TAINUI AND SCNSHINE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16121, 9 July 1914, Page 11

TAINUI AND SCNSHINE.

AMALGAMATION WITH CITY

DESIRED.

DEPUTATION TO COUNCIL.

A deputation consisting of 12 or 14 ratepayers from Tainui waited on the City Council last evening with, a request that the atea should be included in tne city.

Mr A. H. Tonldason, Who acted as chief spokesman, etated that the deputation represented the ratepayers and residents of the area comprised in Tainui, Musselburgh Kise, and Sunshine, and they were seeking amalgamation with the city. Councillors were no doubt familiar with the extent of the area, but he would outlines the boundaries with a view to showing the size of the area, which was one-third of the extent of St. Kilda. As they were aware, the area had recently com© through great tribulation, and had been suffering the torments of finding that it was " no man's land." In this connection, the speaker referred to the recent commission that had been held, and went on to state that their object in now coming before the council was to be brought within, the city area on the grounds mentioned in the report of the commission. There were many valid reasons why that should be done, and they sought the assistance of the council in the matter. In the first place he would like to point out that the area lay at the very door-step of toe city—in fact, it was mucli nearer to the business centre than one-third of the city's own area. Water and electric light were supplied from the ■ city, and the main road intersected the area, while Tainui had a very real community of interest with the city. The area was particularly suitable for municipal control, and that fact had been referred to by the comsion. Practically the whole of it had been cut up into township allotments, and the roads were chain roads, while,' as an additional advantage, they were entirely free from debt, with an almost negligible exception. In conclusion, he referred to the present unsatisfactory control of the area, whiich was governed by a number of bodies, with'the result tnat matters were in a most chaotic state. He lelt confident that the City Corporation should be the governing body, and he trusted the matter would receive favourable consideraiton.

Mr J. B. Nichol also supported the request, and referred to the present unsatisfactory condition of the area with regard to drainage, which, he stated, made it a menace to the city. He was of opinion that the whole question of drainage should be undertaken at once and under the control of the City Corporation. Continuing, he outlined a great number of advantages tiat would accrue to the city as a result of the area being brought in. The Mayor assured the deputation that the council would carefully consider the matter, and its decision would be forwarded in due course.

The deputation then retired, after having thanked the council for its reception. Cr Clark moved that the matter be referred to the Finance Committee with a view to ascertaining its opinion, the question being very largely one of finance. Cr Small seconded the motion, which was carried.