LAKE TAKAPUNA.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 303, 22 December 1893, Page 4

LAKE TAKAPUNA.

ALLEGED ILLEGAL CLOSING OF A

ROAD.

At the meeting of tho Waitemata County Council this afternoon, Mr \V. J. Napier brought undor the notice of the Council certain questions with reference to tho closing of a toad at Lake Takapuna. Mr Napier said ho had been instructed by a number of residents at Lake Taka-** puna with reference to the alleged illegal closing of public roads at Takapuna. He had waited on the Council two years ago with reference to this question, and the Council had mado certain concessions to residents ab tbe Lake in the matter, as for instance, permitting certain gentlemen to 6recb fences and gates across the roads on condition thab the words "Public road" be painted on the gates. The principal ground of complaint of his clients was the closing up a road, which was the only road leading to the Lake. Ho said that Mr Brett had erected a fence across the road and had stated thab he had done what he did at tho requesb of the Council. He asked the Council to order the removal of the fence.* Mr R. Mackay said he was convinced that nine out of every ten of the people in the di.tricb were in favour of Mr Brett's action. He wenb on to say that he (Mr Mackay) had originally made the suggestion to Mr Bretb to close bhe road and for.co it with a turnstile across ib in order to keep the cattlo outside. Mr Bretb did not seem to look kindly on tho suggestion at first, but he eventually consented to do so, as he (Mr Mackay) pointed out bo him thab ib would be for the good ot the public to keep the cattle oub from tho road. Mr Bretb closed the road up ab his request. Mr Brett understood that it was the wish of the Council thab he should close up the road. Tbe object was to keep oub cabtle and to preserve the road for the convenience of tho people. Mr Mackay considered thab the course taken by Mr Brett ab his suggestion was a wise one, and as long as ho was on the Council he would endeavour to keep that road closed in order to keep the cattle out. Mr Bruce and several other members spoko. Mr Napier then withdrew, and the consideration of his complaint was deferred until a later stage ol the Council's proceedings. *, Mr Napier aleo drew the attention1 of tho Council to the drainage of storm water ab the Lake through certain properties, and tn tho facb that some person had carted away a large quantity of scoria, etc., from Milford Road. He also complained, on bohalf of the residents of tho Lake, that portions of the rock forming a portion of a natural breakwater at the Lako beach had beon taken away and pub on the road. The Council agroed to consider these matters after the other business of the Council had been disposed of.