DEVONPORT'S PROGRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 57, 7 March 1913, Page 8

DEVONPORT'S PROGRESS.

BUSINESS MEN ACTIVE,

FOUR CANDIDATES TO COUNCIL.

A meeting of Devonport business men interested in the approaching municipal election, and in the progress of the borough, generally, was held in the Borough Council Chambers last night, Mr John Henderson presiding. A few weeks ago a meeting "of Devonport business men, convened "by the Waitenrata Chamber of Commerce," appointed Mr Henderson chairman and Mr Roscoe secretary, and set up a committee to consider the question of having business men actually engaged in the borough put forward as candidates for the locil Borough Council. The meeting last night was called to consider the report and recommendations of this committee. There was a large and representative attendance, and keen interest was displayed in the various matters brought forward as being of vital concern to the progress of Devonport. The committee submitted a tentative platform which, it was suggested, should be adopted by candidates relying upon the support of the business men. The meeting affirmed the principle of an extension of the present borough 'boundaries. In this connection the Chairman pointed out that the. present area was limited to one square mile, including the reserves. The dual control of the Narrow Neck Road by the Borough Council and the Waitemata County Council was not altogether satisfactory. Takapuna was making a move towards the formation of a borough, and there would be a question as to which borough eliould take in the Bayewater district. It would be a good thing, he thought, if Devon-port borough were extended as far as O'Neill's Point corner. No overtures had, however, been, made by outside districts to be taken in with the borough. The first suggestion of extension had come from the Waitemata (Devonport) Chamber of Commerce. It was unanimously decided that the establishment of public conveniences in suitable parts of the borough was an urgent necessity, the existing state of affairs being roundly.- condemned as disgraceful. It was further agreed that increased bathing facilities and sanitary conveniences on the ibeaches were badly wanted. The meeting accepted the suggestion that tramway communication would add immeasurably to the poee-i-bilitics for progress: .within the borough, and affirmed most heaitily the committee's recommendation regarding an early installation of up-to-date fire brigade appliances. Keen appreciation was expressed regarding the capabilities of the young fellows of the present fire brigade, many speakers deprecating the disheartening conditions under which they are called upon to carry out their duties. As a final plank in the approved platform, the committee's recommendation that the principles of modern townplanning and scenic improvement generally should be carried into effect was cordially endorsed. •Messrs J. Henderson, H. Elliott, S. Paterson, and W. L. Movlan were selected by ballot as candidates for the Borough Council, and those present pledged themselves to work vigorously to secure the return of these gentlemen on nollir.g days. Vacancies in the committee caused by the' selection of the candidates above-n-amed were filled by "the appointment of Me?*rs Heldt, Buchanan, Lowe, Eaton, Hinkins. and Coddard. It was decided. to defer to a future T>ieeting..the' selection of. candidates' for the Charitable A"id Board and the Harbour Board.