MOUNT ROSKILL'S PROGRESS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14048, 30 April 1909, Page 7

MOUNT ROSKILL'S PROGRESS.

ROAD BOARD'S REPORT. Thk annual meeting of the Mount Roskill Road Board and the ratepayers of the district will be held at the Board's office this evening, when Mr. Chas. Bagley (chairman of the Board) will preside. The annual report to be submitted sets forth that last year the Board worked on a general rate of jjd in the £ on the capital value of property in the district, equal to 6d in the £on the rental value. With this, many improvements were carried out, roads widened, cambers put on, and better water channels constructed. A number of now footpaths were formed, tarred and shelled, and a large amount of new work is to be taken in hand during the coming year. A number of white-painted posts, with name plates on them, have been erected at the corners of the various streets throughout the district. In regard to the hospital and charitable aid levy, in 1902 it amounted to £74 10s Bd, although no ratepayer in the district had received any assistance or benefit, and last year the levy reached £171 2s 2d, and it will be larger this coming term. In 1902 the general rate was fixed at |d in the £, or equal to Is in the £ on the rental value, but as the capital value of the district increased the Board gradually decreased the rate. In conjunction with the Onehunga Borough Council and the One-tree Hill Road Board, together with assistance from the Government and outside subscriptions, a splendid shelter shed—the Seddon memorial— been erected near the Royal Oak, at the entrance of the three districts named. Not only will it act as a shelter shed, but a postal letter box and a drinking fountain, and powerful lamps have been combined with the structure. A beautiful drive is being opened along the foreshore of the Manukau at a most picturesque snot, abounding with native bush scenery. Another improvement about to be taken in hand is the esplanade along the beach to connect the Hillboro' and Mount Roskill districts with OnehungaThe finances are in an exceptionally sound position, for notwithstanding the reduced rate, all demands have been satisfied, while a, credit of £382 6s 8d remains. The total income for the year amounted to £1406 16s 3d, and the expenditure to £1024 9s 9d. The assets stand at, £800 lis lid, and liabilities at £302 7s 7d. A special rate of |d in the £ was struck in the water area, capable of returning £390 per annum if collected. However, only id in the. £, or £130, was collected for 1908-9. Water mains are being extended, and extra gas lamps erected. For the_ coming year it is the intention to again strike a general rate of gd in the £ on the capital value. The Board congratulates the Mayor and councillors of Onehunga upon the success of the drainage poll, and suggests that the time is opportune to interview the Onehunga Council to see if arrangement* can be made so that Mount Roskill may participate in. the scheme, with advantage to both distircts.