LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 242, 10 October 1916, Page 9

LOCAL BODIES.

MOUNT EDEN. The Mount Eden Borough Council met last night, when there were present: The Mayor (Mr. Oliver Nicholson), Councfflors E. Yates. H. H. Seabrook, S. Burns, W. Woolley, J. W. Shackelford, E. H. Potter, J. Davis, J. P. Hooton, and K. D. Stewart. Croydon Road. — A deputation of ratepayers residing In Croydon Koad asked that their thoroughfare should be repaired, as at present it was 'more like a lake than a street." On the suggestion of tho Mayor, the matter was referred to the Streets Committee for attention, and ln response to a further request from the deputation, the committee was authorised to have another lamp erected. More Trams Wanted.—On tbe motion of Councillor Shackelford, the Council resolved to urge the Tramways Co. to Improve the borough's tramway service, and to send a deputation, consisting of the whole Council, to suggest the duplication of the third | . section of line In Dominion Road, and the running of cars from the foot of Wellesley | Street between 5 and 6 p.m. on week-days, and between 1 and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. | I Stormwater Problem.—The Mount Albert Borough Council wrote, asking the Council to dispose of stormwater in Paice Avenue and Onslow Road. It was decided to ask the Mount Albert Council to join in a conference to discuss the question of stormwater drainage. Southern Drainage Zone.—On the recommendation of the 'Water and Drainage Committee, it was decided to Instruct the engineer to prepare reticulation plans of the southern zone of the borough, ln accordance with a request from the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board. Mount Eden Road. — The Streets Committee reported having deferred until its nest meeting consideration of the question of raising Mount Eden Road at the corner of Boston Road.

ONEHUNGA

The Onehunga Borough Council met last night. Present: Messrs. J. Bowe (Mayor), E. V. Sutherland, C. C. Davis. W. JBrewin, E. J. Higgins, H. J. Davles, T. H. Pardlngton, I. Lomas, G. L. Taylor.

Recruiting. — The following resolution was received from the Waltomo County Council: "That this Council ask the cooperation of all local bodies throughout the Dominion ln urging the .Minister of Defence to discontinue the voluntary system of recruiting, and that a ballot be taken for the quota in each military district, as provided in the War Regulations Act of 1916. This Council, in asking for yonr support, is prompted by the fact that there are too many youths volunteering, whilst older and matured men eligible for service are hanging hack." Mr E. V. Sutherland expressed the opinion that the Council could not do any good ln thie matter this stage, as the Government has it ln hand, and can be trusted to do all that is necessary. He moved: "That no action be taken." This was seconded by Mr G. L. Taylor, and adopted.

Vote of Sympathy.—The Mayor moved a vote of sympathy In tbe following terms, "rtz.: "That in view of the number of Onehunga young men who have been killed and wounded while gallantly fighting for the honour of Xew Zealand and the Empire in the great war, this Council desires to extend to their sorrowing relatives and friends its sincere sympathy and sorrow In the losses sustained by them." The motion was adopted in silence, all present standing.

Belgian Relief Fund.—Mr C. A. Osborne reported that the total receipts from tne concert recently promoted by Miss Ida Cutts in aid of tbe Beifrian "Relief Fund amounted to £-10 17/. A vote of thanks was accorded to Miss Cutts and Mr Osborne lor their efforts in this direction.

Street Cleaning.—The Mayor reported that all local bodies had been advised to clean up their streets to prevent the spread of sickness when the summer comes. It was decided to comply witn this suggestion, and to have Queen Street swept three times a week, also the side streets when necessary. It was further agreed to have Queen. Street well watered durihg the summer. ' •• '.-"'■-" -- t

•Leave of Absence.—Three months' leave of absence was granted to Mr TV. j. ißrewln, who leaves for Sydney next Monday.

Tram Cars.—On the motion of Mr Sutherland it was decided to ask Mr J. J. Walklate, manager of the Auckland Electric Tramways Co., to furnish the tramcars with window blinds ln summer.

XEW IYKK.

The -first business meeting of the newly-elected members of the Xew Lynn Town Board met at tbe Board's offices last evening. Mr C. -Gardner (chairman) | presided, other members present neing Mesers iHandley, -Cutler. Taylor, Sampson, Jeffries, and 'Lawson. I Financial Position.—The Chairman, ln ' returning thanks to tbe Board for his election to the chair, reviewed the financial I position of the Board, stating that I approximately the rates for the current year would amount to £!>B2 7/S, whilst the overdraft at the bank amounted to f3S2. It would readily be seen that the Board's policy would have to -be a cautious ■one, as. after recognising outstanding liabilities, it would only leave something like £230 to carry on with until the end of the financial year, March 31, 19ar. He invited members to join him on a visit of inspection of the roads throughout the district at an early date, and this was agreed upon. Chairman of Committees.—On the motion of the chairman. "Mr Lawson. was appointed chairman of committees. Dangerous -Culvert. —The dangerous condition of a culvert in Seabrook Avenue was reported upon, and the chairman and Mr Jeffries were appointed to visit same, with power to act. | Recruiting.—A letter was received from the Waitoino County Council asking the ' Board for its support to a resolution | passed by them asking the Minister of Defence to discontinue the voluntary system of recruiting, and that a ballot be taken for the quota in each military district as provided in the War Regulations, 1916. It was contended by the Council that matured men were hanging back whilst boys went and fougat for them. The Board decided to give its support. Alarm Bells. —In reply to the Board's application to the Railway Department i for the erection of alarm bells at the level crossings in the district, a repiy was I received that the installation of warning bells at these crossings referred to will Ibe done in due course. I Mr Hosier's Contracts. —The Kngineer reported a settlement in this matter. | Values. —The Valuation Department reI ported that the capital value of the district was £158,915: unimproved value, I £82.&J0; value of improvements, £T6,075. Xmas Gifts for Soldiers.—The teaching ' «taff at the Xew Lynn school asked the Board for assistance to the above object, i and the matter was referred to committee. i "Resignation of the Clerk. —Mr -a. .Meyer tendered his resignation to the asoarci as ! clerk and treasurer. After Mt Meyers had intimated that his decision was final. ■it was agreed to accept same, and take the necessary steps to fill the vacancy. I Dog Collars. —A discussion ensued as to ! the amount to be charged for aog collars for the forthcoming year. Some members wished to raise the fee, whilst others expressed the opinion that they should be all one price, as a majority of tne people had declared their dogs as "cattle dogs, only paying a fee of 2/6, whilst others paid 5/. Referred to committee. Creen Bay Wharf.—The chairman intimated that he would make a suggestion to the Board In connection with this matter at its next meeting. Voxious Weeds.—An Amending Act bodies power to deal with this menace in their districts was mentioned and it was decided to go fully Into the matter at the Board's next committee meeting. Whau Bridge.—The dangerous condition of the above was again ibrougnr tinder notice and the chairman was asked to confer with the adjoining local bodies. Works Committee.—The advisability or otherwise of setting up a works committee was discussed, and it was ultimately agreed to defer the matter until after the Board's inspection of the district. Hamlet Loan Balance. —There Is at nresent about £300 of this loan money not expended and awaiting the uovernment's authority and pound for ,pound subsidy As it is uncertain as to "when this authority will be forthcoming, the ouestion arises what shall be cone with ?[.[„ £500—should the money be put out on interest? The chairman was instructed to confer with the late chairman, with a view to approaching the Minister of Public Works. •By-laws —Tbe chairman intimated that a revision of the Board's by-laws would be necessary t_ the near future, as many of tiem "ww* practtcaEj laop.erattF^