WAITAKERE DRIVE AND PARK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 196, 19 August 1936, Page 6

WAITAKERE DRIVE AND PARK.

This Dominion has suffered after experience of war 19i4-18, epidemic in 1918, earthquake at Napier in 1930, and all are recurring possibilities. Especially war, if we are to believe our papers and the apprehensions of the lit. Hon. ,T. G. Coates, declared in Parliament. 'With an inadequate, overcrowded Auckland Hospital are we prepared to meet the attending results of any such circumstances ? Metropolitan local bodies are, being asked to contribute large donations of ratepayers' funds for a costly drive and park at Waitakere to cost £95,000. I think it fair to ask the local bodies what proportion of their ratepayers would benefit, that is, under ordinary circumstances. But with any of the above quite possible extraordinary calamities occurring, would the majority of their ratepayers benefit, and to what extent, from a £95,000 park and drive out to the West Coast? The strength of the chain is the weakest link. It has been freely asserted that this project will assist the unemployed. In Otaliuhu and south suburban Auckland (throughout the slump) the lower rents obtainable here have made for more than their share of unemployed, and it. is still an increasing problem. * To what extent, then, will this ridgeway drive assist Otaluihu unemployed? Will it be worth £250 to Otaliuhu ratepayers ? Or would it not be better spent in the district (constituting a donation) for an urgent necessity in the town, i.e., a St. John Ambulance first aid station? MANURE WA.