CRITICISM OF COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20378, 5 October 1929, Page 12

CRITICISM OF COUNCIL.

devonport householders.

many subjects discussed.

■ A nuoib'oV- of speakers "referred to grievances at the" first- meeting of the newly-formed 'Devonport Property Holders' Assoqiation, .held op Thursday evening, the president, Mr, D. "VY. McLean, presiding. Preliminary, business included the, approval of a draft constitution.. The chairman criticised the fact that £41,000 had been raided by loan for nnemployment works, i whila, $132,00P had bbeq. raised for ronding- « On a, distance of two miles less,' ,ti* expenditure, in Mount Albert had bqcn only. £67,000, of raising the £132,000 had been £4OOO, which seemed io bo great. 'lho unpaid rates in tho borough had been allowed to mount' up until they reached' ft; total of £4988. All accounts except the water account, showed a debit balance,, ; > , Another criticism by tho chairman related to the collection of refuse.' 110 stated' that in Takapuim the work .was :d<?nc by contract, tenders being called, and the cost to each householder, was only ljd a week. If tho collection were mado in Dovonport by contract instead of by the council's staff from £3OO to £4OO a year would bo saved, t ■ . Several members opposed tho system of installing water motors. 1 Mr; Fi .Cliomp. son, a former roombey of the Borough Council, stated'he would not allow a meter to bo installed on, his pfoperty/and advised'those present that they could not be compelled to accept meters. , Other matters which were discussed were the. high valuations of property in tho borough ancV the clearing'"of gorse on the roads. The chairman "arid Mr. Thompson attacked the council for not allowing tho meeting to use the council chambers, claiming that other meetings had been held there. It was decided, to send a deputation to the council to inquire tho reason of the refusal and to enter a protest. • • • '