TAKAPUNA AFFAIRS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 133, 7 June 1929, Page 6

TAKAPUNA AFFAIRS.

The report in a local paper on June 1 oil the question ■of the permanent formation of side streets in Takapuna as furnished by Mr, ■ J. W. Hayden omits to mention the important point that the scheme was introduced in the policy of Messrs. Algie, Lilly, Titchener and myself prior to the recent election, whereas the policy of Mr. Hayden and his colleague* on the ticket of "six supporters" made no mention of such permanent work. Sir Joseph Ward's £ for £ subsidy scheme on works of a permanent nature had been in existence for some considerable time before the late council went out of office a month ago, but that council did not take advantage of the subsidy. In fact a week prior to the election it allocated sums amounting to £640 pa various Avorks, but no application was made either by Mr. Hayden or any other member for the subsidy, so one must assume that these gentlemen knew nothing of Sir Joseph Ward's scheme; at any rate, they did not take advantage of it. Mr. Hayden is then reported to have said, inter alia, that the condition of the secondary streets was a revelation to the members of the new council on their tour of inspection, but it was no revelation to me, I was aware of their backward condition and of the need for permanent construction on them long before the election or the tour of. inspection took place; and with that knowledge I and my colleagues formed a policy to meet the case. The advent of new blood on the new council, introducing a progressive-, policy to carry out, with other improvements, permanent work, has in less than a month changed the whole outlook of the borough, and if the principles of that policy are adhered to Takapuna should never look back.

ALEX. H. WILKIE, Councillor.