THE CITY COUNCIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21117, 26 February 1932, Page 12

THE CITY COUNCIL.

RENT OF WORKERS' HOMES.

- PARNELL BATHS WATER. SUGGESTIONS FROM STAFFS. The Auckland City Council met, last evening, the Mayor, Mr. C. W. Hutchison, presiding. In view of the fact that the House nf Representatives rejected last session Mr. H. G. R. Mason's Local Elections and Foils Amendment Bill, which provided for voting by a. cross, tho council decided that a. clause to make this method of voting optional in Auckland City be included in tho council's next Parliamentary Bill.

It was decided that the rentals of 12 workers' dwellings in West \ icvv Head, Grey Lynn, at present let on weekly tenancies, bo reduced from 25s to 22s 6d. A suggestion was received from the Auckland branch of tho New Zealand Institute of Architects that in the event of tho appointment of an officer to replace the chief building inspector, who recently retired, tho opportunity should be taken to alter the title,of the position to "city building surveyor," or to appoint a properly qualified architect to the post. The proposal was referred to tho Works Committee.

A proposal by Miss A. Basten that a suggestion-box bo provided for uso by members of tho staff was approved by the Finance Committee and adopted. It was decided that £25 a year be allocated for bonuses to officials sending in tho most meritorious suggestions intended to improve administration or contribute to the development of tho city.

Tlio Community Sunshine Association sought permission to hold a street collection on March 27 for their usual "Forget-me-not" Day. '1 he application was referred to tho Finance Committee with power to act. The two sea water inlets for the tepid baths having been examined and found in bad order, one being entirely silted up and the other two too near the surface of the mud, it was decided to spend £l4O on extending one pipe into deeper water, tho work to bo done by the Harbour Board.

A complaint of dirty water in tho Pnrnell Baths was attributed by tho baths superviser to discolouration of tile water in tho harbour. Ilis report stated J.hat tho baths were emptied and scrubbed twice a weok, and the water was chlorinated on admission.

In consequence of an adverse report on tho council's power to fix minimum taxi-cab faros, as requested in a petition from 167 owner-drivers, it was decided to suggest that the petitioners approach the Government for an amendment of the Municipal Corporations Act on the lines suggested.