EDEN TERRACE AFFAIRS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16035, 29 September 1915, Page 4

EDEN TERRACE AFFAIRS

AMALGAMATION WITH CITY.

REPRESENTATION QUESTION.

PROMPT UNION DESIRED.

Matters in connection with the coming amalgamation of the Eden Terrace road district with the City of Auckland were discussed at what it was expected would be the final meeting of the Eden Terrace Road Board last night. There were present: Messrs. P. McElwain, chairman, H. A. Good, J. W. Andrews, A. G. Blakey, P. T. Burch, R. P. Smith, and G. Crawford.

A telegram was received from the Minister for Internal Affairs, the Hon. G. W. Russell, stating that provision was being made to enable one member of the Eden Terrace Road Board to become a member of the City Council until the next biennial election. The Minister stated that it was impossible to effect the alteration from October 1, and suggested that the board's member take his seat on the City Council on April 1 next. The chairman stated that the telegram was the result of his application to the Prime Minister for the passing of legislation to enable the_ board to be represented on the City Council. He added that it was now a question as to whether the board should 'amalgamate at once, and go without representation on the City Council, or wait until next April. Mr. Smith said it would not be consistent with the board's urgent application to the commissioners for amalgamation if it was decided to hang up matters now for six months. Several things in the district required attention at once, particularly the New North Road, and the board was unable to deal with them. He suggested that if amalgamation was deferred they should ask the City Council's assistance during the ensuing six months. Mr. Burch said that the board was unfinancial, and he would resign if it was decided to carry on for another six months. Even if they had the City Council's assistance matters which required urgent attention would be delayed. After considerable discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Burch, that the Minister be advised that in the opinion of the board the amalgamation should take effect as soon as possible, and that some representation on the council should be given, bat that, in view of the state of the district and the finances, it was impossible to wait for six months.