LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 166, 16 July 1931, Page 10

LOCAL BODIES.

TAKAPUNA COUNCIL

The ordinary meeting of the Takapuna Borough Council was held last evening, the Mayor, Mr. J. Guiniven, presiding.

Purchases 4 .—A decision was reached to exercise the option to purchase a section in Milford Road for the purpose of erecting public conveniences, and also a clubhouse for the use of the Milford Surf Club.

Sewerage,—ln cases where sewerage facilities are available the council resolved that the owners of unconnected properties •be compelled to connect up with, the sewerage system.

Rating Legislation.—Following a reply from the Minister of Internal Affairs, notifying that Cabiuet is unable .to bring down this session legislation relative to Section 69, of the Rating Act, 1925, the council resolved to seek the co-operation of all the North Shore boroughs in again approaching the Government with a further request for amending legislation.

Harbour-side Road—A reply was received from the Harbour Board on the subject of the proposed harbour-side road from Barry's Point to Bays-water. The board said it could not deal with the matter until the council submitted a definite proposal. In the interval, however, it was quite agreeable to its engineer supplying all necessary data, although it could not .permit him to directly collaborate with the borough engineer.

Watershed. —Concerning the recent conference upon the subject of the loss of rates through the devaluation of the lake watershed, the Mayor said that the other boroughs interested had flatly refused to recognise any liability or to contribute towards the cost of a ring sewer and the acquiring of a three-chain reserve around the water edge. Apparently the only hope of relief would come through a direct appeal to Parliament for legislation to apportion the loss of rates amongst the users of the water supply upon a pro rata basis. A motion to this effect was carried.

BIRKENHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Birkenhead Borough Council was held last night. The Mayor, Mr. J. P. McPhail presided, and Messrs. R. R. Hayman, W. H. Payne, H. A. Campbell, J. Prickett, J. Macdonald and E. J. Sinel were also present.

Amalgamation—The conference report concerning the amalgamation of Birkenhead and Northcote was adopted, and the finance committee was requested to furnish a report, including details of the financial position. Rating Act Exemption.—lt was decided to co-operate with the other North Shore borough councils in an endeavour to have Section 69, of the Rating Act, 1925, altered where the system of unimproved value rating is in force. The Act at present provides that half rates shall be paid in respect of any dwelling which lias been vacant for six months of the financial year.

Motor Ambulance. —The Mayor stated lie had received a letter from Mr. H. G. R. Mason. M.P., who advised that the Minister of Health had stated that the provision of a motor ambulance for the Birkenhead district was essentially a matter for the Auckland Hospital Board. It was decided to make further representations on the matter.

Bus Matters. —When the No. 2 Motor Licensing Authority notified that the Blue Star Motor Service had withdrawn the application to vary fares and time-tables, and to carry out the existing service, the Mayor remarked that apparently this was a case or '"'second thoughts are .best." Another member said that an amalgamation of the two bus services was pending.

Birkenhead Development.—The council agreed to meet a deputation from the Birkenhead Ratepayers' Association in three weeks' to discuss a scheme for the comprehensive development of Birkenhead and district. Birkdale Roads. —The works committee is to make an inspection o£ the roads at Birkdale, as the outcome of a letter from the Birkdale Fruitgrowers' Association. Smoke From Chelsea.—ln connection with criticism concerning smoke from the Cheisea sugar refinery, the manager wrote stating .that particular care was taken to obviate any cause for complaint. It would be conceded that some smoke must be in evidence at times in the vicinity of suoh a large coal-burning factory, hut everything possible would be done to prevent it 'becoming excessive. "It is unfortunate about the smoke, of course; but I would like to see another dozen chimneys in the district," declared Mr. J. Macdonald. "Hear, hear," said another member. It was resolved to reply that _ the council appreciated the attention given to the matter. . , Beautifying.—The Birkenhead Women s Association conveyed appreciation of the council's invitation I'or co-operation with the parks committee iti borough beautifying schemes, and intimated the appointment of Mesdames S. Mills and H. Kemp. Ferry Timetable—The council agreed to the alteration of the time of the 10.30 p.m. ■boat from Auckland to 10.35 p.m., for the convenience of picture-goers.