DEVONPORT OUT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1934, Page 10

DEVONPORT OUT.

NORTH SHORE BOROUGHS. AMALGAMATION QUESTION. The report of the delegates to the recent conference concerning the amalgamation of the four North Shore boroughs of Devonport, Takapuna, Birkenhead and Northcotc was presented to the Takapuna Borough Council at last night's meeting. The Mayor, Mr. Guiniven, reported that it had been resolved that the various councils concerned should collaborate with their solicitors and with Mr. Harper, of the Department of Internal Affairs, with a view to getting out a draft regarding the amalgamation question. At a special meeting of the council, the whole matter was referred to last night's meeting. Several members regretted that Devonport would not co-operate. Mr. T. M. Rollo said further consideration should be deferred, as the boroughs could not hope to get far without the support of Devonport. He hoped that it might yet be possible to get Devonport to agree to the scheme. "Without Devonport the whole thing will fall flat," said Mr. Rollo. "We must have the major scheme." Mr. M. L. Wilkins was of the opinion that Takapuna and Devonport would have to work together, while Mr. J. Waddcll, in making a similar remark, added that Takapuna had a greater community of interests with Devonport than with any other North Shore borough. Mr. Galbrnith said it would be wise to obtain full information regarding the proposed amalgamation. Mr. Guiniven said that if the council did not make a move, the ratepayers would themselves carry a poll for amalgamation. He mentioned the harbour bridge, to be built at Northcote. Mr. Rollo said there was little chance of the bridge being built. In any case, he said, Takapuna had nothing in common with Northcote and Birkenhead.

The issue would not be forced if Takapnna and Devonport joined, as Northcote and Birkenliead might form a separate union which might continue for years, said the Mayor. If the bridge was erected Takapuna would have a definite interest with Northcote. "We have the Sydney Harbour Bridge as an object lesson," said Mr. Rollo. "Our ratepayers would not endorse a bridge rating proposal." Mr. Galbraith said the Northcote and Birkenhead delegates were very keen to secure amalgamation, but as far as he was concerned the more he considered it the less lie liked it. "No real move has yet been made to convince Devonport that it has nothing to lose by amalgamation and that it is desirable to amalgamate," said Mr. "VVaddell. "Devonport is, like Newmarket," said tha Mayor. "It means to remain selfcontained. Look at the Auckland City Council, which has been trying for years to get Newmarket to amalgamate, but it refuses." After further discussion the matter was deferred until the council's next meeting.