CITY COUNCIL
The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Corporation was held last week.
Present—The Mayor (in the chair), Councillors Allen, Maginnity, Diver, Danks, Miller, Greenfield, Logan, Stafford, and Fisher. Messrs. Graham (Town Clerk), Page (Treasurer), Barton (Assistant Surveyor), and Johnson (Inspector of Nuisances) were also present.
Deputations—Mr. J. R. George attended as a deputation from the Wellington Racing Club to urge that the Council, in erecting a bridge over the Hutt River for the Wainuiomata water supply, should construct it in such a way that it could be used as a footbridge for visitors to the racecourse and by the public generally. Mr. George stated that a toll might be charged, which would not only cover the extra cost but also be a source of profit to the Council.
Several councillors spoke in favour of the project, but a doubt was expressed as to whether a toll could be charged by the Corporation outside the city. The matter was referred to the Works Committee.
Engineer’s Estimate—Councillor Danks pointed out that in publishing the amounts of tenders for the waterworks tunnel, the newspapers had included the Engineer’s estimate, which was calculated to damage the successful tenderer’s credit. The Town Clerk explained that the information had been obtained inadvertently. Councillor Maginnity said several people had known the Engineer’s estimate before it was published. After a short discussion, the matter was dropped.
The Case of Edmunds—Several councillors expressed disapproval because the Town Clerk had taken action in connection with this case, considering it purely a police matter. Councillor Diver stated he had reported the matter officially to the Town Clerk, as it was his duty. Councillors Miller, Young, and Logan said the Town Clerk had acted in a very commendable manner. Councillor Danks added that the thanks of the city were due to Mr. Graham for his action.
Tenders—Of tenders for clearing the site for the reservoir at Wainuiomata, that of Mr. Tom Woods was the lowest and was accepted. Of eight tenders for the formation of the drain line and racetrack (new waterworks), that of J. Kelleher was the lowest and was accepted.
Leave of Absence—Councillors Allen, Danks, Greenfield, Young, and Stafford were granted leave of absence, some to attend the Melbourne Exhibition.
The Waterworks Plant—Councillor Fisher suggested calling for tenders to carry the water pipes to the laying site along the Hutt Road, believing draymen could do it cheaper than the railway. The carriage was estimated to cost about £1,500, making it an important issue.
The Mayor responded that the Railway Department had agreed to take the pipes from the ship’s side and lay each pipe where required. Since the pipes were to be laid inside the railway fence, draymen would have to lift the pipes over the fence, making the railway the more economical and convenient option.
Councillor Fisher also noted that the Harbour Board seemed inclined to charge the Corporation for landing the remaining pipes at the Railway Wharf. He argued this would be unfair, as the Corporation had previously allowed the Government to land hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of materials for free.
The Mayor replied that what the Corporation had done for the Government was insignificant compared to what it had done for the Harbour Board. It was suggested that a deputation meet with the Minister of Public Works on the matter, but the Mayor predicted the Minister would direct them to the Harbour Board instead.
The Council adjourned at 10:30.
Tags: Newspaper Waterworks
