreme Court iv tho improvement of tho ground in front of that building. A letter was read from Mr Strouts, asking whot the limits wero as to the granting of permission to place areas under the footpaths, in view of the erection of tho new hotel at the corner of Hereford sweet and Cathedral -quare ?

The matter was ordered to stand over for a week for consideration.

A letter was read from Mr George Pill, Syduey, asking for information as to the situation of the Railway Station, as a movement was on foot in Sydney to induce tho Government to bring tho Railway into the centre of tho City.

Tho Town Clerk was instructed to send a suitable reply.

Letters were read from Messrs W. J. W. Hamilton and Wynn Williams, calling attention to the exceedingly bad condition of tho roadway on tho Eastern side of Latimer square, and the approaches thereto in Gloucester and Hereford streets.

Councillor Hart moved — "That the letters bo referred to tho Works Committee." This was a matter which was brought under tha notice of tho Council every year, and he was surprised that tho Works Committee did not at' end to it, and see that the work was carried Out.

Councillor Ick said tho Works Committee would tako tho matter in hand, and do what Councillor Hart had left undone. (Laughter.) Councillor Raphael hoped the work would bo dono at onco.

Referred to tho Works Committee to tako action.

A lottor was road from Mosars S. Dowdall and M. Googhogan, asking for romioflion of rates on account of tho damage thoy Buetained through tho flood on tho East bolt-on tho 5 Hi and 6th of Juno last. Councillor Raphael thought tho application should bo granted, and ho bogged to movo a resolution to tho offoct. Councillor Bishop seconded tho resolution, whioh wag agreed to. A lottor was read from Messrs Twentyman and Cousin, oalling attention to the stato of tho road between tho corner of tho Bank of Now Zoaland in Cathedral equaro and tho back entrance to thoir promiaoß. Roforrod to tho Works Oomrnittoo. A letter was road from Mr John Opponheim, calling attention to tho faot that this year hr was rated for £2 7s 6d against 17s and 19a Iv. tho two former yoars, Referred to tho Rato Collector to report on. A lottor was road from Mr Thomas Purdie, asking that shingle might bo plaood on tho footpath in Sfc Asaph stroot west, noar tho Lincoln road. Roferred to tho Works Committee, A letter was read from Mr Thomas Prudhoo, asking on what terms tho Council would tako over Peacock street. Roferrod to 'tho Surveyor to roporfc on. A lottor was read from Mr Antony Julie, asking leave to keep hia barrow for tho nalo of fish at certain plaoos for tho timo allowed to other vendors of fish. Permission granted. NEW DRAINAGE TiOAN. Tho Draft Drainage Loan Bill, 1875, wsa road and roforred to tho By-law Committee for a report thereon. INCREASE OS" BAT/ART. The application of Mr Haskina for an increase of salary was furthor adjourned for a week. TOWN RESERVES. A lotter was read Mr J. W. Troadwoll and others, oalling attention to the bad stato of town roßorves 133 and 134 Referred to the Works Committee A letter was read from inhabitants in Taylor's Lane, asking for some ahinglo. Roferred to tho Works Committee. nEroRT. The following report from tho Euporiutonof the Fire Brigade was road :— " I havo to report that during tho year onding July 26, the Brigade havo attondod fourteen fires, as against eleven for tho aamo period last year. Ton of tho fourteen havo been buildings on fire, This is a larger number of buildings than wo have had for somo timo boforo, although tho loss has boon light, through tho prompt attention of neighbours as well as that of tho Brigado. The plant, with tho oxooption of the suotion hoso of tho hand ongino, is in good ordor. Tho now Buotion for this ongino ordered somo timo since, I am glad to say is on board tho Marmipn, now duo.' .1 trust tho Oounoil will Boon sdnotion tho erection of a new station in tho Market plaoo ; tho present ono is in a wrotohed state, and not fit to keep such a valuablo plant in. If Buoh a station as suggested somo timo sinoo is erected, I believe it will greatly add to tho efficiency of the Brigado. Mr Craig informs mo tho Companies aro willing to oontribute£2oo for this purpose ; and the advantage of having a number of members living at the station needs no comment." Tho report was approved. FIBE BRIGADE COMMITTEE!. The report of tho Fire Brigado Committee was brought up and read.:-— "Tho Committee, while regretting tho numbor of fires during tho past year oxooodod tho former— Fiate tho Superintendent's roport ■—still havo to congratulate the Council that no very serious loss has been oxporionced. The Council will sco from tho Superintendent's Roport, tho plant is in good ordor. It may bo oxpodient to ordor more hoso during tho noxt twelve monfcho, but at tho proeont timo Jho Chief Officer does not conaider it necessary. , Tho Committco recommond tho sum of £470 to bo voted for tho ensuing year. Tho vote laot year was £418, tho expenditure £436, tho addition boing caused by tho Superintendent's salary boing incroasnd. Tho Oomrnittoo hope, heforo long, that tho funds of the Council will allow tho Firo Brigado Station in, tho Markot-plaoo to be ro-built. The Committee consider they will not bo exceeding their duty if thoy mention, that although tho Government engino has boon at tho Railway station for somo time, no organised body has been formed to work it, and if a oonflidorablo firo should break out, it would then bo found that a largo and exponsivo plant could not bo utilised, which, in tho opinion of your Committee, would be far from satisfactory to tho publio. The Committee suggest tho Oounoil communicating with tho Government. Tho Oomrnittoo recommend that a voto of thanks to be passed to membors of tho Brigado, and aleo to tho Firo Police, for services during tho past year." Councillor Raphael movod that the report be referred back to tho Oommitti o, Ho said that aa ono of tho Committco ho had deolined to sign the roport. It had only been brought down that ovening. Ho had never seen the plant, and therefore ho could not say that it wan in a good condition. Councillor Raphael proceeded to comment on tho roport. In the course of his remarks ho ohamctorißod tho report as moonshino and a sham, declared that it would be a small loss if Councillor Jones resigned his membership of tho Oommitteo, os he had intimated j and said that tho roport was falao, in fact, Thio last observation brought Councillor Jones on his legs, who objeotod to tho exprcflsion, and asked the Mayor to call Councillor Raphael to order. Oounoillor Raphael said ho treated with ontempt anything that Oounoillor Jones said. The Mayor asked Oounoillor Raphael to withdraw tho expression " falao in fact." Councillor Raphael declined to do bo. Tho Mayor s Then if you don't withdraw it, I'll vacate tho ohair. Councillor Raphael : You can do as you like, but I'll not withdraw it. Tho Mayor ; Then I vacate tho chair. I cannot eifc hero and sco tho lie diroct given to a member of tho Council, Saying this, tho Mayor loft tho ohair. After a pauao, Oounoillor Hart roao, and said that objoolionablo expressions mado uso of in tho heat of disousßion wero withdrawn in all bodios, and ho hoped Councillor Raphael would withdraw tho expression ho usod, and allow tho buaincßfl to proceed. Councillor Raphael said that in order to allow tho business to go on, ho would withdraw the words, Tho Mayor thereupon resumed tho chair, and tho business was proceeded with. Councillor Jones' amendmont for tho adoption of tho report was carried, Oounoillor Raphael being tho only dißsentiont. SANITARY COMMITTEE. The Sanitary Oommitteo reported, in tho some terms ai thoy did Lot wook. MEOTION OV MAYOR. Councillor Bishop move X-~" That iho hon

E, Richardson bo advised that sinoo tho last communication tho Counoil havo had an opportunity of obaorving tho intention of tho Govornraont to endow Municipalities and Road Boards, and assuming tho Bill will paßs and that Canterbury will bo included, this Counoil would leave tho election of Mayor in tho hands of tho ratepayers without tho restriction named at luot meeting."

It was pointed out that lait Monday's resolution would havo to bo rescinded before Councillor Bishop's motion oould bo put, and that fourfcoon days' notioo would have to bo given. An expression of opiuion was takon on Oounoillor Bishop's motion, and tho rosult wr.3 that tho majority of Oounoillors woro opposed to it. 01IRI8T0HTJB0n AND OTTBTJUB9. Oounoillor Gapes moved—" That considering tho position of Ohriatohuroh in oonncotion with its suburbs, also, tho largo and rapid increase of population, it ie absolutely necessary for tho health of tho inhabitants that oortain portions of tho suburban districts, to bo horoaftor defined, should bo annoxod to tho City, bo as to form one uniform system of drainago, and that Dr Foster bo instructed to draft a potition to tho Gonoral Assembly, praying that tho said portions of tho said disdistrict bo annexed to tho Gity of Christchurch." Tho resolution was negativod aftor a slight discussion. Councillor Bishop moved—" That a special mooting of tho wholo Oounoil and Chairmen of Road Boards bo appointed for Friday next, at 3 p.m., to considor tho propoaod Drainngo Bill, in accordance with tho resolution paaßod by iho Oounoil on July 5 last."^ Councillor lok seconded tho motion, which was agreed to. Oounoillor Raphael movod— " That tho Drainago Oommitteo bp discharged." Tho motion was negativod by tho casting voto of tho Mayor. For— Oounoillors Raphael, Oalvort, Hart, and lok,

Ago inst— Councillors Biahop, Jonos, Gapes, and Schmidt.

INSPECTOR'S REPORT. Tho report of tho Inspector was road and approved.

MOB-N'SBS.

Tho following woro granted s — A. J. White (kerosene), Lewis Smith (drivor's), William Dunn (ownor's). Tho Council then adjourned. Oounoillor Raphaol gavo notioo of tho following motion for Monday noxt :—" That the Firo Brigado Oommitteo bo instructed to havo a proper atook book kept, detailing tho plant of tho Brigado.