LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 276, 22 November 1927, Page 5

LOCAL BODIES.

ONEHUNGA BOROUGH COUNCII.

The Onehunga Borough Council met last night. Present: Messrs W. C. Coldicutt (Mayor), H. Stoupe, H. Campling, J. Carlton, W. C. Hill, R. G. Speight, S. T. Lamont, and T. Moor.

Finance.—The general fund was reported to be in credit £2893 11/4. All the loan accounts are also in Credit. Accounts, amounting to £1151 6/11 were passed for payment.

Tenders.—Two tenders were received for alterations to buildings at Waikaraka Cemetery, including £10 10/ for slot machines. The council accepted the lowest tender of T. R. Gilbert at £47 15/. The other tender was £62 19/6 from A. F. Hademan. J. Mclntyre's tender of £11 for the removal of the old firebell stand in Princes Street East, separating, and stacking the material, was accepted.

Water Commission.—The borough solicitors advised that they did not consider the council could successfully oppose the liability for its share of the costs (£9l) of the Water Commission awarded. The Mayor said they would have to pay under protest, and it was decided to forward a remit to the next conference of local bodies: "That no borough, or other local body shall be joined as a party to any commission unless the consent has previously been obtained in writing."

Cricket and Football.—The council agreed to let the Onehunga Cricket Club have the use of a cricket pitch and the Recreation reserve. The council will mow the grass for an area of about 60yds round the pitch for the sum of 12/6 per time whenever required. The Football Club must remove the turf from the cricket pitch.

Patrick Street.—'Extension of the drain along Patrick Street from Church Street cannot be undertaken by the council aa it would interfere with the future scheme, but a ratepayer may do the work at his own expense.

Leave of Absence.—Mr. P. R. Lipscombe was granted two months fcave of absence.

Conference. —The council will be represented at a conference of local bodies to be held at Auckland on November 29, to consider the revision of tbe Local Bodies Bill. A meeting for the same purpose will be held at Onehunga afterward*.

Street Exemptions.—lt was agreed to exempt a portion of Catherine Street and a portion of Beach Road, fronting the property of Miss Constance, from the provision of section 117 of the Public Works Act, 1008.

Motor Vevicles Aet.—The Public Works Department forwarded a copy of the regulations under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1924,. for the council's constructive criticism. The Mayor expressed the opinion that these regulations had been prepared against service cars to prevent competition with the railways and tram services. Referred to the council in committee.

Boundary Roads.—The boundary roads —Pleasant Street and Mount Albert Road —between Onehunga and Mount Roskill, are to be repaired by the council, each party to pay half the cost, estimated at £22 and £15 each respectively.

The Unemployed.—The council decided to take no action in the proposed scheme of the Auckland Civic League for the permanent relief of the unemployed. The Mayor remarked that the matter was one for the Government to carry through and not for local bodies;

Declined.—The request of Mrs. Ferner, president of the Play and Recreation Association, for permission to take up a street collection in Onehunga in aid of the Freeman's Bay Community Club was declined.

Motor Insurance.—Correspondence was received from Wellington in regard to introducing legislation for making compulsory the insurance of motorists against third party risks. The council affirmed the desirability of the same. The Mayor remarked that at present people could be injured by an impecunious driver and get no redress, for perhaps even his motor waa not paid for. It was stated that a premium of £2 per annum, if done by the State, would cover the risk. The council resolved to ask the member for Manukau, Mr. W. J. Jordan, to support 'Relation in this direction.