LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 233, 2 October 1929, Page 19

LOCAL BODIES.

— * PAPATOETOE ROAD BOARD. The Papatoetoe Town Board met last evening, the chairman, Mr. T. R. Smytheman, presiding. Recreation Reserve.—lmprovements to the recreation reserve on the Great South Road were suggested by a deputation from the cricket club. Dr. J. J. Valentine, president of the club, said difficulties had been experienced in keeping the grounds in good order, owing to the lack of plant; also, other clubs were making use of the reserve and were not bearing a proportionate share of the cost. The club was at present paying a ground rent of £3 3/ for a season, and the deputation made a provisional offer of a further £7 7/ to the board, if the club were relieved of the duty of maintaining the area. The request -n-as referred to the reserves committee for a report on the the regrading and iinance of the reserve.

Park Road Drainage.—Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Clare asked the board to make provision to deal with storm water drainage in Park Road. It was decided to obtain an estimate of the cost of a 12in pipe drain along the natural watercourse through Mr. Clare's property, and to interview adjoining property owners in connection with the scheme.

Landmark Disappears.—By the co-opera-tion of the Auckland Sale-yards Company, Limited, the chairman said arrangements had been made for the removal of a building on the corner of East Tamaki Road and the Great South. Road, which had been an old landmark, and. a small area had been transferred to the board to improve visibility at intersection. The board decided to thank the company for its assistance.

Power Board Building.—lnformation ■«-as received from the Auckland Electric Power Board, stating that the premises proposed as an office block and depot in Papatoetoe would be erected as early ns was anticipated, on account of difficulties experienced at Arapuni. The board decided to refer the correspondence on the matter to the Papatoetoe representative on the Power Board, Mr. F. M. Water's, for a further explanation.

Sunnyside Estate. —The Sunnyside Progressive League asked the board for advice regarding an alteration in the boundaries of the town district, to include the Sunnyside Estate. Information was also sought as to what rates would be struck in the event of Papatoetoe being formed into a borough. It was decided to advise the league to make fresh representations to tbe~ Minister. South Road Finance.—A reply was received from the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, stating that no assistance could be given to the board in reducing the burden of interest and sinking fund on the loan raised for concreting the Papatoetoe section of- the Great South Road. Vacancy on Board. —The town clerk, Mr. Wm.. Young, was authorised to invite nominations for the position on the board made vacant by the death of Mr. G. Hosking.

MANUREWA TOWN BOARD

The Manurewa Town" Board met last evening, the chairman (Mr. G. Gallaher) presiding. Messrs. W. T- Cox and WFrost were absent. Member Resigns.—Considerable discussion ensued when a telegram, received from Mr. W. Frost, was read by the clerk (Mr. H. Kay). This tendered Mr. Frost's resignation from office as a member of tb;e board. Mr. C. A. Fawcett moved the acceptance of the resignation; he expressed regret that Mr. Frost found this course necessary, but stated that the hitter's prolonged absence and frequent applications for a renewal of leave had caused n certain amount of dissatisfaction amongst a section of the ratepayers, who felt that they were entitled to more consistent representation. The resignation ■was accepted. State Advances.—lt was decided to send a further letter to the State Advances Department inquiring the reason for the continued rejection of applications for loans in this district. Great South Road Footpath—Mr. Fawcett reported that the works committee, at a special meeting, had decided to defer the proposed fencing off of the footpath between the school and Corin Avenue. Mr. F Whyte questioned the .policy of a muster of members bring able, to upset the board's resolution in reference to this matter, and stating that it was tantamount to indefinitely shelving the issue. Mr. Fawoett objected to this remark. After further,discussion, it was decided to defer the matter pending a full attendance of members. W.E.A.—In view of the disappointing attendance of ratepayers at the recent lecture tendered by the Workers' Educational Association, it was decided that no further lectures be arranged. Motor Lorry-—A letter was received from the Municipal Association of New Zealand in reply to the board's inquiry, asking if it were necessary to obtain Departmental consent for the purchase of a motor lorry on terms. The association stated that the board could not make this purchase. The purchase of the motor lorry was accordingly deferred. South Road Shoulders.—lt was decided to ask the Highways' Board if a subsidy would be forthcoming if this work were done. The engineer (Mr. W. J. Lopdell) is to confer with the. Highways Boards representative (Mr- Tindle) on the matter.