I UNITY PLAN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 141, 16 June 1936, Page 18

I UNITY PLAN.

CENTENNIAL IDEAL. METROPOLITAN CONTROL AMALGAMATION OF SERVICES. A centennial ideal with the objective of bringing "about by 1940 the amalgamation, under one unified control, of the essential services of power and lighting, transport, drainage and water common to the isthmus, was outlined by the Mayor, Mr. Ernest Davis, in presenting* his financial report to the Auckland City Council last evening. After referring to the harmony existing among the various local bodies, Mr. Davis said he proposed at a convenient date to convene a meeting of the Mayors and chairmen of the following local authorities, where community of" interest existed, to consider the. establishment of a permanent metropolitan committee to which all relevant questions from time to time should on referred: — Auckland City Council, Ellerslie Town Board, Glen Eden Town Board, Henderson Town Board, TTowick Town Board, Manukau Count} Council, Manurewa Town Board, Mount Albert Borough Council, Mount Eden Borough Council, Mount Koskill Boad Board, Mount Wellington Boad Board, New Lynn Borough Council, New market Borough Council, Oneliunga Borough Council, One Tree Hill Borough Council, Otahuliu Borough Council, Pan mure Township Road Board. In addition lie proposed to invite where necessary the co-operation also of the following ad hoc bodies:—Auckland Electric Power Board. Auckland Transport Board, Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board, Auckland Hospital Board and the Auckland Harbour Board.

"Mv reasons for seeking metropolitan support for the various services are clear," said Mr. Davis. "In each and every case they will be available for full utilisation by the residents of the whole area and not merely the Auckland City section of it. As the senior body, it is right that the Auckland City should take the initiative —it is looked .to for ;i lead—hut it is not just that the city should be expected to bear the capital costs and meet as well all the ma'utenanee charges. Surely, within the conlines of our financial resources, there can be found an apportionment formula that can be reasonably applied. Subjects For Consideration. Several issues now under review or in prospect qualified for treatment 011 the basis of metropolitan understanding, good will and co-operation, as for instance: The Point England airport, the municipal transport centre, the fine arts centre, the Public Library, parks and reserves, zoological gardens, control of traffic, centennial celebrations, university lectureship in public administration, beautification, and unification of .essential services.

Mr. Davis referred to the proposed Point England airport, and pointed out tliat to make it New Zealand's leading commercial aviation terminal would he too heavy in cost and maintenance for the city "alone. A municipal transport centre called for metropolitan support, and all would share in the benefits of a fine arts centre. Metropolitan use was made of the city libraries, and the many and extensive parks and reserves were made u<se of by all and sundry. Mr. Davis said it would not be out of place to suggest that combined representations be made to the Harbour Board for the removal of the mud flat eyesore at Hobson Bay by filling in the basin, or alternatively by impounding the water to make the area one of utility and beauty. Even if a scheme at present was not practicable, the idea might well be explored and a definite objective planned. The appearance of the bay at low water was a poor attraction to the traveller who saw it from the train, as it was to the citizens who saw it more frequently. Tn addition to beautifying a spot that fthould at all times be a source of admiration, its improvement would enhance property values in the large adjoining residential localities.

Mr. Davis next referred to the growth of motor traffic and the need of uniform by-laws and control to provide a greater measure of public safety, the question of research in local body administration, and collaboration in regard to beautification. Multiplicity of Local Bodies. 1 Proceeding:, he said that to-day they had a multiplicity of local bodies, and unification under a Greater Auckland confederatoin should be the ideal for a fitting commemoration of the Centenary. "The many relevant questions which will arise from time to time in the next two years can with profit receive examination at the hands of the Permanent Metropolitan Committee," concluded Mr. Davis. "If this committee functions as I hope it to, we will ultimately reach the stage at which the question of the establishment of an Auckland Metropolitan Council, embracing the control of all municipal activities and community services, including the essentia] services referred to, will present itself for serious thought. It is by intention to bring before the committee as the inaugural questions for consideration those relating to the airport and the fine arts centre. The other subjects can be dealt with in an order to be arranged later."