LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 215, 11 September 1929, Page 12

LOCAL BODIES.

NORTHCOTE BOROUGH COUNCIL,

The fortnightly meeting of the Northcote Borough Council was held last evening. The Mayor (Mr. A. E. Greenslade) presided.

Harbour Bridge.—The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) and Ministers of Marine (Hon. J. G. Cobbe) and Pu'blic Works (Hon. E. A. Ransom) wrote that the representations made relative to the matters to be referred to the commission to be set up to investigate the harbour bridge proposition, would have due consideration. Mr. A. Harris M.P., also wrote that he would give attention to the council's communication.

Main Highways Subsidy.—Authority to spend the sum of £108 on a £2 for £1 basis towards maintenance of Onewa Road, was received from the Main Highways Board.

Rating Controversy.—Some time ago, a firm of Auckland solicitors applied for _ a remiesion of a proportion of rates in respect to an unoccupied property. The council declined to entertain the application, on the ground that the rates collected were not levied on the buildings, the unimproved value system being in force. It was eventually agreed to seek an interpretation of section 64 of the Rating Act from the Supreme Court. Inquiries from the legal firm concerned elicited the information that the matter wae now in the hands of counsel in Wellington of ihe Municipal Association for the purpose of obtaining a declaratory judgment. Two further applicants for similar remissions were informed that an interpretation of the Act was being obtained in this manner.

Little Shoal Bay Reserve—The joint reserves committees of the Birkenhead and Northcote Councils are to meet to discuss matters relative to Little Shoal Bay reserve.

Highways Finance. —Delegates were appointed to the meeting convened by the Auckland Automobile Association in connection with the finance of the Main Highways Board.

Pillar Box.—Th chief postmaster at Auckland notified that a pillar box for posting letters had been placed near the old post office. It wae decided to suggest that another similar facility was required in the viciuity of Alma Street.

Street Nomenclature—Mr. H. George drew attention to the fact that the street previously known as Bartley Avenue had been changed to that of Grenville Road. He intimated his intention of moving in the direction of having the former name revived, as it was of historic interest at Northcote, and represented the entrance to the estate of the late Mr. Bartley.

Retiring Postmistress. — The Mayor stated that many reimeete had been made to him that a movement should be initiated to afford an opportunity to the residents of conveying their appreciation of the splendid service rendered by Mrs. E. A. Lepper to the district uring the many years she had officiated as postmistress. The council resolved to open a subscription list for the purpose, the town clerk, Mr. H. W. Wilson, being appointed treasurer of the fund.

Bus Regulation.—ln connection with the request that the No. 2 licensing authority should decree that buses should discharge passengers before turning ai the head of the Northcote wharf, the Devon-port authority invited the council to send representatives to ite next meeting to discuss the question. Messrs. A. Facer, H. J. C. George. W. C. Ellis and C. J. W. Taylor, with the traffic inspector, Mr. E. J. Mays, were appointed.