CITY COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 164, 11 July 1919, Page 7

CITY COUNCIL.

A SHOUT MEETING. The business done by the City Council at •Its meeting last night was not a great tax upon the executive ability of the councillors. In fact there whs very little discussion, only one point or difference was raised, and that between the Deputy-Mayor, Mr A. J. Entrlean. who was in the chair, and Cr. Ilall-Skelton. The meeting sat for just an hour and a quarter, and is perhaps one of the shortest sessions on record. EXTERMINATION OF HATS. A memo from the District Health Officer emphasising the need of renewing efforts to reduce rats In Auckland, was accompanied by reports from the Chief Sanitary Inspector, and a firm advertising its exterminator. The memo, with its tags, was simply received. LEASES OF LAND. The Works Committee and tile Council approved a deal to acquire leases of land adjacent to the city electrical power house to give extra yard space, which was necessary. The area occupied by Messrs. D. Goldie and Sons is to be t.iUen at a price of f:>000. with possession on November Ithis year. The other property is owned by J. .T. Craig, Ltd., and was, formerly that of the Premier Joinery Co. This is under ijffer at £6305. and its purchase is to be completed, with the owners retaining possession for the time being, paying 5 per cent on the purchase price as rental. MAIN ROAD MAINTENANCE. The same committee recommended a remit to the Municipal Conference, and this was approved. The remit is:—"That, taking Into account the altered circumstances brought about by the introduction of motor traffic, this conference Iα of opinion that the cost of maintenance of the main arterial roads of the Dominion should ba n charge on the consolidated revenue, and that the Government be urged to take snch steps :is are necessary to give effect to this resolution." PROTEST FROM KEJICERA. Mr Patterson presented a petition ha said was signed by 107 ratepayers of Ueinuera. protesting against the erection of a public convenience near the Victoria Avenue tram terminus. The petitioners .set out that the convenience on this site was neither necessary nor desirable, and the council had at least two other sites that would far better serve the purpose. Mr Patterson moved that the petitions be rerequest that a deputation be received. He submitted that the signatures had beea obtained without canvass. and legal advice had been obtained showing that if the council went on with the scheme it would be liable for damages. The motion was carried. FIRE BOARD ESTIMATES. Estimates Ot Us expenditure for the year were submitted by the Auckland Fire Board. These amounted to £12,303 for the twelve months to June 30, 1920. KING'S DRIVE DRAINAGE. The Harbour Board is soon to commence more reclamation work on the foreshore of the new King"s Drive, and the actingengineer to the council reported upon certain drainage that would have to be put in first.