WAITEMATA COUNTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 223, 20 September 1929, Page 10

WAITEMATA COUNTY.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. QUESTION OF WAITAKERE LOAN. The Waitemata County Council met today, Mr. L. E. Kerr-Taylor, county chairman, presiding. Titirangi Concrete Road. —In connection with the loan authorised by the ratepayers recently, for the construction of this road, the engineer reported that the approval of the plans and specifications were being awaited from the Main Highways Board, and it was intended to let the work in three separate contracts, and if this was approved of, tenders would be called for the earthworks portion of the Job, in time for the October meeting. Waitakere Riding Loan.—Recently the ratepayers rejected a loan proposal of £10,000, to construct the main North Road through the Waitakere Riding. The Minister of Finance now advised that lie had issued an ordcr-in-council authorising the raising of this loan through the medium of the Highways Board for ten years. The clerk pointed out that the total interest and sinking fund would amount to 13% per cent per annum, and the annual charge in l-espect of the loan would be £1485, which on the present valuation would have to be met with an annual appropriation by way of a rate of three-farthings in the pound for ten years. Regarding the objection lodged by ratepayers, the Minister of , Finance pointed out that 75 per cent of the cost of the work was being financed by the Main Highways Board, and that the burden on the ratepayers was therefore not excessive. He stated that in the event of his not having issued the order-in-council, it would be possible for the Main Highways Board to undertake the work for a period of two or three years, in which case the county council would be required to meet its share of the cost each year from revenue, thus imposing a heavier burden on the ratepayers.

Birkenhead Ratepayers.—The Birkenhead Borough Council advised that the ratepayers in the county portion of the Birkenhead Riding on Calliope Avenue and Onewa Road, had petitioned the Government to include their area within the ■borough of Birkenhead, and the petition had beeh forwarded, for action, to the Government. It was thought that these ratepayers would have the privilege of paying additional rating on the unimproved value system existing in the borough.

Whau Bridge.—The New Lynn Borough Council submitted an estimate of the council's contribution towards the reconstruction of the Whau Bridge, at 10.54 per cent of the total cost. No plans were forwarded, or estimates. They asked the council to accept this percentage on the grounds that it will assist considerably in shortening the period to elapse before reconstruction can be commenced. The council desired information as to the proposed width of the bridge, and the method of construction, and a definite estimate, and were not inclined to agree in the absence of these figures. Consideration in the matter was deferred.

Oratia Hall Loan.—A number of objections to the raising of this loan were received, in order to be sent on to the Local Government Loans Board for their consideration.

Small Special Area Loans.—The clerk reported that legislation was being put through enabling county councils to raise small loans that were petitioned for, by means of the produce of annual recurring rate, and that this would cut out the lengthy procedure under the Local Government Loans Board Act, and the cost of raising the loan.

Kelston Area.—Commissioner IVylie notified that he would open a commission regarding the apportionment of the assets and liabilities between the county and the New Lynn Borough, on Tuesday next.

Helensville Main Highway. — The engineer reported that practically the whole length of this road was now in excellent condition. The result of using metal chips for a floating surface and the use of the drag, produced excellent results.

Waiwera Hill.—lt was reported that this road had been repaired so that traffic could now proceed northwards in reasonable comfort in all weather.

Birkenhead to Albany Main Highway.— It was stated that the Main Highways Board had given the council authority to proceed with the completion of the four miles of this road still remaining to be done, by means of cement penetration, which system was recently favourably introduced by Mr. A. Murray, county engineer, and which was the subject of fiavourable comment by the Press and local body engineers. It was also proposed to apply to the Main Highways Board foV authority to complete the HendersonHuapai section of the Helensville Main Highway, in cement penetration, in place of a bitumen surface.

Building Permits. — Building permits were authorised to the extent of £6177, involving fifteen buildings.