PROGRESS OF TAUPAKI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15849, 20 February 1915, Page 9

PROGRESS OF TAUPAKI.

NEW HALL OPENED. Thx new public hall at Taupaki was officially opened yesterday by Mr. Alex. Harris, M.P. for Waitemata. Mr. J. O'Neil, member for the Waitakere Riding on the Waitemata County Council, was among the invited guests. Mr. C- Crisp, chairman of the Hall Trustees, who presided, received the balance-sheet, which showed that with the exception of a mortgage of £150, the hall was practically free of debt. * The quarter-acre site upon which tho building stands, was donated by Mr. C. Crisp, and all the necessary labour was given by the settler's in addition to substantial gifts of money, while the ladies— particularly Mrs. Sloan—contributed liberally towards the cost of the erection of tho building.

r. Harris complimented the district upon its enterprise, and referred to the rapid development that was taking place. Land that a few years ago was considered practically worthless, was now profitably occupied, as was evidenced by the fact that dairying and fruit culture were being extensively carried on. The member advocated the extension of the rural workers' home system, for which purpose land was being purchased by the Government. The Juestion of absentee holdings was also reerred to by Mr. Hams, who remarked that the provisions of the Land Act were being put into operation, which gave the Government the power to compulsorily resume any land not being profitably occupied. In addition, absentees were now compelled to pay double the ordinary amount of land tax, with the object of forcing improvement and subdivision.