GREATER WELLINGTON

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 56, 30 November 1923, Page 7

GREATER WELLINGTON

SHOULD JOHNSONVILLE BE ABSORBED ?,

CITY COUNCIL URGED TO ACT The amalgamation of Johnsonville with the City of Wellington was urged by a deputation to the City Council last night. Mr. A. A. Moore said that Johnsonville was very keen to amalgamate with the city. . It had been suggested, as lone ago as 1920, and the then Mayor, while agreeing with the proposal, thought that Karori and other suburbs should) be brought in first. Johnsonville- was now overcoming its drawbacks, but it would do so .much more rapidly if joined with the city. Johnsonville, said Mr. C. Watson, was too small to be economically selfadministered. and the benefits of city light and power were required. Johnsonville had been able to provide lighting, water, drainage, etc., but to provide for future developments, the advice and supervision of city experts were desirable in order that what was done might form part of a general ulan. Councillor W. H. Bennett asked now far would two miles towards Porirua extend. The Mayor: Nearly half-way to Tawa Flat. Councillor Chapman: Are they prepared to amalgamate unconditionally ? Mr. Moore: We would like some consideration to be extended towards our present staff. “What would be the gain to thacity in taking in Johnsonville?” asked the Mayor. “Will we not be asked to take in Petone and the Hutt?” Mr. Watson: It would be to the advantage of the city to have all suburbs in the position of Johnsonville under its charge. The Mayor said that the city was surrounded by many small boroughs, lacking in the comforts enjoyed by the town, and were anxious to secure them. The ci tv found finance, a. bar to this. It might mean that existing drainage, etc. would have to be scrapped m Johnsonville. The needs of Miramar, Karori. and Onslow were at present the council’s chief consideration. Johnsonville would benefit, of course. Its rates on unimproved value were bid., while the cite rates were sid. Probably special legislation would be necessary.