LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 10, 13 January 1926, Page 13

LOCAL BODIES.

NOBTHCOTE BOROUGH S COTJNCIL. The fortnightly meeting of the Xorthcote Borough Council was held last evening. The Mayor ("Mr. C. A. Deuxberry) presided, and Councillors J. B. Tonar, F. J. Maxwell, E. W. B. Herrick. Chas. GBunker. A. J. Lennon. C. A. Clark, and J. F. Jackson were Also present. Reserve.—A donation of two guineas was forwarded by Mr. H. G. Gray, honorary secretary of the Xortbcote and Birkentead Ramblers' I-eagrue Football Club, towards the cost of putting the Stafford Road reserve in order. The communication requested that in tho event of a football ground being available for the 1026 season, an opportunity would be given the club to place its claims before the council. It was mentioned that the Auckland Rugby League was willing to pay a small ground rent every Saturday that the League had the use of the reserve. Hospital Endowment.—Plans of the proposed subdivision of portions of the Auckland Hospital endowment were submitted. The council decided to visit the area before giving approval of the subdivision, considering that the Northern 'Road should be wider and straightened. A portion is set aside as a reserve for public purposes. Traffic Licenses. —Tlie city treasurer forwarded a cheque for £2S 14/ in respect of the apportionment, on a population basis, of license fees received from vehicles and drivers for the year ended March 31, 1925, and from heavy traffic for the nine months ended December 31, 1024. It was pointed out that the heavy traffic fees now being distributed were not those received tfnde'r the new by-law, and having the extended range from Helensville to Mercer. Distribution of these would be made as soon as practicable after the close of the licensing period, viz.. December 31 last. Water.—The waterworks engineer, Mr. J. Williamson, intimated that the December consumption of water had been 3.264.000 gallons. The surface of Lake Takapuna was three feet above high tide mark ■at the end of December, a fall of nine inches during the month. Yesterday the level had lowered to 2ft lOiin, but some years back it was several inches below this mark. Analysis of Water.—A satisfactory bacteriological report respecting samples of water taken at the Xorthcote intake at Lake Takapuna was forwarded by the Xorth iShore Water Board. Gas Trenches. —In his report, the foreman of works, Mr. R. Colvin. stated- that the Gas Company's trenches were unsatisfactory; the filling sank down, and no further attention was paid to them. A motion, of which the Mayor had given notice, was carried, viz.: "That the Birfcenhead and Xorthcote Gas Company, Ltd.. be notified that in future they will not be permitted to open any road In the borough of Xortbcote for the purpose of laying gas mains and services without the written permission of the town clerk: repairs necessitated by the laying of such mains and services to be debited to the Birkenhead and Northcote Gas Company. Ltd." College Road. — The formation of College 'Hoad. from the metalled portion to Mr.' C. Roper's gate, was authorised. A "Clever" 'Retort. —Six ratepayers of one locality sent along a joint communication, pointing out the uncompleted state of the footpath fronting their properties. On the motion of the Mayor, it was decided to inform the writers that the work of the council was considerably embarassed owing to' the fai'ure of ratepayers to pay tfielr rates promptly, and" that up to date the' council had not received the.current year's rates from any of the signatories of the letter! Water Outside 'Borough.—A deputation from ratepayers of Calliope Road (just over the boundary of-Xorthcote 'borough, in the Birkenhead riding of the county) requested a four-inch main be laid in the -street, arid the water service extended. The interest on the cost of the main was guaranteed. It .was decided to defer consideration, pending an answer from the Waitemata County Council whether it would strike a rate over the area affected to se'-ure the cost of the* required main, about £120.

MOUNT ROSKILL ROAD BOARD.

The first meeting of the Mount Koekill Road Board this year was lield last night, when there were present Messrs. G. E. Tafcsley (chairman). E. J. Herd. W. W. Kerr, E. Brewer, S. Scarborough, J. J. Preston, and T. Lamont. Finance.—The general account is in debit £807 4/. The three loans accounts are in credit-£345 8/8. £19» 5/5, arid £149 11/2. The Auckland City Council forwarded the sum of £77 4/. The city treasurer explained that this amount was for fees received from vehicles and drivers for the year to March 31, 1025, and.from heavy traffic for nine months ended December 31, 1924. It must be understood ,that the heavy traffic fees now being distributed are not those received under the new bylaw and having the extended range from Heleneville to Mercer. Distribution of these latter will take place as soon' as practicable after the close of the licensing period, viz., December 31. 1923. The board expressed its disappointment with '• the ■mail amount received. Burkes Reserve.—Mr. C. Baker offered to lease and fence the reserve on Burkes reserve (Winstone Estate). The clerk, Mr. J. -Warren, reported that Mr. Dowell had arranged with the Government for the urfe of'this area. The chairman. was asked to inquire into the matter, as the: Government has consented to vest all these small reserves in the board. . • •Half Holidays.—lt was decided to give ■even days' notice by advertisement of the •tatutory half holidays to be observed in the district. Postal Matters.—The Postmaster-General advised the board that tt had been decided to-'retain the section of-land in Manukan Boad for a post office at Greenwood's Corner, and not to purchase another .site in'lieu thereof from Mr. Walsh., as requested by the board. The Auckland postmaster reminded the board that -the second delivery of letters in Mount Roskill is to the board's office, and cannot be further extended until the Onehunga postal staff is increased. Building Permits. —The building inspector, reported that 23 permits had been issued for new buildings of the total value of".: £16.100. There are 44 dwellings in the course of erection in the district. Policeman Wanted.—lt was decided to ask the superintendent of police In Auckland to appoint a police constable atMount Koskill. Mr. S. Scarborough stated that * " number of thefts had taken place recently at Mount Roskill and the thieves could not be caught for the want of a resident policeman.