GREATER AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15169, 7 December 1912, Page 8

GREATER AUCKLAND.

DISCUSSED AT PARNELL.

THE PROPOSAL APPROVED.

A POLL ON MONDAY.

Pabotm. electors met lust evening for the purpose of discussing the proposal that Parnell should amalgamate with the city of Auckland. Mr. C. E. Palmer presided, and in opening the meeting reminded those present of the poll upon the question to be taken on Monday next. He invited anyone present, whether for or 'against the proposal, to come, forward and give his views. . Mr. Joseph Thome, an ex-Mayor of Parnell, was the first speaker. He urged tliat Pamell should join the city and so reap the benefits now enjoyed by city residents. He hoped the proposal would be carried, for otherwise the matter would be hung up for two years. Rev. J. M. Simpson described himselt as one of the " irrcsponeibles who had no property in the borough." However, heclaimed that as a resident of five years standing ho had every rijfht to express an opinion upon such an important proposal as that now before the electors. The state of Parnell's streets was such, he said, that many people absolutely refused to live in the district, even though they had property there. In conclusion, he predicted that as soon as Parnell joined th&city Newmarket and Reinuera would come in. Mr. Edgecumbe, who stated that he had lived in Parnell since he was eight yeare of age, stated that while other suburbs had gone ahead Parnell had stood still. > He spoke of.the proposed £75.000 loan for roading, and. emphasised the fact that to pay the interest on the loan Parnell rates would have to be raised .by several pence. Mr. W. Johns pointed out that Parnell's rates are not at present high enough to pay expenses. The present water rate, he said, •was quite inadequate. Over £500 a year was being lost on this service alone. Mr. Johns also spoke of the many services that •would be at Parhell's disposal if it amalgamated with tho city. Pamell as a, residential suburb was unsurpassed, and therefore it should.be the endeavour of the ratepayers to secure the best of everything to keep the district in good order. Mr. G. Scarborough, a member of the Parnell Borough Council, and 1 Mr. Davis supported amalgamation. Professor Segar desired information as. to ■whether the valuation of Parnell properties would be increased by the borough joining the city. In answer, Mr. Thome explained that should the city valuer endeavour to raise the valuation unfairly tho people of Pamell could appeal and have the matter righted. . The meeting affirmed, by a vote, the desirability of amalgamation with Auckland city, and thanked the Ratepayers' Association for it* efforts in securing information oncerning the proposal.