LOCAL BODIES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 157, 5 July 1935, Page 13

LOCAL BODIES.

OTAHUHU

The Otahuhu Borough Council met last night, the Mayor, Mr. C. R. Petrie, presiding. Arbor Day.—lt was decided to inform the Minister of Internal Affairs that the council would co-operate with the Department on Arbor Day, August 7. A sum of £5 wais authorised for the purchase of trees. No. 5 Scheme.—A letter was received from the Relief "Workers' Ae«oeiation expressing the opinion that relief work in Otaliiihu should be abandoned, and notifying the council that a ballot was being taken to ascertain the wishes of relief workers. It was decided to await the result of the ballot. Petrol Pumps.—A request from the proprietor of a petrol station that the council reconeider its decision not to renew the license of a pump on the footpath, was refused. The Mayor said the footpaths should not be used for trading or advertising purposes. The modern method of building petrol stations inside' the footpath should be encouraged. Donations.—The annual grant of £2 2/ was made to the St. Mary's Home, Otahuhu. It was decided not to make a donation to the crippled children's fund, as it was considered a national matter. HOWICK TOWN BOARD. The Howick Town Board held its bimonthly meeting last night. There was a full attendance of members, and the chairman, Mr. H. Bushel], presided. Arbor Day.—lt was decided to celebrate Arbor Day on August 7, and the matter of arranging a function was referred to the parks and reserves committee. Hovvick Public Hall.—The resolution passed by the board in March, 1934, to the effect that the matter of taking over the Howick Hall be referred to a referendum of ratepayers, was rescinded. Several members pointed out that circumstances had changed, in that the hall was now offered as a gift to the people, free of all debt and subject to a much more favourable agreement with the Oddfellows' Lodge. These speakers considered that in the. light of these changed circumstances the question of accepting the gift was a foregone conclusion and that having a referendum of ratepayers would be a waste of money. The chairman disagreed, and said that ae the board had previously decided to hold a referendum it should keep its resolution and give the ratepayers an opportunity of expressing their opinion. Mr. F. Fitzwilliam supported the chairman? and on the rescinding motion being carried both requested that their negative votes be recorded. A petition from certain ratepayers asking that a referendum be held was not considered, as standing orders did not permit. Rate Rebate.—A rebate of 5 per cent on the general rate will again be allowed to all ratepayers who pay all their rates and arrears within 30 days of the date of demand. The last day on which advantage can be taken of this concession is August 18. , Pumping Station. — The Power Board reported that owing to a short circuit in the leads to the powerhouse from the high-tension wires the station wae dangerous. Temporary repairs had been made, and the contractor had been instructed thoroughly to investigate the installation to prevent a similar occurrence in future.