MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AT ONEHUNGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8986, 25 February 1888, Page 5

MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS AT ONEHUNGA.

At the Onehunga Public Hall last night Mr. John Lundon, who is a candidate for the vacant seat in the Borough Council, addressed a crowded meeting of ~ the ratepayers. Mr. M. H. Roe occupied the chair. Mr. Lundon, who was received with applause, said his object in coming before them was on account of a personal friend having resigned his seat in the Council. If his services wero of any use he would not stand by and see the ship in danger. Speaking of the waterworks, ho drew attention to a former meeting, at which he suggested the appointment of a financial agent, and instanced Parncll as a case in point. The people of Onehunga knew very little about floating a loan of £5000, but in consequence of the Council acting for themselves trouble had resulted. There were a few people in the borough who had done nothing but offer resistance to improvement. Ho was of opinion that there was no other borough in New Zealand so favoured as Onehunga; they possessed various reserves, and an ample supply of pure water. He had urged tho ratepayers seven or eight years ago to secure a water supply for the borough, but he had then to proceed to Samoa, and tho result was that they had only got into trouble in respect to tho scheme. He was informed that a financial agent had been appointed, and that the money was forthcoming, so that tho contractor would be again progressing with the works, in the course of a few days. Ho was glad it was so. Ho had become convinced that no water rate would be collected. During the coming session of Parliament ho would bo obliged to go to Wellington, and he felt that whilo he was there ho could render some assistance to fcho borough. If tho meeting agreed with his views, ho wonld endeavour to get a clause inserted in the Municipal Act to enable the Council to lease their reserves for (55 years, instead of 21, for he felt convinced that a longer term of leaso was desirable. The burgesses had given away to the county of Eden tho right of a water supply in order that they might be permitted to manage two paltry acres of land. When ho went to Wellington he wished that they would arm him with authority to get back for the borough the 1000 acres which were sacrificed a few years ago. The Parnell borough endowment was bringing in £63 a year, whilst on the other hand the Onehunga endowment was lost to the whole community. The speaker referred at great length to tho financial position of the borough. The income for the year was only £1500, and the waterworks would take fully £1000 more than they anticipated, consequently, they would only have £500 to expend on other works. The Mangere Bridge was referred to, and Mr. Lundon spoke of his efforts to obtain a cemetery at Mangere. He concluded by referring to the action of the Auckland Harbour Board in endeavouring to bring about an amalgamation of the two harbours. The people were opposed to it, and he regretted very much that it was so, for he felt convinced that if Auckland had the management of Manukau harbour the charges would not bo so excessive. Mr. Lundon resumed his seat amidst applause. On the motion of Mr. May, seconded by Mr. W. Collikos, a unanimous rote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Lundon, A. vote of thanks to the chairman brought the proceedings to a close.