MOUNT ROSKILL AFFAIRS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 13, 6 April 1927, Page 11

MOUNT ROSKILL AFFAIRS

MEETING CY ROAD BOARD STEADY PROGRESS MADE A meeting of the Mount Roskill Road Board was held jfe’St evening, Mr. S. Scarborough presidim S’Referring to the objects of the new Town Planning Act, Mr. ‘Jozer pointed out the necessity for mak-ing the new by-laws of Mount Roskill in a manner that would effect cohesion with those in the Act, particularly in .respect to the setting back of building* lines. If the board failed to devisee such a scheme, considerable difficulties would be met with, and possibly woi'jJd cost large sums of money. The profusions of the Act overruled the boardA s bylaws, and such was the important. ® of the subject that he proposed the h'e.'lding of a special meeting to fully iToal with the by-laws. This course adopted. Mr. Robertson made an urgent appeaY that all ratepayers who held a vote in the city should cast it in favour of the loans required for various extensions of the tramway lines. Such extensions ran up to, and also inside Mount Roskill district; and, in helping Auckland City Council to secure the loans, Mount Roskill would be assisting itself. Objection was made to the loose and dangerous manner in which road contractors monopolised footpaths, and unnecessarily obstructed roads where only one-half was kept open during constructional work. The alternative of temporarily closing such roads was discussed; and the subject is to receive further consideration.

Reports from the building inspector stated that 29 buildings were in course of erection in the district, and since the previous meeting eight new building permits had been issued, at an estimated value of £3,200. For the year ending March 31, 345 new permits had been issued, at an estimated value of £182,570. These included 174 dwellings, 65 additions, etc., 2 shops and 104 miscellaneous works. Compared with the previous year, this year’s building work showed a falling off of £18,787. Permits fees for the year amounted to £694.

Unrestrained resentment among the members was provoked by a letter from the Post and Telegraph Department respecting the installation of telephonic communication at the temporary fire station. Mr. Tozer, as chairman of the Mt. Roskill Fire Board, reported that, despite the urgent necessity involved in such provision, the department had replied to the effect that, owing to the exchange apparatus in the area concerned being in full use, it was impossible to give the brigade a service at present. If the board, however, would sign the contract form, the matter would be given further attention, when numbers became available. Mr. Robertson indignantly protested against any delay in such an important provision, and urged the board to tackle the department in a manner that would force the installation within a very few days. Indefinite postponement could not be permitted where fire brigade service was concerned, and to

simply write the department was about as effective as leaving a message with the office boy. Mr. Brewer viewed the action of the department as “the usual huge joke—full of red-tapeism.” Fin- ; ally, it was decided that Mr. Tozer should personally interview the department, and in the meantime temporary provision could be attempted by means of a phone-box at present provided for the road foreman. Application was made for a contribution toward the fund to provide wireless apparatus for listening-in entertainments for all the patients in Auckland Hospital. Considering that the district already contributed a liberal share towards the maintenance of that institution, members demurred against any further encroachment upon the £SO per annum allowed the board for charitable disbursements, but eventually it was agreed to donate one guinea. The engineer reported that temporary arrangements had been made in the sheds for sleeping quarters and housing the new engine in connection with the fire brigade, and approaches to the premises improved. The board decided to accept an invitation from the inspector of explosives to administer the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act in the disi rict.