LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 250, 21 October 1932, Page 12

LOCAL BODIES.

ONEHUNGA-MANUKAU CHAMBER. The Onehunga-Manukau Chamber of Commerce met last night, the president, Mr. Ira J. Sutherland, presiding. Fire Board. —The inspector of fire brigades wrote pointing out the advantage of a metropolitan fire board. He denied that the Onehunga Borough Council would be compelled to enlarge its water mains, or change its equipment. The chamber, however, resolved to adhere to its previous resolution, opposing any change in the existing system, particularly as the borough would lose control over its own capital invested in the local fire fighting plant. American Shipping.—The Prime Minister, in reply to the chamber's inquiry as to what steps the Government were taking in-regard to the competition of American shipping, said that the question had been discussed at the Ottawa Conference, and was now receiving the attention of the Governments of the British countries affected. Overseas Mail Services. —In response to a request by the chamber for a rearrangement of overseas mail services by allowing at least one day between the arrival and departure of European and American mails, the Postmaster-General wrote to say that it had been found that a rearrangement of the time-table could not be made without endangering other important connections. Letter Collections. —The chief postmaster, Auckland intimated that necessary arrangements were being made for the letter box at the Seddon Memorial, Royal Oak, to be cleared at tfiie same times as at the Royal Oak post office. Christmas Holidays.—lt was decided to ask the Onehunga Borough Council to provide full time work for relief labourers during the Christmas holidays, as they would be seriously affected by the loss of wages if the council's permanent staff were given ten days' holiday at Xmas and New Year. Ramps on Wharves. —The Auckland Harbour Board is to be asked to provide portable ramps on the wharves, where certain goods such as hides, salt, etc. were not allowed to :be taken into goods sheds, as under existing conditions considerable expense is being incurred in the loading of lorries with this class of goods.

OTAHUHU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The Otalmhu Borough Council met last evening, "the Mayor, Mr. H. T. Clements, presiding. Letter of Appreciation.—The works manager o£ the New Zealand Railway Workshops wrote thanking the fire brigade for their very prompt arrival at the workshops on October 6. Donations.—To a request from the Auckland Boys' Employment Committee for funds, the council replied that, while recognising the importance of the work, it was not in a position to make a donation at present. Street Collections.—Requests from the Red Cross Society and from the Y.M.C.A. for permission to take up a street collection were declined. Water Board Costs.—On a recommendation from the legal and finance committee, the council agreed to offer the Newmarket Borough Council, without prejudice, the Bum of £12 12/ in full settlement of all claims in connection, with the formation of the Metropolitan Water Board. Thompson's Well. —In reply to a question the Mayor said they had got a far better flow at Thompson's Well. They would sink further before making an exhaustive test, as the flow was improving as the bore went down. It was estimated that the present flow was 10,000 gallons per hour, and if they got this amount over the 24 hours, it would bo satisfactory. The water was much .better than the present supply containing 7 degrees of hardness, against the present -30 degrees.