LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 148, 25 June 1931, Page 3

LOCAL BODIES.

DEVONPORT COUNCIL. The Devonporfc Borough Council met last evening, the Mayor, Mr. T. H. W. Meikle, presiding. Rates.—The general rates for the year •were approved. They included hospital rate, 3-10 d, calculated to produce £d 675; refuse rate of 15/, £1700; interest rate, £19,608; lighting rate account, %d, Stanley Bay rate account, %d, £175; water supply rates, £8000. A reduction of 14 d in the £ was made as against the rates of last year. The expected revenue from all sources is £54,681. Religious Service—The Mayor said he had accepted an invitation to attend Divine service at the Devonport Methodist Church next Sunday, and he invited councillors to support him. School Grounds—ln response to a request from the Devonport School Committee, the council decided to carry out improvements to tlie school grounds, under the i\ r o. 5 scheme. Milk Control—The Auckland City Council forwarded a report of the conference held on the proposed formation of a milk board. The question was referred to a committee comprising Councillors H. J. Hutchings, G. Falla and G. E. Harnett. Unpaid Rates.—Reporting on the question of unpaid rates, the Mayor stated tliafc it had been agreed to accept these by instalments. He also referred to the position of ratepayers who were in arrears with'rates, and sought relief by employment by the council. It was resolved that the engineer assist ratepayers, and that the payment, of overtime be eliminated where possible. Relief Committee.—The Mayor reported that a women's welfare committee had been appointed to relieve local distress, and asked councillors to give it every assistance. .... No. 5 Scheme.—The .Mayor urged the council to seriously consider the work to be carried out under the No. 5 scheme. Productive works were essential. If every economy were practised ample work for the unemployed would be available. Although the position wa6 a difficult one lie was assured the necessary work could be found. Local bodies should not be restricted in regard to new work.

TAKAPUNA. The Mayor, Mr. J. Guiniven, presided at a meeting of . the Takapuna Borough Council last evening. Milford Protest.—A protest against the suggested purchase of a section in Milford Road for the erection of a public convenience was received. It was stated that the borough solicitor had advised that, provided the building was erected on council property, and 110 nuisance was permitted, the council was within its rights. New By-Jaw.—Acting on representations by the Master Plumbers' Association and the Painters and Decorators' Union, it was resolved to frame a by-law prohibiting the use of graphite paiint for the roofs of buildings. Wages "Cut."—The borough engineer, Mr. J. D. Bodle, asked for instructions regarding the imposition of the 10 per cent wages "cut."'He stated that as the men were at present "rationed," and one week in every four, this was equivalent to a 25 per cent "cut." The matter was referred to the works committee to report. Rates.—The town clerk was instructed to take legal proceedings after July 31, 1931, for the recovery of outstanding rates up to and including the year ended March 31, 1930, and where action is necessary the claim to include the year 1930-31, and further that where possible, application be made to mortgagees for payment.