OTAHUHU COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 31, 7 February 1939, Page 11

OTAHUHU COUNCIL.

The first meeting of the Otahuhu Borough Council since the Christmas vacation was held last evening, the Mayor, Mr. C. R. Petrie, M.l'., presiding. Footpaths.—ln reply to a request from the council for financial assistance for concrete paving of footpaths on the Sturges Estate, where the Housing Department has erected dwellings, the Public Works Department stated its inability to contribute to the cost on the grounds they were dedicated roads. The council regretted the decision, in view of the fact that they had completed 78 chains, thus encircling the whole block.

Hospital Expenditure.—A letter _ of appreciation was received from, the Takapuna Borough Council for the council's support in requesting that a conference of local bodies be called in regard to the proposed Auckland Hospital Board expenditure. Pealing with the letter, the Mayor said one complaint was that the proposed expenditure was not spread over a long enough period and he suggested it should be 30 or 40 years. He favoured a conference as suggested. Such matters as centralisation could be investigated and the need for internal economy discussed. The council delegates, it was decided, should be instructed to act on the basis of the Mayor's remarks.

Visibility of Crossings.—A letter from the Main Highways Board in regard to improving the visibility of crossings, stated that land where necessary would be taken and corners widened. The board was prepared to assist local bodies and, in the case of boroughs, give a £6 to £1 subsidy. The matter was referred to the works committee to bring down a scheme for submission to the board. Centennial Exhibition.^—Although realising that Otahuhu had a duty to perform in regard to the Auckland Provincial Court at the Centennial Exhibition, for which Otahuhu's quota was £71, the council passed a resolution that it could not see its way at the present time to authorise the donation. Concrete Footpaths—Reporting on the construction of concrete footpaths in the borough, the engineer stated that 56 streets were paved, making a total length of approximately 20 miles. Rate Collection. —It was decided that March 20 be the date fixed for the payment of rates, after which a penalty of 10 per cent will be added. Running Track—Authority was given to the engineer to prrx:eed with the construction of the new running track in Sturgea Park. The time estimated to carry «■* the wotk ia km fcMWfweeha,