LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1934, Page 9

LOCAL BODIES.

DEVONPORT BOROUGH

The ordinary meeting of the Devonport Borough Council was held last evening. The Mayor, Sir. H. F. W. Mciklc, presided. Street Collections. — Permission was granted to the Devonport branch of the Plunket Society to hold a street collectiou on March 23. A similar request from the Community Sunshine Association was granted for May 25. Clean-up Week, —It was decided to carry out a clean-up week in the borough between March 14 and March 21. Sale of Sheep.—A sale of 57 sheep grazed in the borough's domains had returned a net profit of £23 10/. A further truck load of lambs was brought back from Auckland to be fattened for the market. Bus Shelters.—ln response to the request of a deputation from the North Devonport Ratepayers' Association, headed by Mr. Smith, it was decided to erect two shelters, one in Weslev Street and the other at the corner of Kangitoto Terrace. Anne Street Drainage.—Advice was received from the Local Government Loans Board that the unexpended balance of the drainage merged area loan could be made available for other drainage works. The council decided to expend a portion of this on surface draining the Anne Street and Clarence Street area.

MT. WELLINGTON ROAD BOARD. The fortnightly n.eeting of the Mount Wellington Road Board was held last evening, those present being Messrs. W. Gollan (chairman), H. Hay, N. Walters, G. 11. Kay, R. M. McOullough. Fire Brigade Control.—After considering the proposal submitted by the Minister of Internal Affairs for a Dominion Fire Board, and modification of the legislation governing fire brigades, it was resolved to reply expressing the opinion that the existing system was satisfactory, and that no advantage could be seen in the proposed alteration of control. Free Tickets to Students. —The district traffic manager vor railways, in reply to the board's request that children attending the Technical College should be permitted to travel on free passes from Panmure, as well as from Ellerslie, stated that such tickets are only supplied to pupils attending the high schools, etc., in the nearest vicinity, and that Otahuhu High School is considerably closer to Panmure than the Auckland Technical College. It was resolved to refer the request back to the Railway Department, pointing out that suitable trains were not available from Panmurc to Otahuhu to conform to school hours, and that all children at present attending Otahuhu High School from Panmurc had to travel by bus. Tt was further resolved to place the matter before the member for the district, Mr. W. -T. Jordan, to represent to the Railway Department.

Loan Conversion. —The Treasury forwarded details ill connection with the conversion of loans amounting to £62„600, which it had been agreed could be arranged on the annuity system. The remainder of the board's public debt, viz., £20,650, will require to be dealt with either under the annuity system, or alternatively by the periodic redemption of debentures, and it was resolved to ascertain from the debenture holders their views in the matter, and to submit details to the Treasury accordingly. Assessment Court. — The Valuation Department notified that a sitting of the Assessment Court would be held to deal with applications for revaluation of property in the district during the next few months.

HENDERSON TOWN BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Henderson Town Board was held on Tuesday night, the members present being Messrs. H. Norcross (chairman), R. Carey, J, H. Lee, A. Garelja, A. W. Bussey, H. C. Hansen and W. A. Corban. The traffic inspector reported that 80 licenses for motor vehicles had been issued for the present year. In reply to a request for a revaluation of the district, the Valuer-General stated that a revaluation for 1935-36 is to be considered, and for 1934-35, referred the board to the new Act, which empowers the board to collect not less than 75 per cent of the rate due, based upon the rate for the past year. A lively discussion took place upon this subject, several members stressing the urgent necessity for a complete revaluation in order to do away with the anomalies existing under the present conditions. It was resolved that further representations be made to the Valuer-General and that the services of the M.P. for the district be enlisted in pressing this matter. The Auckland Drainage Board requested to be informed of the attitude of the board in regard to the proposed drainage scheme. Consideration of this matter was again deferred. The Waitemata County Council offered to do certain work on Roberts Road at a cost" of £35, provided the board would contribute half that sum. The offer was accepted. The tenders of H. Bray and Company (12/10J tor safety wiring at the Oratia Bridge and Mr. A. H. Butler (£2 (5/) for painting the shelter shed at the junction of Te Atatu and Great North Roads were accepted. Notices restricting the speed of motor vehicles to 20 m.p.h. are to be placed on the main roads and special ones near to the school.