GREATER AUCKLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 158, 5 July 1921, Page 6

GREATER AUCKLAND.

AN AVONDALE SUGGESTION.

_____. TO LdNK UP. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION. The Avondale Road Board is to be asked at an early date to decide ( "whether it is in favour of amalgamating with the city, and, if so, to arrange a meeting to test the feeling of ratepayers on the matter. The old Avondale 'Road Board were instituting preliminary arrangements in connection with the suggestion, but stopped pending the election of the new Board. Now the latter ie moving in the matter, and this morning the chairman, Mr. W. J. Tait, and another memiber, "Mr. T. Wilson, had a preliminary discussion with the "Mayor on the pros and cons of the suggestion. Both representatives of the Board were under the impression that the first 6tep necessary would be for "Mr. Gunson to address a meeting on the matter, but he advised them that the procedure should be for the Board to come to a decision, and then to place the scheme before the ratepayers. In the meantime he would have all the necessary data in respect to the city, such a3 rates, etc, made available. Should these steps result in an application from Avondale for amalgamation he would see that the desire was placed before the City Council and consideration given thereto.

Mr. Tait pointed out that the ratepayers wanted drainage, water, and tram facilities, the latter so as to increase population. The ratepayers had sanctioned the raising of £32,000 for the first-mentioned project, and £14,000 for the latter. This money, however, was not yet available, the treasury being empty. 'He also referred to the fact that the Board was handicapped in its operations through lack of road-making plant. There were two valuable assets beyond Avondale in the city water supply and tlie cemetery. He also mentioned that an effort was being made to have the Road Board area converted into a borough. Mr. Gunson stated that the council always looked to local bodies to take the first step in amalgamation proposals. The council favoured a greater Auckland, to extend right across the isthmus. He mentioned the names of a dozen local bodies that had joined the city within recent years, and expressed the view that no doubt a number of others would join up within a few years. There were several aspects which the council would have to consider if such a proposal as suggested was forthcoming. Tlie advantages and disadvantages would have to be sifted. He mentioned to the deputation the council's present responsibilities in connection with works arid finance, but pointed out that it was an advantage to the city to take in undeveloped districts. Finally, he said the council would not go out to Avondale to initiate a campaign for Greater Auckland. He would not express an opinion as to the view the council was likely to take of the matter. This he made very clear, and informed the deputation that he would advise the council of their visit, and act in accordance with his earlier-mentioned statements, that the necessary data would be supplied and that if an application was forthcoming it would be placed before the council.