MOUNT ALBERT AND CITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18946, 18 February 1925, Page 10

MOUNT ALBERT AND CITY.

PROPOSED AMALGAMATION. DEPUTATION TO COUNCIL. The matter of amalgamation with the city was before the Mount Albert Borough Council last evening, when a deputation from the Mount Albert Ratepayers' Association requested the council to consider seriously the pioposal and to communicate its views to the association at the earliest possible date, Tho chairman of the association, Mr. A. Beasley, introduced the spokesmen, Messrs. M. O'Callaghan and Brown. "I have been asked to bring under tho council's notice that the association means to take action with a view to amalgamation," said Mr, O'Callaghan. Some months before a petition had been circulated among residents. It had been considered by the association, which had decided to give the project its support, It was agreed, however, not to take any action until the views of both the councils interested had been heard. The Mayor of Auckland, Sir James Gunson, when approached, had advised the association to solicit the support of the Mount Albert Council. Some of the members of the association had open minds on the subject and wished to hear the council's views before taking action. If tho council did not give its support it was intended to circulate a petition asking for a poll to test the ratepayeis' attitude. The matter should be decided before the borough elections were held. Mr. O'Callaghan further said that he would like the council's opinion that evening if possible. Supporting Mr. O'Callaghan's remarks, Mr. Brown said that if the council could give a favourable answer that evening there would be no need to go to the expense of taking a poll, but most members of the association supported a poll if it . were necessary. They believed the City Council could administer the affairs of the borough more economically than was being done at present. In addition, the borough would have the benefit of more expert advice, would be able to raise loans more cheaply, and would have cheaper water and a more efficient sanitary service. The Mayor, Mr. L. E. Rhodes: I assure ( you that the council will give the matter proper consideration and acquaint you of its attitude. If they think that it is their duty they will advocate it, and if they do not they will oppose it. Mr. O'Callaghan then said that there was every indication that the council would not give its support. He invited the council to attend any of the meetings of ratepayers organised by the association. No statements derogatory to tho council's work would be made. "If you can convince me that the statement you made that rates in Remuera increased in one case from £7 to £3l is correct, I will not advocate amalgamation," he concluded. The Mayor: I am prepared to prove that The matter was discussed by the council later in the evening, when the Mayor said he had hoped that the deputation would. have placed something tangible before the council. This had not been done. The council wanted to do what was best for the ratepayers and the interests of the borough. Mr. R. J. Aliingham moved that the matter be referred to the works and lighting and legal and finance committees, which included tho whole council, to report, at the next meeting. Mr. R. H. Armstrong: No arguments were put forward by the deputation. The financial aspect, which is of primary importance, was carefully avoided. The Mayor's motion was carried.