MUNICIPAL ACTIVITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16823, 13 April 1918, Page 9

MUNICIPAL ACTIVITY.

•I , * EVIDENCED IN AUCKLAND. SOUTHERN VISITOR'S VIEWS. The municipal vigour apparent in Auckland was mentioned to a Christchurch reporter by Mr. A. S. Taylor, a member of the Christchurch City Council, and chairman of the Electricity Committee, who recently paid a holiday visit to Auckland. Mr. Taylor was much interested in the municipal activity and progressive civic spirit which, he said, were marked characteristics of thin city, and he expressed the opinion that much of the enthusiasm was inspired by the very live and capable Mayor the city possessed in Mr. J. H. Gunson. Mr. Taylor said that when visiting the Auckland Town Hall he was much struck with the splendid accommodation provided for the council's staff. He felt that the furnishings were worthy the dignity of the city, and thought the council chamber very fine. Mr. Taylor said he was Aery much impressed with the new City Markets, which he visited in company with the Mayor and city engineer. The Auckland City Comal's entry into the fish business was referred to by Mr. Taylor, who said he had assured himself that the markets were a success. Speaking about the concrete paving on streets near the wharves, Mr. Taylor said that to his mind this formed a perfect road, and cost less than wood-blocking, while the maintenance Wfeß no greater. He added that apparently here was, a. solution of the road-making problem. Regarding the Auckland city electrical undertaking, Mr. Taylor said that, while the plant was efficient, the supply was confined to the central area of the city, and the cost of distribution was, therefore, (not very great, but, in view of the demand from suburban districts for current, the council would have to seriously consider whether a water-power scheme would not be more economical for longdistance transmission. The attention which Auckland pays to its reserves and the generosity on the part of private citizens in the matter of providing parks wero also touched upon by Mr. Taylor, who contrasted the action of the Auckland people in unanimously consenting to the acquisition of Point Erin Park at a cost of £19,000 with the attitude of the Christchurch ratepayer?, who rejected a proposal to spend £10,000 on the purchase of Elmwood Park. He regretted that more of the vigorous civic spirit so much in evidence in AuelJamd was not manifest in Christchurch.