AUCKLAND NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 83, 16 April 1901, Page 2

AUCKLAND NEWS.

INSURANCE RATES.

[By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, last night. . A deputation from the Auckland merchants waited on the Mayor with reference to the proposed increase in insurance rates. Dr. Caldwell, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said that one of the reasons given for the proposed increase in the insurance rates was the inadequacy of the fire prevention appliances in Auckland, and the merchants wished to know what the City Council proposed to do in the matter. The Mayor said the Council could not undertake to expend ton or' twelve thousand pounds oil an : up-to-date plant when fhe Insurance Companies contributed nothing.'’ The Bill'for an amalgamated Board of control,' which was shelved last session, would most probably become law. In the meantime the Council had acquired a site and prepared plans for a new station, and had sent for new supplies of "*'d ono of. the latest, telescopic ladders.

CENSUS. The census reports for Takapuna and Northcote show that in 1896 tho return for Takapuna was 756, but this year it totalled 856, a gain of 98. Northcoto in tho same period shows a much larger increase. In 1896 the return was 560, but this year it reached 769. BRICKLAYERS’ STRIKE. ■ Most of the bricklayers who were out on strike resumed work this morning on tho basis of 44 hours per week at Is 6d per hour. In the case of one firm, however, the men have not so far returned to work. This is understood to be on account of one bricklayer, who did not come out on strike, and tho other men now decline to return while he is employed on the job.