TAKAPUNA AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15663, 17 July 1914, Page 9

TAKAPUNA AFFAIRS.

Sir,—The manner in which the affairs of TakapuMa arc now being handled is most unbusinesslike and in marked contrast to the progressive way in which they were conducted during the mayoralty of the late Mayor, Mr. Alison.. Undeu that gentleman's administration each day saw some useful public work carried out; now we are all wondering what has happened to change the late progressive policy. Meetings of the council are being held as often as before, more often probably, but immediately any matter of importance is brought forward the council goes into committee so that the question can be discussed and dealt with in camera, and strange to say the council remains in committee. I attended a meeting recently for the express purpose of hearing the council's views upon a question, but the council at once resolved itself into committee, and though sobsenuently other business was gone on with there was no report from the council in committee to the open council. This system is utterly wrong. The council represents the people, and the people have a right to know how their business is conducted. Other local bodies around Auckland carry out their business openly, and tbo press representatives are free to hear all that takes place. At the last meeting of tho council an offer was maoc by a generous gentleman at Takapuna, a member of tho council, to donate a site for a council chamber, and even to pay for the cost of transfer. The site, a corner one. which is level and splendidlv situated, directly opposite the post office, and has, I am rplinblv informed, between 88ft and 90ft of frontage to the main road, is admirably suited for the purposes of a council chamber and other r»nnir*>ments. How did tbo council deal with this generous offer? It went into committee and T am told intends to refuse the offer. It is tb" duty nf the council to conserve the public interests, and to accept such a munificent offer as (hot made. Public feeling is stronclv opposed to the council's reported den'sion to refuse the generous offer made, and will a.Tixio"?lv await the report of nest fcieeling of the council. O?PN COTTKCTTi.