PROGRESS OF MT. EDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20239, 26 April 1929, Page 16

PROGRESS OF MT. EDEN.

ROADING AND DRAINAGE.

RECORD OF ADMINISTRATION. ADDRESS BY THE MAYOR. Details of tho progr.ess of tho borough of Mount Eden during the last 23 years, and, moro particularly, during his term of office, were given by tho Mayor, Mr. E. H. Potter, at a meeting of residents on Wednesday evening. There was only a small attendance, but this was taken by Mr. Potter as a sign that ratepayers wore satisfied with the present administration.

Mr. Potter traced tho growth of the borough from a rural district to one of tho best residential areas in Auckland. Roads and drainage had been provided and tho necessity for open spaces and playing areas had not been overlooked. With tho advent of motor transport roads had to be relaid in permanent material and this work was now nearing completion. So far drainage had cost close on £300,000, nearly half of the borough's loan indebtedness. It was a large sum, but the nature of the country made the cost unavoidable.

When the borough was formed 23 years ago, tho capital value, Government valuation, was £1,000,000. In March, 1927, it was £5,250,000, and to-day it was probably £5,500,000. Ihe work carried out by tho council had contributed largely to this increased valuation and ratepayers had profited accordingly. Tho population in 1909 was 9900; at present it was 19,470. "Tho council has been active in furthering the "scheme of a Metropolitan Board to take over tho regional services which extend beyond the boundaries of local bodies," Mr. Potter said. "We hope to obtain the support of candidates who are standing for the various local bodies and thereby bring the board into existence. This should lead to an economy in expenditure and to a lessening in the demands made ou local bodies by existing boards. At prespnt a considerable part of the rate collected by local bodies is merely handed over to tho Hospital Board and the Drainage Board."

Mr. Potter quoted remarks made by Mr. T. Blood worth to the effect that the rate per head of population in Wellington worked out at £3 8s 6d, while in Auckland City it was £4 14s 7d. In Mount Eden, Mr. Potter said, it was £3. There was not likely to be any further necessity for raising large loans after the completion of the drainage work, and he thought that rates then might even be lowered. The deputy-mayor, Mr. A. M. Bryden, paid a tribute to the work of Mr. Potter, who, hp said, had carried on most ably the progressive policy inaugurated by the first Mayor, Mr. Oliver Nicholson. He thought the laying down of all roads in permanent material should be completed this year. Other members of tlip council who are seeking re-election also addressed the meeting and a vote of thanks and confidence was carried.

POWER BOARD SEATS. LOCAL BODY MEMBERS. KEEN WAITEMATA CONTEST. The following local' body nominations for membership of hydro-electric power boards were received on Wednesday:

W A ITEM ATA BOARD. Waiternata County, three members required.—Messrs. H. Day, J. Mackio and IT. A. Robertson, sitting members, and Messrs. F. W. Grigg, R. Glasgow, L. E. Kerr-Taylor and G. 0 Halloran. FRANKLIN BOARD. Franklin County, four members required.—Messrs. J. Dean, H. P. Gar and, J B. McKinnev and H. Wilcox, sitting members, and Messrs. J. O'N. Crouch, H. J. Flay, J. Henry and 1. W. Woods. HOBSON BOARD. Six members required.—Messrs. J. G. Barclay, W. P. Begg, F G. Dargaville, \ E Harding, J. H. McCairoll and E. O. Appleton, sitting members. MOUNT ALBERT MAYORALTY MR. RHODES' CANDIDATURE. In bis campaign for the Mayoralty of Mount Albert the present Mayor, Mr. L. E. Rhodes, addressed a meeting of residents at the Kingsland Jubileo Hall on Wednesday evening. Mr. J. W. Bissett presided over an attendance of about 1A) Mr. Rhodes, who was given a most cordial reception, spoke on the lines o his opening address, and at Che conclusion was accorded a unanimous vote ot thanks and confidence. Three members of the council who are offering themselves for re-election, spoke in support of Mr. Rhodes' candidature, and paid tributes to his work for the borough.

ROAD BOARD MEMBERS. NO CONTEST AT OSTEND. Nominations for scats on the Ostond Road Board closed on Wednesday. The number of nominations received did not, exceed the vacancies, and the following wore declared elected: —Messrs. 1 4 . H. Brown, T. W. Finer, E. Griffiths and G. R. MeGrovy. All except Mr. Griffiths are sitting members.