NORTHCOTE AFFAIRS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 103, 3 May 1935, Page 3

NORTHCOTE AFFAIRS.

ADDRESS BY MAYOR. VIEWS ON RELIEF WORK. There would be no increase in rates, stated the Mayor, Mr. R. Martin, when addressing Northcote electors last night in the King's Theatre. He was against any loan proposal, or expenditure of borough funds on development of Onepoto basin for a recreation ground. "Water boring experiments had cost £175 so far, and he was not disposed to expend any more money on that proposition. It was possible that a Metropolitan Water Board would be established, and that the North Shore _ boroughs would be included. He believ'ed the Auckland city supply ample for several years. Maintenance subsidies of £1370 had been received from the Main Highways Board for upkeep of the main roads from the wharf to the northern and western boundaries, the borough's contribution being £450. It was improbable that a greater sum would be received in the event of the amalgamation of Birkenhead and Nortlicote, owing to the population exceeding 0000. Takapuna, with 7000 people, got £1000 from the special tax, compared with £1370 paid to Northcote, with 2570 people. The Main Highways Board would only subsidise concrete paving on the basis of £1 for £1, but would allow £3 for £1 for tar-sealing Onewa Road, the estimated cost being £1200, the borough's share being over £300.

Mr. Martin said he would continue to oppose subsidised wages, as the borough had not the funds. It was stated that he was opposed to the relief worker. A voice: So you are! Mr. Martin said he was opposed to those who "stand on a shovel instead of working and who while awaj' time by talking to other men on the job." It was the Government's duty to right the wrongs of No. 5 men. The endowment owned by the Auckland Hospital Board at Nortlicote, which was returning a very small revenne, was available for the erection of an auxiliary hospital on the North Shore. He was" afraid the Hospital Board had dodged the issue, and left it for the incoming board. Mr. Martin said he was not a candidate for the Hospital Board, although a candidate nominated for the North Shore seat was "Mr. Bernard Martin, of 14, Park Road, Grafton." He objected to someone coming over from the city to represent them on the Hospital Board. The rates struck for the last financial year totalled £10.059, and £8052 was collected, besides £2311 arrears. The total of rates in arrear now was £4144. and the overdraft at March 31 was £1401. The loan indebtedness was £95,000. Mr. Martin said li<i did not approve of the high discount allowed by the Waitemata Power Board, and considered the unit charge should be reduced.