GREATER AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21099, 5 February 1932, Page 12

GREATER AUCKLAND.

Sir, —I am pleased to see the Mount Albert Borough Council has decided to take a poll on amalgamation with the city. It is rather belated, but better late than never. Had this plan been adopted eight years ago before that awful orgy of waste and spending set in things financially would have been in a much better state than thoy are to-day, with the stigma hanging over our heads of being the heaviest rated borough in the Dominion. The office administration, etc., is costing five to six thousand pounds per annum, whereas under the city regime the cost would amount to less than fifteen hundred. Thousands have been wasted on an obsolete quarry and still tho waste goes on. Tho cost of installing a water service to a new house is £8 odd, whereas city charges nothing. All metres except on large consumption (factories, etc.) will be discarded, which will b c an enormous saving. Our civic chambers will make way for an up-to-date library and lecture rooms, which aro badly needed. All water mains will bo connected up on adjacent boundaries, thus cutting out all dead ends and ensuring a purer water supply. One of tho first big jobs undertaken under amalgamation should bo a bridge over Commercial Road Gully, thus giving a new outlet from the city. This would greatly enhance the value of Kingsland and surrounding districts. Our fire brigade, another costly item, would automatically merge with the Fire Board and Ibis would bo better for all concerned. Under amalgamation we should progress by leaps and bounds. A. Clark. Morningside.