PALMERSTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 132, 9 April 1881, Page 2

PALMERSTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

; Wbdwesdat, Ap«Ui 6, 1881. The usual monthly meeting of the Palmeriton Borough Council took place on Wednesday evening, m the Ohambers at the Town Hall. Preaent— Councillon Ferguson (chairman), Mowlem, M'Neil, Batchelar, Celeman, and Dungan. '*" MIXOTJGS. After the minntei of previous meeting had been read and confirmed, the Chairman read . _ __.._ am jlpoloqt from his Worihip the Mayor, who had been compelled to go to Wellington upon pressing business. He then read the following precit of

CORRESPONDENCE :

A WXJKD WANTBD. An application was made by Mr. Alexander Dundai for' a refund of £8 18a, being a refund of money paid by him for filling 'street lines authorised by the late Local Board.. T>j^ ;■ Councillor Mowlbm said that unless he were not mistaken a man had to be employed to fell some trees, or at all events do some work npon the very land for which Mr. Duridas had preferred his claim. 'L The Towh Clbbk said that it was a fact that Mr. Dundas had done the work under the old Local Board, and it was also a fact that he had never been paid for.it. ■:'■- . . """. • - :.;'■■. ■;,,-: i;..- ; Councillor PcwaAif asked if, when the Local Board merged into the Borough Council, the latter took over the responsibilities of the former. The Town Clbsk replied m the affirmative, and after tome further discussion the- claim was referred to the Public Works Committee to report to next meeting of Council. TBANSTBB QI A JtBSBBYB '. LBASB. A letter was received from Mr. Ivor James, intimating that he had disposed of his interest m Section Wo. 11 Park Reserve to .'Mr. James Linton. THB TOWN HALL. }'-■' " Letter from Mr. Holdsworth, notifying that the Wellington Land Board at its last meeting had passed a resolution thanking the Borough Council for tht use of the Town Hall, the occasion of the late land tale.— Rebeived. From Mr.- Ward, Resident Magistrate, thanking the Borough Council for the permission which it had accorded for the sittings of the Police Court to be held m the Town Hall, during the erection of the new Court-house.— Received. A BIFFICULTT OVEBCOME. The Borough" solicitor wrote to inform the Council that the plan of Section 1536, lots 3 to 11, had been accepted at the Lands office, r - KSSIGKATIOK. Letter from Councillor Ivor James, tendering jus: resignation of his seat at the Council, on account of his leaving the district. ' i Councillor M'Neil moved, and Councillor CoiiEMAN seconded— „ That the resignation be received with regret. ■: * ... -. CHANGE OF XEBBRBS. A letter from Mr. 'George Snelson to the following effect :— " As agent for Mr. Edwin Brightwell, the present lessee of ■the Park Road Reserve, I beg to make application that a transfer or the said flease may be granted to Mr. Archibald Stewart on the same terms as leased to Mr, Brightwell— all rents and claims due .upon the said land to January Ist, 1881, LwilLpayJmmediately the transfer is allowed and signed. The rent which will be due for the current half-year will be paid by Mr. Stewart.*' Councillor M'Neil. said he was very glad to hear of the change, as the Council was losing a very indifferent tenant iand getting a very good one. He would move the following resolution; which he thought would simplify matters and answer all the ends required :— - That Mr. Brightwell be allowed to trans* fer his lease to Mr; A. Stewart." ~ No councillor would second the resolution, and although Councillor Dungan did not. consider the resolution went far ■ enough' and would not support it,, he ' would second it ,pro jornia, m order that it might be discussed. - , Councillor M'Nsnu said that the resolution embodied everything that Was necessary. If they were to amplify or enlarge the terras of the motion, they might— find themselves—landed in' the middle of some legal difficulty. Councillor Dongan" could hpt~agree with that view of the case. The i .resolution was most bare and vague, and while it gave Mr. Brightwell leave to transfer to Mr. Stewart,, there was not one word said about the latter carrying but the covenants between Mr. Brightwell and the Council. He must not be thought as objecting to the transfer, for he was most pleased at the change, but he thought the resolution should be more specific as to the conditions upon which the Council allowed the transfer. He would therefore move as an amendment— : That Mr. Brightwell be allowed to transfer hia lease of Section 1536 to Mr. Archibald Stewart npon the terms. proposed m Mr. Snelson'a letter of sth April, 1881, and m conformity with the agreement between Mr. Brightwell and the Council. ";." Councillor Coleman seconded the amendment. ' Councillor Batchblab was' really surprised . that Councillor Dungan should waste the time of the Council by bringing forward such an. amendment. The original motion was "quite sufficient, as the Borough solicitor would see that the agreement was properly ~drawn-up~and all the conditions complied with. AH that the Council had to do was to give the permission, pro formci, for the transfer, and the solicitor would see to the terms of the agreement. He considered that the discussion of the amendment was a mere waste of time. The Council aonldr give the transfer to Mr. Stewart,' and if he did not carry put the i>rp- ; visions of the lease, they could then fell, baok upon! Mn- Brightwell, ■■"> ..-_:.., i i Councillor Dungan would claim his right as the mover of the amendment to reply. He felt very thankful to Councillor Batohclar for the homily just read, to him on his duties as a Councillor,- notwithstanding, which, however, be claimed that he had a perfect right to bring forward an amendment upon any motion, and Councillors had an equal right to oppose or support it if they thought proper. Councillor Batohelir had accused him of wasting the time of the Council, but Councillor Batcbelar had stated that! all that was necessary was for the Council to give it£ permission for the transfer pro forma.} He did not know whether Councillor Bntchelar knew the meaning of the WordPro /anno, but if his «ug*

gestion were earned put the permission; would be a farce,- and as Councillor MTOeil bad said the Councilwould indeed find itself landed m the middle of a legal difficulty^ - '> Councillor Mowlem tbouxto the original motion was quite sufficient;, but while agreeing with it, be did; not think with Councillor Batcholtr that the Council could release Mr- Brightw^ accept Mr: Stewart, and then fall back upon. Mr. Brightwell again. The amendment was then nut and lost, md a division being- called" fory there - were for— Councillors Duogao and Coleman ; against, Councillors . M'Neil,. Batcbelar, and Mowlem.* ' ; "~~ - '- SUBSIDIES. '■-•' v'v-' :;'-•■".:. ; '. : A circular was received from the Chairman; of the Manawatu County Council, enclosing the following resolution passed by that body:— "That a circular b* issued to all County Councils and High* way Boards, asking them to co-operate m bringing influence to hear jin the members m, Parliament, „ or ..on candidates offering themselves for electim tc t obtain a pledge from such members for candidates) that they will do their utmost to>' compel any Government ithat may hold* the reins of, power to assist the local bodies m opening up the country, by subsidy, land fund, or endowment, as may be most applicable to each special case, thereby promoting the settlement of the colony." "v ; ; v: *-^ L The circular was a.page of foolscap- inj .closely printed type < setting forth ithV^ basis upon which the asked-for co-opera-tion was to be carrj^outl " ' ""-.'"■' Councillor Mowlem said that it was. m perfect impossibility for- any councillor to grasp the various matters touched upon* m the circular by bearing-, it once* For his own part he: could vnot follow; the Chairman while it wai bein« read^. C:';':' '^"i : -: : ■•■■•■■^ ■.••^■•: ■ CotraeiUoir M'Nkl was • just : m thesame position, and before dealing witb the contents should like to^ be more conversant with them. , - ." 5 -,f f ..v .. -,• Councillor Ddngak said it' reminded him of what had taken place at the first meeting of tht Cbiii^ e CS)ahcil' when, the Counties Act first came into- ' fore&; TWCouncii Hpn. ; Robert < 'ampbell as chairman ot their deliberations-^-and after* worrying; lat the Act for about six hours, it was decided that the clerk apply for ' copies to be supplied to each m em » they should adjourn for a month, and" m- • the meantime. ( 'ouncillqri 1 should devotethe time to a study '"'of- the* Act. • Hff would suggest a like course should be taken and would therefore move— ; ; That the Town Clerkshould write to the* . Chairman of the Gonntj. Oouncil, asking to be supplied with ten copies of the circularfor the use of the Borough Councillors with the view of their mastering its contents, q Councillor MowtEM seconded the motion, which was highly approved of by Councillor Batchelar, and carried. '■ THE XANAWATTT BBISGB. The following letter was read from the Borough Engineer \—* l wish omcially to bring under your notice .the dangerous>" condition of the Manawatu^B ridged 1 ■> fear that, m the event ot a heavy- flood 1 occurring and bringing with it much drift wood, the pier on the south sidft, with the approach;; will not prove equal ! to bearing the strain which might be. brought to bear upon it." . ; The Chaikmaw said that as bis Worship' the Mayor was m WeMibgton, the Ktter of the Engineer should be forwarded ta him, so that he might interview the Q^ vernment wtih regard tathemMier^ ■ -,-■■':■ ; -■..'_■ . T^trrxvvs. :- "' ' " : - : A petition was received from a numberof settlers m Ferguson-street ; praying that the formation of-that street to the south-west of Fitzherbert-street, should; be included m the wprjk, to be don.c at aA early da^e.v ::'■""':* : - '^\ -\.''- '/':'- :^ :: '- ■ Councillor M*Nwt^ saiiJ "that '"if- the^ Engineer was present, perhaps he eould T give some information as to the necessity: of the work and also. the. number of* con« tracts on hand. = . : -The Engineer: admitted that the street was one of the lowest m the town, beingsome twelve feet betaw the decking^ of the- Manawatu 'Bridge^ and consequently received all the drainage from Park Road • to beyond Main-street. StiU he had.- at; the present time ikr more contracts on, hand than he could properly attend to. Since he had become Engineer to the Borough he had^ devoted his' whofe; time to the work—that was nine hours s* day during the week, »Bd ? ae had" eve* towork on Sundays at h» plans. He thought if the work was not rushed upon, himTso, quickly it wo«ld be very much bettexii Councillor Moy?i^t( thought that the street applied for wa&one of great neces* sity, and would like to sec the Publitt Works Committee receive orders to have; it proceeded with at once. Councillor tIowMAM was of the tame opinion, and was abwtto, write, a resolu,^ tion to that efject, when ' ' "; Connoillor DoweAif proposed the fql-. lowing resolution :— 7 That the PablicrW p?ks Coninuttee be requested to consider the petition of ratei payers withregard to FeVgusQn street, and report at a special meeting to be convened; for that purpose, ;..;:;- : ?v.- ; ; - The motion was seconded, hy Counjnlrlor M'Neii,, and carried. DBAINS OM TH« FOXTOIf EOAD. , At a previous meeting of the Council - the TownLClerk w^s . 5 instructed; ; taj write to the District Enginee,r with regard to. the Railway Department clearing the drains within the Borough, on the Foxta* Road. The following ia the reply w--ceived from Mr. Stewarts— . : .r? ■.,■-,; M The outlet of the" water "from" theroad and railway line at the Kawaa 'stream was a joint work m the interesta of the Manawatu Cpwty x audr the RaiU way. The District .Manager of Railways has charge of main teivniee of woris concerning the railwkyV 'and '■:> hay« forwarded your letter to him." _ - : The following is the reply received fiomMr-Rotheramir-n : .;^ni "I have .the ho«pr to-acknowledge thereceipt of your memo.. } directing my attention to a drain_aldngside the railway* near Palmerston, al% requeß.(,jng me to. have it cleared. Vln reply r I 'beg to in-. form you that the drain, is quite clear enough for rail way purposes, but of course if adjoining la^d owners wish, to run, their drains into It» ; then it miy require something done to it, but I fail to see thai the Railway should be called, uppn_ to. maintain any drains ta benefit privsjte? persons." .-.:■■■'■■■•:■ ■■_ t -*^..' :■. Councillor M'Nwisaid that notwith--standing Mr. Rotheram repudiated any responsibility oni ;^th.e_ part qf. the. Railway Department, as & matter^f facf^irheiu > complaint had been made to him upon a, previous QQW»iQft 6« hjfl a«t on^i >

cknowledgedTeKnonsibility, but had had tbedrnin cleared. . T Codnciilor Dokgah thought that- as the Diitricf f ßn«ioeT had rtattd that the County Coupcil wai interested m the construction of the drain iv the first instance, application" should be made to that body, and Mr. Stewart's letter Forwarded at the •ame'time. Councillor-MiNßn^ then moved,. and Councillor CoMacANjpeconded— _ That the present; staW-of the railway drain le wpoted to the, County Council, and also what correspondence had passed between theT Borough: Oodnril and the R»Hv way authorities on the subject; and that the County Council be requested to o>. operate with the Council m taking the necessary «tops m the matter. ' Carried. '"■'" * " : - '* ■- V'.' : ?:^ ' : " { THI MAH«AORB STEBAM. Mr. Car.f6ll appeared as a deputation on behalf of certain purchasers of sections m the Kiiifanga Block to ask that the Council would erect a bridge over the Mangaone. He said that as the stream was both %idfc and deep unless some mode of crossing^* given the" settlers, they would be unable to get upon their sec tiont. The Chaibmui asked ..the Engineer what would be the cost of a bridge over which a pack-hone could be taken, ; sp »s to enable oWnefi td convey tools and provisions. ' 1 Councillor M'Nmi. iaid it would be folly' to dream of such a B^hructure, and he was quite sure that the Engineer would not recommend its erection. .He 'thought it would be far better' for application to be made to the Highway Board asking that body to join with the Borough in'the construction of a proper bridge. \. Councillor Dung ah pointed out that there was very little hope m that quarter The Manawatu Highways Board, he regretted to aay was not overburdened with funds, and as. the construction of bound- . ary bridges between boroughs and highways fell' upon the former, it was not likely they -would voluntarily disgorge. Once the bridge, were erected, they could compel the highway board to pay half the maintenance. However there would be no bat^* m carrying, out Councillor M'NeiFs suggestion, and making the application. He would move— ' ' ' That, the Town Clerk' should write to the Cbairmanof the Manawatn Highway Board, with a reqiifeißt that it should act m co-" operation with this Council^ and beara proportion of the expettifl of. the erection of a bridge acmsjjftejftan^asne. into Jthe, Kai; ' ranga Block, seeing that the Board will re ceive all the rates from the settlers. The motion was seconded by Councillor Mowum, and carried unanimously. ■*, THB BOROUGH MAP. Councillor M'Nml drew * attention to the terms upon jwhich the Council ;had purchased 'the 'man "for the we of the Borough from Messrs. -Palmerson and Scott. It was stated m the resolution that they agreed to add thereto the new Wildings which mights be erected or ■treets constructed during the next fire years, but he would wish to ask what gnar«nte«thLad_the Council that the conditions would be fulfilled, once the money had been paid away. He would move — That MesßM.*Palmerson arid ;Pcot.t's ac. : eountforthe Borough map b(f paid upon' their entering, into a bond to m ike alterations m terms of their proposal of the second of February, the -boud- to be two snreties of £25 each. '.. : V ;. Councillor Ddhgah said be felt quite convinced that the proposal of Mesirs. Palmersontiand: Scott had been made m perfect good-faithr-and - that they, would honorably fill their engagements. For that reasbhhe would second the resolution, which was-carried. . ,; 7 HEW STREET. Mr. James Linton presented a plan of a new street, .called Linton-street, and asked permission of the Council for its Construction.- ■-••.- ■ ■ The Cbaibmah explained that the application was a mere formality, which had to be complied with m order to enable the owner tp,haye itregistered, but it m no way committed the Council to taking it ' over. '...: , tr , ' ■ ■■:■'■■ •■• --■• ■■■'■■-.'. ' '■■■ . Councillor Mowlbm moved, and Councillor CoMtHAK seconded-— That this Council assents to the plan of XAnton-atreet, and to the laying off of sameCarried. ■.•■-.■■•',••.• ,-'- -:: ■ • ;■■ -:' \ :''■:■:■ ... . atoito*. ■. .■• • *> ; y The Town Clerk stated &at m looking over the Municipal Apt he found it" was within the jurisdiction of the Council, when ajEacaney-occurred, to fill it up_by_ appointment Councillor Ddhgah moved, and Councillor Mowlbm seconded— That Mr: -James King be appointed to fill thi vacancy of auditor, canted by the resignation of Mr. Mitford. . Carried. FOOTBATHS IN SRI BO.U ABC. Councillor B atchei,ab spoke m theverv strongest terms of the disgraceful way m which jthe contract for kerbing the Square had been carried out. It was simply a disgrace to the Public Works Committee and to all concerned, The pathways were far worse now than before tbey were touched, and were an eyesore and bugltear to the town. He certainly thought the' Public Works Committee showed very little discrimination m making two tenders for the work, as the r were .'left m such a state a* made them the Ulk of strangers, and as he had before stated « perfeot huglietr, Beside, however, their appearance, it was positively dangerous to walk out at night, as the manner, m which the paths had beetf left was- nothing more than so many mantraps. . He couM not think of what the Public Works Committee were about, to allow such a disgraceful state of things to exist/ A-"'" Councillor M'Nbij^ should certainly protest against the attack made upon the Public Works Committee, which was most unjustifiable and uncalled fbr. The wort bad been let by tender m the usual wayr apd altboagb the contractors for the xerbihgbau^ done the irork m a most disgraceful may, that was no, fault of the Public Works Committee. He therefore felt bound to protest against the itrictqres paade urion it" by Councillor Batchelar. The CiiAiaHAiv said that having been a member, of the Public Works Committee until very lately, he was m a position to judge of, and speak as to the work which devolved upon it. In fact, he might say that the only real work done by Councillqrs r was by the members of the members of t^e Public Works Committee, Councillor M Neil said that the niembefs of the Public Works Cammittee met: together and accepted the lowest. and heat; tedders foil: ordered by the'C()uncjl; but if JJduncillor Batchelar, or any"6rie •1« W^iuif4/^ey W«rt 10 loh i'UMir time

overseeing. the :^ork while m progress, they Were very much mistaken, ,THE DRAIN ,. IN MAIN-STREKT. Councillor Batchelar said there was anothes matter which he thought it his duty to bring before the Council. He alluded to the disgraceful manner m which the box drain across Main-street had been put down. Some of the timber used was bo rotten and worm-eaten that it would be a shame to use it for a coffin. He had spoken to the men, and asked them from whence they had got the timber, and had been told it came from the Corporation' ;yard. Tt was simply a disgrace, and a most wilful wast* of money, for before the box had been twelve or eighteen months m the ground it would be so rotten that it would crumble away. He had been placed m the Council to protect the interest of the ratepayer^ and he had considered it his duty to bring the matter before the Council. The Chairman said that as the Engineer was present, he would probably be able to reply to the changes made against Jbunv... .■,'. '"■•■;:'' ■ [ " '•.-■.• ■■.-,•-..'.: ■ Mr. Armstrong said that part of the box drain was new wood and part old, but although some might be old and dirty it «as perfectly, sound. . !. Councillor Batchelar said he did not allude to the old timber. at all, but to the "new." The Engineer said he had examined it thoroughly before putting it down, and was of opinion that it would well last for eighteen months. By that time there no doubt the drains round the Square, which had been constructed too small, would have to be taken up and enlarged. Councillor Batchelab said that that was no excuse, for no one could tell whether m eighteen months the Council would be m a position to put down the new drains spoken of. The job. was a most disgraceful one and a complete bungle. He knew what good and bid timber was just as well as any of the Public Works Committee, and perhaps a good deal better. . The Chairman said they had appointed the Engineer because of his professional knowledge, and consequently they should place some weight upon his opinion. He freely admitted that Councillor Batchelar bad a perfect fight to expose whatever he thought was a wrong upon the ratepayers, but he considered it should not be done m a left-handed manner but By lodging a specific charge of incompetency or neglect". He thought the attack made upon the Engineer was unwarrantable and uncalled fur. Councillor Batchelar would like to know what the Chairman meant by a left hauded attack on the Engineer. He had not attacked that officer. What he had said was that the work was a disgrace, and so it was. r ...- 'The Chairman wid Councillor Batchelar had said the work was a disgraceful bungle, and as it was being carried on under the supervision of the JSngineer if that were not accusing him, he did not understand the English language.; Councillor M'Nbil agreed with the remarks of the Chairman, and considered the Engineer bad given a roost satisfactory explanation. Councillor Batchelar had made a series of attacks during the evening, first upon the Public Works Committee about the footpaths m the Square, and then upon the Engineer. He freely admitted that the kerbing was not what it .should be, but that was the fault of the contractors who were thoroughly incompetent. He believed if the Engu neer were to stand over them they could not do the work; . - Councillor Batchela» said he felt Very pleased at the admission made by Councillor M'Neil. During the evening he had taken nim to task for saying the paths m the Square were a disgrace, and now he admitted that such was the case; He felt pleased and proud of Councillor McNeil's conversion. ■ - The matter then dropped, and after some m>nor business had been transacted, the Council adjourned after a sitting of three hours «nd a half.

ENGINEER'S BEPOBT. Contract A.— There remain a few rimu logs t« clear, and a few roota to cut out to complete this contract. The extra work of clearing out the drain has been done. Contract D.—Koad formation, Churchstreet West and Cook-* treat. This contract may be taken as completed, thongh the character of the work is slovenly. This contract is m the tame hand* as the kerbing m the Square. Contract E — Bushfelling and clearing m J2hurctßtr*eet ;,from Oook-itreet to , the Boundary boundary. Some work has been done m clearing off the bush, but•considerable amount of wbrk : remains to the contractbris 'ere they can complete. I fear the accident of * fire running through the fallen bash before it was fit for burning will much delay the completion of thin contract; Contract H. — Bashfelling and clearing m Botanical Road. The contractor has here made excellent progress; all the lighter part of the bash has been burnt, and a portion of the logs rolled off. He is clearing one side of the road j to facilitate my getting the levefe for the proposed drainage through this road. : ; Contract t.— Bashfelling and clearing m Boundary Road West. Fair progress is being made, and the same. remark would apply to the like, work under Contract J, Contract K.— Bushfelling and for nation m Shorfc-street— 2o chains. This work is wellin hand. Contract Mf.— Formation m Featberstonstreet, from Kangitikei-street westward — 16 J chains, 4;Co&siderable portion of the work under this contact has Wen already done, and >o my satisfaction. .=. Cotitract N,-~BV>rmatidn 19£ chains m Fergqaon-st.reef, east of Fitzherbert-street, with acoomp any m The same contractor has t«ken: this work who has. Oon« I tract M. Ec has not yet commenced here. Contract O.—F rmdtion of College street betwe«n Fi^berhert Road and Cook«street, This work is b«jqg satisfactorily pro.'ceded with, Onletter»d contracts s — Drain m Park Roadj and short length of formation m Cook«street These two contracts are taken by the same co.i tractor; A considerable length of the drain, and the larger half of the formation are completed and the work thus, far h-rig been well done, ...... Partial Fornjation^— Approach to Vogelstreet, ■"" This wr)rk r has'*b*een complelcd. Kerbing to the Square and Keturns.— rThe kerb around the Square has been put m. Unfortunately this work, which more particularly than any required, skilled workmanship has fallen into most unskilful hands, j The whole character of the work is bad, the bevil joint is m many-ins tarioes. half an inch out of its tfae plane; ;: and ths 'kerb throughout far- more serpentine than straight, both horizontally and Vertically. I gave a considerable time io thiji work-— the larger p->rti«n of eight dayß— in setting up ievelpegs for the coritrMtor's guidance, besides fither attendances; "I hare hitherto abstained fjQm aiding *oy wnjarki, be-

cause I wished to give the contractor every chance. As, however, he has endeavored to exense the faulty character of his work to some member* of tlie Borough Council, on the pie* of having had an insuffici-nt number of pegs to work from, I have to state that such was not the case, for I set np level pegs at not more than one chain distance all round the inside lin* of the footpaths m the Square besides giving the outer line with the theodolite. The true cause for the faulty nature of the work under this contract is the incompetency of the contractor, and m proof if such be needed, I have only to ask you to compare the work done m Park Boad, where I only set up two ohain of pegs, one* wilh that m Church-street West, where I originally *et up pegs at every chain, and have been over the work for a similar purpose thrice since. Had tHe kerb been properly placed, I could have followed up with th« formation of the footpath*, instead, however, I have had to allow the footpaths to remain until now m an unfinished condition. Metalling m Featherston-street. — The oontractfor this work was lot, and has been completed during tin month. Fencing Sections m Main and Church ■toeta.— About 25 chains of fencing, minus the wires are completed, and about 30 more partially so. I have called tenders for <• mpleting the footpaths around the Square, For formation m Alexandra-Street, and for that portion of the south side of Main-.-»treet, ordered to be done at the last meeting of the Borough Council, which tenders are to be m for consideration this day. I have also to place be f ore you sections of part of Featherston-street and Boundary Road, with the levels worked out to the datum, starting from the datum level peg at the Public Hall. You will find by them that the drainage down Boundary Road can be conveyed i to the M mgaone Stream without much difficulty ; the difference between the lowest spots on Boundary Koad Weßt of Bangitikei street, ani the highest ridg*» to cut through being 3,66 feet. As regards Fealheraton street, I see no w y at present of getting ri I «>f the water which ordinarily more or less rovers some fifty chains ; the ground level m places being only two feet above the bottom of the Mangaone, a partial outlet may be found by way of Botanical Boad, and for facility of comparison I have placed the leve's of Mainstrett chain by chain un ler the reduced levels of Featherston-street. Mr, Dunn has asked that a crossing I? made at College -street on the east side of Fitzherbert Roal, to enable him to have access to hi« lani, Hher a culvert to or * log bridge over the drain would give him access. Mr. Tricklebank has aßked that a short length of water table — about 1£ chains — and a crossing over be made by the entrantsto his brick yard to prevent the water f iom Church-street running into h ; s yard to his detriment. This is a reas nable request He has also asked, if his request be grafted, for earthenware p'pes to be used instead of i a box culvert under the croon?, and will suppply 9in. at Is a foot. If so it would be as well to make him responsible for their maintenance m good order. The ordinary* work of the month by the day men has been principally making coo > hollows and crossings itL. the h^rse an<! dray. This latter has been m work every day but one during the month, and the work done, filling m hollows iv * an^itikeistreet, Toanui-street, Victona-streat, and Pitzroy-street. In widening the j-inct ions at Rangitikei-atre't and B>un ary Roai. Broad-street and TeriMce-s'ruet, Terrace. street and Main-street, and railway at Skandia-street, ard m mak nt e< od water tables and oot|iath near the Public Hall. The culv-rt across Main-sir«.et haR been put m, and the other at Georee street will be immediately ; to enable this tc be done without inconvenience to the public I -had to engage an - xtra hand for about three days. I had occneion to speak to Montague about the unprotected excavation at the corner of the bquarp and Main- street, and requested that a proper fence be placed around it. This was not done ; I then- fora spoke to the policeman calling his att" ttion to it. [W« are compelled to hold o cr ihn Public Works Committee's Report until next issue.}