LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 28, 2 February 1928, Page 20

LOCAL BODIES.

BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fij-ft meeting in the New Year of the Birkenhead Borough Council was held last evening. The Mayor (Mr. E. G. Skeates) presided, and Councillors Albert Had field, H. D. Boles, P. C. Furley, W. B. Darlow. A. G. Jasper, L. R. L. Moller, Hector Clark and C. E. Campbell were also present.

Leave of Absence.—Mr. G- Hewson was granted leave of absence for two months. Relief Work. —The enginer, Mr. Frank Finch, C.E., stated that seven men were at present employed on relief work Hinemoa Park. Of the sum of £249 available, £176 had been expended to date on relief wages.

"Omnibus" License.—The application of Messrs. Leslie Donahoe and Thomas Halliday for an omnibus license under the borough by daw was granted, subject to an understanding regarding Sunday and holiday running. The Mayor explained that under the by-law the motor care cotijd lie licensed as "omnibuses" to carry not more than seven passengers. Beyond that number the jurisdiction whs with the No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority.

New Buildings.—Four building perjnits were granted.

Onewft Road. —An agreement was concluded under which the permanent construction of the portion of Onewa Road in the Waiteinata County, lying between the boroughs of Northcote and Birkenhead, ia to be completed in a similar manner to the Birkenhead portion of tiie road.

Cemetery Extension.- —The exchange of portion of the Birkenhead Domain in Glenficld Road, for a similar area of the eemetery reserve, for the purpose of the extension of the cemetery, was agreed to.

Arterial Roads—The council endorsed the view expressed by the Green Island Borough Council that the arterial roads should be the responsibility of the Main Highways Board.

Local Bodies' Picnic. —A donation of one guinea was voted to the Local Bodies Laburers' Union's pionie.

ONE TREE HILL ROAD BOARD. The One Tree Hill Road Board met last evening, the chairman, Mr. R. G. Clark, presiding. St,orm Water Drainage.—The engineer reported that the contract for the drainage of the Ranfurly Road area is well advanced, and will be completed very shortly. The drainage of JUomona and Tawera Roads in expected to be finished in a few days, Buildings, building inspector reported having issued eight building permits during the past fortnight, two being for dwellings valued at £1600, and three for garages valued at £95.. The total value of the permits was £1075.

Rates.—The town clerk reported that ou* of the total of £23,300 for rates levied, £20,945 had been paid to date, leaving £2355 outstanding. This meant that approximately 90 per cent of the rates had been paid, which was considered a very creditable performance, especially if, as one of the members suggested, the delinquents were "the same old crowd."

MT. WELLINGTON ROAD BOARD. At the meeting of the Mount Wellington Road Board, Mr. Geo. Kay presided. In connection with the temporary water supply, it was reported that the board's motor lorry had been engaged continuously through the week-end delivering water to residents. The cost had been assesed at 5/ per 100 gallons. It was degided to charge iij the future at the rate of J/3 per 25 gallons for water delivered by the lorry. The board decided that objection be made to be allocation of motor traffic fees on the basis of population plus valuation. It was pointed out that on a population botiig, Mount Wellington, with its large mileage of reading, received only a small portion in comparison with other districts having a large population and a email road mileage. It was decided that the basis of future allocation he valuation and mileage. Plana of the subdivision of Goodfellow's property at Panmure were placed before the board. This showed that an area of four and ia-half acres of flat land had been set aside as a future sports ground. It would be served by connecting roads and would give access to the bank of the river. With very little work, a very fine cricket or football ground could be formed. The board expressed great satisfaction at the action of the owners in setting aside the land for that purpose.

Application was directed to he made to the Main Highways Board to have the EHerslje-Panmure Road and Mount Wellington highway declared main highways.