LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 160, 8 July 1932, Page 13

LOCAL BODIES.

, OTAHUHU BOROUGH COUNCIL. The Otahuhu Borough Council met last evening, the Mayor, Mr. H. T. Clements, presiding. Use of Foreign Importations.—A letter was received from the Auckland Gas Company expressing disappointment at the council using foreign imported .bitumens or their emulsions, when a New Zealand product might be aiscd with equal if not better results. The matter was referred to the works committee. Manukau Flats.—lt was decided to support wholeheartedly a scheme of reclamation for the Manukau fiats. Mr. F. W. Grey referred to a published statement by fche engineer of tho Hanbour Board, that it would take 100 years to bring the area above sea level. He said the board evidently did not grasp the intention of the committee which drew up the scheme. The committee did not euggest the use of suction dredges, as that would destroy the value of the area. Their scheme depended on stop banks and flood gates. St. Mary's Homes.—An appeal for support from the management of St. Mary's Homes, Otahuhu, was considered, and £2 2/ was given. The Mayor pointed out that the council already gave liberal support, making an annual rebate of £90 in rates and water charges. Parking of Cars.—The inspector said that owing to the large number of cars parked on both sides of the road in Princess Street on Court days very little space was left for vehicles passing through the street. It was decided that parking bo prohibited on the southern side of Princess Street from Great South Eoad to Atkinson Avenue at all times. Unemployment.—Advice was received from the Department of Labour that unemployed firemen would be exempt from camps, and would 'be eligible for employment, under No. 5 scheme. Accident Insurance. —The council referred to its legal and finance committee a proposal that it should take over its own accident insurance risks. In reply to a question the town clerk said that Otahuhu claims were not one-tenth of the premium paid.

THAMES VALLEY DRAINAGE BOARD. Mr. F. E. Hughes presided at the July meeting of the Thames Valley Drainage Board at Te Aroha on Thursday, there being a full attendance of members. Office Site. —A letter was read from the Te Aroha Borough Council stating that it was desirous of helping the board to obtain a section for the erection of an office, and would offer the use of a Ilewi Street site if such could bo arranged. Offers of two sites iu the estate of J. M. Bell, deceased, were received from the District Public Trustee. Several sections have been inspected by the committee set up for the purpose, and a decision will he made in due course. Classification. —John King wrote protesting against the classification of his Te Aroha West farm property, and this will bo considered when the next classifications are made. Ohine Bridge.—A letter was read from the Piako County Council relative to the new Ohine Bridge, and stating the council would place the proposition before the Public Works Department with, a view to obtaining a subsidy. The cost of the structure is estimated to be not less than £120. The Drainage Board would be asked to pay on a 40-60 basis after the Government subsidy was arranged. Insurance Premiums. —A communication was received from the Unemployment Board stating the insurance companies did not intend to proceed with the proposed pool, but would reduce the rate in respect to relief workers to 25/ per cent. Local bodies could deal direct with the insurance offices. Eastport Camp.—The chairman of the Eastport Road camp wrote thanking the board for its grant for the purchase of clothing for the relief workers. Interest Hate.—The District Public Trustee notified that the rate of interest on trust moneys would now be i per cent. The monthly reports of the drain supervisors, Messrs. I. Stanish ana C. D. Lash wore adopted.