NORTH SHORE BOROUGHS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21744, 8 March 1934, Page 11

NORTH SHORE BOROUGHS

AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL TAKAPUNA AND DEVONPORT COMMUNITY OF INTERESTS " Takapuna has a greater community of interests with Devonport than with the other North Shore boroughs," said Mr. J. Waddell at last evening's meeting of the Takapuna Borough Council, when the question of amaleamation was again discussed. "Devonport has common interests with Takapuna in at least two public matters," he continued. Mr. M. L. Wilkins said he was still anxious that an amalgamation should be effected, but he thought the proposal impossible without the co-opera-tion of Devonport. He was emphatically of the opinion that Devonport and Takapuna would have to work together. The Mayor, Mr. J. Guiniven, disagreed with the statements made, and mentioned tho borough's interest in the proposed harbour bridge, which would be built to Northcote.

Mr. T. M- Rollo considered there was very little chance of the bridge being built. Takapuna had everything in common with Devonport, and nothing with Northcote and Birkenhead. Mr. Guiniven said the issue would not bo forced if Takapuna and Devonport joined, as Northcote and Birkenhead would form a separate union that might» continue for years. Takapuna would have a definite interest with Northcote, if the harbour bridge were built.

Mr. Rollo: The ratepayers would not endorse a bridge rating proposal.

"The Northcote and Birkenhead delegates are very keen to secure amalgamation," said Mr. G. M. Galbraith, " but, personally, the more I consider it, the less I like it."

Mr. Waddell remarked that no reaL move had bean made to convince Devonport of the desirability of amalgamation.

"Devonport is the Newmarket of the North Shore," retorted Mr. Guiniven. "It means to remain self-con-tained."

Consideration of a suggestion that the borough's solicitors should confer with an official of the Internal Affairs Department, with a view to framing a draft of information covering all aspects of the cost of amalgamation, was deferred until the next meeting.