LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 226, 23 September 1936, Page 18

LOCAL BODIES.

J MOUNT ROSKILL ROAD BOARD. J A meeting of the Mount Roskill Road ' Board last night was presided over by j Mr. G. M. McCullough. Water Consumption—The consumption ' of water and the testing of water meters occupied the attention of the board ioi some time last night. Reporting to the board, the water committee noted the extraordinary consumption of wate:- taking place in the commercial undertaking in connection with St. Joseph's Home at Mount Boskill. On the recommendation of the committee the board decided not to grant any reduction 111 the charge tor water to the home from 1/3 per 1000 gallons. A letter received from the Royal Oak school committee with regard to the board's charge for excess water amounting to £8, was not considered satisfactory as it did not set out the tion fairly. Therefore the board decided that unless £8, the assessed sum, was received within 14 days other steps would be taken by the board to deal with the position. With regard to faulty watermeters the committee reported that some 200 cases were concerned in the meter test ordered by the board. Probably in some instances the test would show the meter us accurate, particularly in areas without sewer drainage. The result of the tests is to be reported to the committee when completed. The foreman will arrange for the testing by the meter mechanic. Disconnecting notices are to be issued against owners of all properties still carrying unpaid water charges at March 31, 1936, and where requests for payment of water meter repairs had been ignored, summonses aic to be issued for the recovery of the same.

Old Mill Site—After hearing a letter from Mr. C. Mills on behalf of Mr. Partington in reference to the old mill site for a fire brigade station the board decided that no action would be taken except in conjunction with other local bodies.

Alleged Nuisance. —In regard to an alleged sawmill nuisance adjacent to his property in Foch Avenue, a ratepajei intimated that he would hold the board responsible. The finance committee advised that this matter was the subject of a lengthy report last February. In view of the suggestion of legal liability contained in the letter further consideration will be given to the subject by the board.

Metal Contract—H. Bray and Co. asked that consideration be given by the board to an increase of 2o per cent on their contract price for the supply of metal in view of the rise in the cost of production. Ihe request was not entertained, but the board will consider its legal obligations regarding a variation of the contract prices tor metal when in possession of information now being sought. Property Redeemed. —The board w ® s nsked by a resident to write off all collectable arrears of rates owing, as he desired to take back liis State Advances mortgaged property, but could not afford to pay the arrears of rates. The finance committee reported the liability t of fhc former ratepayer was £36 13/, including municipal rates for 1936-37. Ihe applicant is to be invited to meet the board, it being considered that an inquiry into the circumstances should be made before any action was taken. Not Accepted.—On the rating status of a ■property in Hayr Road, Mount Roskill, the clerk reported that the ratepayer had had a judgment recorded against her, which was still unsatisfied. A State Advances mortgage exists, and payments against the liabilities were irregular. A notice had been received by the board from tlio Valuation Department making the property non-rateable, by virtue of its occupancy by the Police Department on a lease. Commenting oil this matter the finance and legal committee considered that the owner, having the best type of tenant possible, should be compelled to pay the balance of the judgment. The capital value of the property was £800, and the mortgage was understood to bo small. Hie committee recommended, and it was agreed on the motion of Mr. A. T. O'Donnell, chairman, that details of the present position of the mortgage should be procured, and that the purpose of proceeding to a sale of the owner's equity in the property be considered bv the committee a month hence. Further, that the Valuation Department be informed that the notice, issued cannot be accepted as effective for 1936-37, the property having been rated and demand served. |