South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 - 1889), Tuesday 10 March 1863, page 3


MUNICIPAL CORPORATION.

MONDAY, MARCH 9.

Present—His Worship the Mayor; Councillors Baker, Bankin, Bowen, Bundey, Faulding. A. S. Clark, Brice, and Goode.

The TOWN Clebk reported that the newly elected Councillor for Gawler Ward, Mr. Algernon Sidney Clark, had signed the declaration and taken the oath of allegiance, and also stated that the Finance Committee was short of* member. It was resolved that Mr. A. S. Clark should, be a. member of the Finance Committee. BEAUTtFTIira THE TOBEKNS. His WOBSHIP stated that he bad bad a conversation with the Sheriff on the subject of beautifying the banks of tbe River Torrena, and that Gentleman bad readily offered all tbe assistance he could in granting the tabor of tbe prisoners in the Gaol. He would therefore sug gest that the Public Works Committee should be em powered to confer with the Sheriff on the matter. The suggestion was adopted, and a resolution to that effect earned. COBEKSPONDENOE. The Under Secretary stated, in reply to a letter from the Council, that the Government considered they had done sufficiently for the safety of the citizens by erecting; the Boilway Bridge, and could not therefore incur the responsibility of reopening a> level crossing in a line with Morpbett-street. To stand over until next meeting.' Messrs. Lawrence and Enox wrote, communicating the result of -the appeal in-Jdte case of Winter V otfatton. A letter was received from George Anderson, engineer to the South Australian Gas Company, giving notice that it was bis intention to break np certain streets, which he eouemrated, for the purpose of laying down gas pipes. Mr. BaiOK hoped the Surveyor would see that the pipes were laid down in the footpaths, so that tbe streets might not be broken np ag?io. Wa Brown called attention to the condition of Angas-atreet, and suggested that some rabble stone should belaid down. Mr. RssTRtW rearm mended'that tbe suggestion of Mr. Brown should be adopted. The letter was referred to the (Sty Surveyor, with power to take action in the matter. ? Joseph Jaques gave notice of xhe existence of a nui sance, which was referred to the Inspector of Wui ? slices. G A, & H, Bartleet directed attention to the state of the water-table in front of their store in Grenfell street, it being filled with blood and otbar matter ; and also to the heap of rubbish at the back of their store. The Town Clerk said the City Surveyor's attention had been called to the matter. Mr. Rankin doubted whether any blood or other matter was to be seen in the watertable, but considered the fall of tbe table should be altered. The matter ol the rubbish to be referred to the City Inspector. O. Von der Hyde & Co. wrote, appealing against the amassment on their store. To be acknowledged, the time for appealing having expired. A memorial from several citizens was read, showing the necessity for erecting a culvert leading from Weymouth-street into Albert Street and Victoria-place. Referred to Public Works Committee. A memorial from several citizens was read, praying that the Council would delay the commencement of building the Town Hall until they were perfectly satis-fied that no additional burden would be imposed on the ratepayers of the city. They considered the fact of only one legitimate tender having been made for the bonds recently in the market was a matter which should com-mand the serious deliberation of the Council. Mr. Clark concurred with the views of the memorial. He thought it was premature to commence erecting a Town HalL The city had gone on very well without such a building, and he did not think that the people should be burdened with an additional tax, for a purpose which was not required at present. It was generally understood that should the figures put forward by the Council be incorrect, the citizens would not be pledged to the erection of the Hall The state-ment us to the rent paid by Mr. Futcher was incorrect, inasmuch as it could not be estimated as part of the proceeds of the new building. Then, again, tbe parties who used the Telegraph Office were decidedly opposed to its removal, and they had originated a memorial expressive of their views. Until the estimates laid before tbe public were proved to be correct, he should protest against the works being commenced. He moved that the prayer of the memorial be granted. Mr. Rankin conceived that it waa impossible for the Council to interfere with the progress of the work. On hearing the names of those persons who signed the me-morial, he could not help thinking that it was the result of interested motives, as none of them lived sonth of the Exchange, but nearly all of them resided in Hindley and Rundle streets. He understood Mr. Macgeorge. the architect, whose design waa rejected, took round the memorial for signature, and he thought such a course of action came with very bad grace from that gentleman. Mr. Bundey moved an amendment, "That the memorial be not entertained.". It was a, very insignifi cant one, as it was only signed by 87 persons. He considered the citizens had ample time for opposing the proposal of having .a Town Hall if they wanted to do so, as the fullest publicity was given of tha meeting at which the opinion of the colonists was taken. He con temned the conduct of Mr. Macgeorge, and expressed his belief that it was too late now to retract. They most proceed with the building, and he thought they wonld have the sanction of the public generally. Mr. Baker seconded Mr. Clark's motion, and thought they should delay tbe commencement of the work until they ascertained whether they could raise the sum of £12,800. Mr. Goode seconded the motion that the memorial be not entertained. He did not think they should upset what they had done just at the request of 37 persons. He had been asked by many when the work would be com-menced, and he hoped they would proceed with it as soon, as possible. Mr. Bowen supported the amendment, and believed that two-thirds of the colony were in favor of the build-ing being proceeded with. As an old colonist and one taking an interest in the colony he liked to see it pro-gress. (Hear, hear.) If he thought the erection of the Hall would infringe upon the citizens he would not support the work. But nearly every other part of Her Majesty's dominions had a Town HalL and he did not see why they should not have one. 'Mr. Clark did not think the accusation of interested motives should have been made. He went on the ground that a great many of the votes were taken on the understanding that the figures 6f the Council were correct, and if they were Incorrect it was best to retract at once. Mr. Goode did not think any promise had been made by the Council with regard to the figures. Mr. Clark believed the remark was made by His Worship. His Worship said, at the mesting in question he was called upon to answer questions upon which he had no means of consulting with the members of the Council. He did not promise that they wonld not go on unless they had a guarantee from the Government What he said was, that in the event of the Telegraph Office not being removed, the matter would have the careful consideration of the Council, and that they would only do whtt (hey conceived to be bast f3r the interest of the city. He did not make any pledge on the matter. The amendment was carried. Mr . Bowen presented a petition on the subject of the Goodwood-read, praying that it might be formed aod metalled. _To lie on the table until the report of the Public Works be zead. TENDERS. For Foundations for Town Hall ;—Thos. Cox,|f 497 25., to be completed in two months; W. H. Wells, £1,010; W.Gidding?,£62o; Chas. Sanders, £519; J. Pepper and Co., £750; J. Bamfield. £520: F. Hodgson end E. Johns, £410-lls. 80. Mr. K. W. Wright, the srehiteot, -whose design was accepted, said be did not know Messrs. Hodgson and Johns. His Worship siid the parties had worked for him, and were very good tradesmen. Mr. RANKtN asked whether the architect had esti mated tbe probable cost of tbe foundations, as they were very important works. Mr. Bbice did not think the question should be asked, as it was not their purpose to ask whether the price was fair or not. Mr. Oanets considered that as the work was very important, they should make enquiries as to the person who had given the lowest tender. Mr. Goods moved, and Mr. Fauldikq seconded, that the tender of Messrs. Hodgson and Johns be ac cepted. Mr. BUNDEY proposed an amendment that the tenders be laid on the table for a few days. Mr. Bowen seconded. The original motion was. accepted. For making four watering troughs, there were four tenders. That of J. Rogers, at£lslos., was accepted. For constructing South-terrace roadway, there were six tenders. That of P. McNamara, at £820, was accepted. The Subvetoe stated that the lowest tender was below and the highest tender above the estimate he had made of the work. CLEBK O7 WOEKB. There were 14 applications for the situation of Clerk of Works to the Town HalL In accordance with the by-law the consideration of the applications were delayed to the next meeting-Mr. Eakkin wished to know whether the architect's commission had been fixed. His Woeship said the arrangement was five percent, on the outlay, to include the drawing of the new plans. Mr. Bankcj hoped tbe arrangement would be made in writing for future reference. Mr. Wsioht said he would write out the arrange ment, and promised to furnish a new sot of plans free of cost in exchange for the original ones. Mr. Rankih thought the Council should keep the original designs intact, as they might at some future time be called upon to refer to tuam for the satisfaction of the citizens. Mr. Bdndey considered that much expense would be entailed upon the architect if he had to comply with Mr. Rankiii's suggestion. His Worship maintained tbe Council had power to site? the design wfaioh had been accepted. The Town Clerk said the plan which had been exhibited over the door was the property of the Council. He had lent it to Mr. Wright to make some alterations, and of coarse it would have to be returned. Mr. Fauldihg did not think it was necessary to keep a copy of all the detailed plans, but only essential to preserve a complete set of the plans that wete adopted. M . Wbiqbt said if they wished to have an outline of every moulding he was afraid he should not be able to comply with the wishes of the Council. > Mi. RAHIrIH did not thiuk they ooirld be particular,

and considered they should gat, as fer as practicable, their wotting drawings in a work of nub magnitude. The Tows Cmc&k said the atchiteet had to submit the whole of the plans to the Conndl before the work was commenced. Mr. Babkot moved that all the working drawings of the bui ding be the property of the Council. Mr. Bowss thought it was only necessary to pre serve the elevations and sections, and did not think it was expedient to get every little detail. Toe Town Cube promised to get ? statement ?f what the architect would agree to in writing by the next meeting, and the discussion ended. FI9AHCB. Heceipts, £479 6a. 4d.; payments, £972 13a. Bd.; balance, £ 10* 18s. Id. Hr. F&alding was placed on the Committee in lieu of Mr. Colton, resigned. The Committee suggested that cases should be sub mitted to the Town Clerk prior to their being taken into Court. The Committee reported that the books of the Valuator for Grey Ward had not been placed in the hands of the Collector. Hr. Fabiding spoke of the necessity of (be book* of the Valuator for Grey Ward being placed in the hands of the Collector; and alluded with regret to the resigna tion of Mr. Col ton. Mr. Bowen also bore'testimony to the loss the Council had sustained in losing the services of Mr. Colton. Mr. Rahkik followed, speaking in a similar strain. The report was adopted, and cheque* directed to be signed to meet the payments doe. PUBLIC WORKS OOHtOTTEB. The Committee's report, dated March S. was read aa under:— "Goodwood City-road.—Your Committee have re considered this matter, and see prepared to recommend, if the persons interested in the road will contribute £75 towards the cost, that it be made; the remainder of the expense to be charged to the (Sty. Hilton City-road.—Tour Committee are not prepared to advise the whole expense of the repairs of this road being defrayed by the City. The Burreyor states that the requisite repairs, with river metal, will coat £75 ; and if the parties interested in the road are willing to contribute one-third of the sum (£25), your Committee would advise that the work be done aad the ranaindar charged to the City. " Hindmarsh-eqoare Enclosure. — Your Committee recommend that the gardener be instructed, in his leisure tiite, to make a path round flint! marsh-square. as suggested by nun ; end that the Surveyor be like wise instructed to place four seats in the above square similar to those in Victoria-squire. " New Large Boiler—Your Committee axe of opinion that a new roller should be obtained, and advise that tenders be invited for the supply of one—the old one to he disposed of by tender. "Driver's Licence; James Phillips.—Tow Com mittee cannot recommend ft licence to be granted to this person. " Swimminjr Matches at the Baths.—A* theae ?re fixed for the 2Ut instant, roar Committee recommend that the boys competing be allowed free for practice twice a week till the match day—tihe fine admission to be by ticket under the hand of the Secretary. "Cattle Straying in Streets, Gardens, to.; Mr. Minehin'e Letter.—Your Committee advise (hat the trespass foes for cattle trespassing be altered as follows:-' Hones and other cattle trespassing in unen closed land, 2s. 64. per head; in enclosed land, ss. do. : in gardens, &c, 10a. do.; sheep in like manner. Id., 21., and 3d. do.; pigs, 35.. ?nd 10s. do. ; goats, 10s. do. " The increased charges now recommended are neoae sary in consequence of the numbers of complaints con stantly arising of the present ueale of charges twin*; insufficient to get rid of the ?mi—?k?> caused by cattle wandering about the streets, and then entering gardens. &?., and destroying property. On the above, as regards goats, (being adopted, the poundkeeper'e fee for each animals might be reduced from £1 to 10s-Mr. Goods said, witJh regard to the memorial which had been presented by Mr. Bowes on the matter of the Goodwood-road, the Committee ware anxious to do all they could. The work would oast about £800, and if the people could by private sabseriptkuu raise £75 the Committee would recommend the commencement of the work. They were disposed to make the same arrange ment concerning the ililton-road. It was resolved that the decision of the Committee should be communicated to the memorialists. The report was then adopted. by-laws cowtrrrsE. " Your Committee recommend that by-lawi, as now submitted, for effecting the following object*, be adopted, viz.:—l 6. To regulate 4juantily of inflammable material to be allowed on premises ; 17, es to escape of gas; 18, sinking of wells in cellars; 19, weighbridge and sale of goods regulations; 20, carters* Cares ; 21, Croat. ings over footways; 22, to prevent obstructions in streets: 23, ofienrive matters on premises ; 24, to regu late part; walls and fire-places.*' Hr. Goods said with respect to the by-law No. W, people had complained to him of the hardship imposed on them in not being allowed to have more than 100 gallons of inflammable oils on their premises, their stock in band being very frequently more like 1,000 gallons. When a person had a cellar in which 10,000 gallons could be contained it was rather hard not to allow him to keep more than 100 gallons in it. Mr. Fauldiho said there was recently a huge fire in Melbourne, in a camphine warehouse. The ou did not ignite, notwithstanding the nozzles of the tins were melted. Mr. Baker said the insurance companies would effect an alteration in their charges if the clause were made more liberal, and also increase their premiums on all buildings adjoining premises in which inflammable oils were kept.' The Tows Clerk suggested that the by-laws should be altered so as to give permission to keep more than 100 gallons in underground cellars. Xhe amended by-laws were carried. TBS FODNDATIOHB FOB THB TOWS HALL. Eia Wobship read a letter from Messrs. Hodgson and Johns, elating that they had omitted the well in their tender for laying the foundations of the New Town Hall, the price for which would be £55, ?>lrii. g their tender £465 lie. Bd. It was resolved, (hat the tender of Thomas Cox should be accepted. OFFICKBB* SXPOBS. The City Surveyor recommended the issuing of tenders for various works. The Surveyor was authorised to cell for tenders. That officer also reported that Mr. Nobes, the contractor, was not carrying out his contrfiet, and that the CooncOlora of the various wards had handed in their reports of works recommended to be done during the present year. Mr. FACLDoro suggested that the reports of the CounciUor? should be postponed for e> week, end that the Council should adjourn for that time. Mr. Rahkxh moved that certain works in Hanson and Pulteney-atoeets, in Grey Ward, should be at once proceeded with. Mr. Bakes seconded. Mr. BuHDEr moved, that the works be'not proceeded with until the whole of the works rftnommenriort by the CduncilloES be considered. The amendment was negatived. Hr. QSODB then proposed MMtfliAH-ainnmiinaijf^ that the whole reports be referred to the Public Works Com mittee, and that they be empowered to commence one work in each ward at once. Mr. Brioe seconded. The amendment was lost on the casting vote off the Chairman, and the motion carried. CHILDEBB-STBKBT. Mr. BcrHDBT moved that the above street.be repaired. Carried. AHBNDED HCBICIPAL ACr. The MatO? reported that a daft Bui withe view to amend the existing Moninipal Act had bsen drawn up. The object was to fcailkate the purchase of the CooncU's bonds. Resolved, that the draft be presented to Parliament. The Council adjourned at ten miantni past 6 until that day fortnight.