OTAHUHU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 138, 14 June 1938, Page 11

OTAHUHU BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The Otahnhu Borough Council met last night, the Mayor, Mr. C. R. Petrie, M.P., presiding.

Committees.—The various committees reported that the following chairmen had been appointed: Legal and finance committee, the Mayor; works committee, Mr. W. Morton; parks committee, Mr. I<\ W. Grey.

Estimates—On the recommendation of the commiteo the estimates for 1038-9 were adopted and- rates struck on tile same basis as last year, subject only to the increase necessitated by the proposed increase in the hospital levy, the increase ill rates to be determined when the official hospital levy figures are available. Replying to Mr. J. V. Lawes, the Mayor said it was impossible to rcduce the rates. ITe pointed out\that during the last three years the higher costs of materials, higher wages and shorter hours had all been met out of revenue.

Concrete Footpaths—The borough engineer reported that concrete footpaths have been completed in Cameron Street, Pukeora Road, Moan a Road, ; Fort Ricliard Road, Victoria Street, Criterion Street, portion of the Great South Koad. Work lias now been started on the portion of Portage Road between the Great South Road and the railway. After considerable discussion it was decider! that the next section to be concreted was the part of the Great South Road between Portage Road and Gordon Road, on the east side. The works committee suggested that the following streets bo done next: Avenue Road, north side, from Albert Street to the wharf: lower Prince's Street, south side, and Lnke Street.

Telephone Booth—A petition was received from the residents of the western Middlcmoro district, asking for the construction of a telephone booth at the Middlemore store. It was decided to forward the request to the Post and Telegraph Department.

Street Collection.—The Otahubu Free Kindergarten was granted permission to hold a street collection on a date to be selected, but not on any day between August 18 and 24. Permission was granted on the conditions that the whole of the proceeds be devoted to the Otahulm Free Kindergarten and the association, to be limited to four collection stalls in the streets.

Street Parking—A carrying firm wrote that they experienced difficulty in collecting mail from the post office, owing in the parking of private cars in front of the post office. The Mayor said there was a possibility of the side streets being used for parking in the future. He suggested that the matter should bo referred to the transport committee to discuss the question with the local Business Men's Association.

Pumping Station.—The pumping engineer reported that the flow-of water in the well varied from 0000 to 12,000' gallons per hour. During the month of May 3.770,000 .gallons of water were pumped. It was .decided to deepen the well, and (he works committee was authorised to extend the Gin bore a further 10ft, at a cost of' £3 10/ per foot.

Building Permits.—The borough engineer reported that since the last meeting of the council 12 building permits, of a total value of £1243, had been issued. The turncock reported that 12 plumbing and drainage permits had been issued. Employees. — The borough engineer reported that the total number of employees unci*- Jlis control was 105, including 87 n>3j. /n'jaged on full-time subsidy •vwi'kv I