PROGRESSIVE OTAHUHU

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 13, 6 April 1927, Page 3

PROGRESSIVE OTAHUHU

Opening of New Council Chambers BIG GATHERING OF RESIDENTS The completion of a progressive programme of public works involving the expenditure of £IIO.OOO, was marked at Otahuhu last evening when the new Borough Council Chambers were officially opened by Sir Frederick Lang. M.L.C. The building was brilliantly illuminated and scouts and girl g uides formed the guard.

The mayor, Mr. R. B. Todd, in his opening remarks, referred to the great progress the borough had made during the last few years, mentioning particularly the amount of concrete road work which had been completed: also water main and sewerage extensions. There were now over four miles of concrete roads in the borough. The present council had laid out a progressive policy which had been carried out as circumstances permitted. The council had unbounded faith in the growth and prosperity of Otahuhu. A total sum o[ £IIO,OOO had been spent and no doubt good value had been received for ,he money. Mr. Todd jokingly remarked that as the majority of the councillors were Scotchmen value must have been received. The completion of the new chambers and the « re station was the last item on the present programme. Undoubtedly the buildings were a credit to the town and reflected great credit on the architect who designed them, being commodious inside and artistic outside. OTHER SPEAKERS yir. Todd then introduced Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P. for Manukau, who said that it gave him great pleasure to see such an efficient home for the council, in addressing the scouts and guides he reminded them to always stand for things that were good. The next speaker was Mr. E. D. McLennan, member for Franklin, who said he was pleased to be associated with the people of Otahuhu on this occasion. Indications on every hand pointed to solid progress in Otahuhu ■ind he predicted a great future for the town. He congratulated Mr. Todd on his likelihood to again be elected unopposed as mayor. Mr. McLennan referred to the coming of the railway workshops to Otahuhu and also the probability of the connecting-up of the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours. He believed that this work must be given early consideration. OFFICIAL OPENING Sir Frederick Lang was then introduced by the mayor and was received with prolonged applause. He expressed his appreciation of the honour done in permitting him to open the new council chambers. He could hardly find words to convey how pleased he felt. He made mention of the wonderful changes that had taken place in the district since he first saw it 55 years ago. Sir Frederick became reminiscent of the days of the stage coach to" the Waikato and how the lights of Otahuhu used to shine as a

beacon to the home-coming travellers. Sir Frederick made reference to general progress in the district and congratulated Mr. Todd on his past record as Mayor and hoped he would be able to hold the reins of office for many years to come. He had known Mr. Todd’s relations very intimately, and recounted how, on one occasion, during an election campaign, Mr. Todd’s brother, Mr. John Todd, was chairman, and the speaker’s watch having stopped he carried on his speech much longer than the chairman appreciated. (Laughter.) He was of the opinion that Auckland would extend until Otahuhu would be the centre of the city. He considered the canal scheme very important and urged the citizens to interest themselves in the matter as the project would do much to advance the district and would give work to the unc#nployed. His Worship then handed Sir Frederick the presentation key which was donated by the architect for the building. After the opening ceremony had been completed the general public were invited to inspect the buildings. GUESTS ENTERTAINED An adjournment was then made to the Gas Company’s Building nearby, where the mayor and councillors entertained a gathering of representatives of local bodies, local institutions and prominent citizens. Among those present were Sir Frederick Lang; Mr. H. D. McKenzie, chairman Auckland Harbour Board; Mr. Cowell, mayor of Onehunga; Mr. E. D. McLennan, M.P. for Franklin; Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P. for Manukau; Mr. Waters, chairman Manukau County Council; Mr. A. Hall, chairman Papatoetoe Town Board; Mr. Patterson, architect: Mr. Raven Hall, builder, and others. The toast list was as follows: King.”—Proposed by the mayor. "Members of Parliament.”—Proposed by Mr. Henry Hall and responded to by Messrs. McLennan and Jordan, M’s.P. “Local Bodies.”—Proposed by his Worship the mayor, responded to by Mr. H. R. McKenzie, Auckland Harbour Board; Mr. Cowell, Mayor of Onehunga; and Mr. Waters, Manukau County Council. ‘‘Architect and Builder.” —Proposed by Cr. Clements and responded to by Mr. Patterson, architect, and Mr. Raven Hall, builder. “The Ladies.” —Proposed by Father Skinner and responded to by Cr. Payne. The singing of the National Anthem terminated the function.