LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 51, 1 March 1923, Page 10

LOCAL BODIES.

DEVONPORT. i Devonport Borough Council met last evening:, the Mayor-(Mr. 11. S. W. King) pressing. There were present, Messrs. E. T. Michaels, E. H. Little. A. V. Fracr. A. Hartley, 11. Under, C. L. Stevenson, James May's, and S. \V. Luxford. Debentures Placed.—The Mayor reported that £1000 worth of electricity supply debentures had been placed this week at par, and no expenses were incurred. The response was so prompt that it was not con- ' sidered there would be any difficulty experienced if the council found it necessary to dispose of more debentures. hlectricity Supply.—lt was stated that a report would be made <his week regarding the prospects of waiting applicants for electrical connection. The engineer had stated to the Mayor that by May or June tne whole scheme of electricity would be "on a j- r ood wicket." itoading Progress.—The Mayor stated that the contractor would shortly start on the second portion of the borough's rotiding scheme. Cabaret Hoarding.—The borough solicitor advised that the council bad no control over the hoarding erected at the local cabaret, and on a motion it was agreed by five votes to four to grant a building permit. Messrs. Little. Linder, Fraer and Bartlcy and the Mayor supported the motion, and Messrs. Stevenson, Mays, Luxford and Michaels opposed. Devonport Domain. —The council, sitting as the Domain Board, received the annual report, which stated that the football ground had been cleared of overgrowth, and that the cricket and tennis grounds were in flrst-class order. The board was stated to be owing the council a sum of £128 19/10 on the year. Rangitoto Island. —The council, sitting as the Itangitoto Board, adopted the annual report of the board, which recorded various Improvements on the island. Shelter sheds and an excellent playground for children had been provided, aiso water tanks of sufficient capacity to ensure a plentiful sapply In the driest summer. The Mayor remarked that It was a sad fact that the public had been fouling the drinking water supplied on the Island for their own convenience. Following on a report on the matter by the Medical Officer of Health, it was decided to provide a concrete washing basin, and also to offer a reward of £.1 for Information leading to the conviction of any person fouling the drinking water. BIRKENHEAD. The ordinary meeting of the Birkenhead Council was held last nichr. Tbe Mayor (Mr. Albert Hadfleld) presided, and Councillors Alfred Bartlett. Thos. Smith A. Turner. Phil. H. Haywood. L. R. L. Moller. E. C. Walton. R. Taylor, and F. M. Cowan were also present

Building Permits.- —-Five building permits for building and alterations, with a value totalling £1094, were -granted. Loan Proposal Deforce —On the motion of Councillor E. C. Walton, a resolution was carried rescinding a motion passed at a special meeting to hold a poll for a loan of £7000 for tire-fighting apparatus and equipment and for repairs and alterations In Purlrl culvert. . It was further decided not to present any'other loan proposals, but to recommend the succeeding council to consider the suggested loans as soon as possible -after It comes into office.

TAKAPUNA. The Takapuna Borough Council met last evening. Present: The Mayor (Mr, A. M. Gould) and Councillors T. B. Arthur, .T. W. Williamson, F. W. Suckling. A. F. Grant, A. H. Wilkle, C. M. Carter, A. \__,C larl[ . J - Collins. - W No Trams on Good Friday.— Tbe council agreed to suspension of the tram service on Good Friday, on the occasion of the employees' annual picnic. Overdraft.—The Bank of New South Wales notified that an overdraft limit of £9000 had been sanctioned. Water on Tram Lines.—ln connection with the derailment of an engine through silt accumulating during heavy rain and a complaint made by the Tramway Company, it was resolved to reply that the Council considered the drain pipes quite adequate except in case of phenomenal storms. Drains and cesspits had all been cleared. Building Permits.—Permits were granted for dwellings and additions, estimated to cost £6330. Street Lamps.—lt was agreed that the erection of additional street lamps be dealt with early In the financial year. Site for Gun.—On the recommendation of Councillors Wilkle and Collins, it was agreed that the German gun received from the Defence Department be erected on a concrete foundation In Williamson Park, Belmont. Overdue Rates.—lt was resolved that an extra charge of 10 per cent be added to all rates for the current year remaining unpaid after March 17. Proposed Brick Area.—Arising out of an application for permission to subdivide an allotment on Hurstmere Road for the erection of shops, Mr. Arthur raised the question of declaring an area within which only building In brick should be permitted. The matter was referred to tile Streets and Works Committee.

TE AWAMTJTU. The Te Awamutu Borough Council met On Monday evening. The Legal and Finance Committee reported that the general account would be In credit at the close of the financial year after all adjustments to loan accounts had been made in accordance with the Finance Act,

Advice was received from the Advances Office that a housing loan of £5000 was available, and the council decided to invite applications for houses accordingly. It was decided to prepare heavy traffic by-laws, the fees being fixed at £45 for six-ton lorries. £30 for fi»e-ton. £25 for four-ton, £17 10/ for three-ton, £12 10/ for two-ton, and £5 for one-lon. The by-law is also to fegulatc the speed at which these vehicles travel. , _ Notice was received from the Labour Department that the order to revert to the Wednesday half-holiday would be brought into force on March 1. The annual report on the domains showed that the full amount of the ouecn carnival money. £1248. had been expended in permanently improving Albert Park for football, cricket and general recreation purposes.