MOUNT ALBERT MAYORAL ELECTION

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 25, 21 April 1927, Page 10

MOUNT ALBERT MAYORAL ELECTION

MR. RHODES’S CAMPAIGN FOUR YEARS’ PROGRESS Four years of progress in the Borough of Mount Albert was dealt with by Mr. L. E. Rhodes, mayor of that district, in his address to about 100 electors in the Edendale Picture Theatre last evening. Rapid progress was being made in the borough, said Mr. Rhodes, and recently a number of subdivisions had been approved, indicating that further progress could be expected. During the four years, 1,458 new houses, valued at £1,116,600, had been built, and a new fire station had been erected and a modern fire engine had. been secured during the last two years. The action of the council in acquiring a quarry was supported by the speaker, who said the land had been purchased at £350 an acre, and if it had been roaded and subdivided a big profit could have been shown. Now, however, they had a good supply of metal for all time. The water supply had been improved at great cost, and small inadequate pipes replaced by 24£ miles of new 4in. mains. There were about two miles remaining to be dealt with. He was a strong advocate of outside water supply, and if the borough obtained a separate supply it would have cheaper and better water. The question of roads was dealt with, Mr. Rhodes stating that a loan had been authorised for permanently constructing every street in the borough, and nearly seven miles were already completed or in hand. Good progress was being made with drainage works and the storm-water scheme would be completed by next winter. The capital value of the borough to-day was £5,000,000, and the general rate had been reduced from Id in the £ to 2d. In reply to a question regarding reserves, Mr. Rhodes said several improvements had been effected in the Morningside Reserve, and the council also had in view a large estate in the borough. A unanimous vote of confidence and support was accorded the speaker.

THE OPPOSITION CAPT. ATWELL’S ATTACK There were about 100 people present at the Morningside Hall last evening, when Captain W. Atwell continued his campaign for the Mount Albert mayoralty. Mr. J. H. Fray presided. In the opinion of the srViker the principal duty of the borougn council was the preservation of the health of the community. To achieve this purpose a pure water supply and an efficienty sanitary service were essential. During his 22 years’ experience in the borough the quality of the water had gradually deteriorated until at the present time the water was unsafe to drink unless it was boiled. He strongly advocated supporting the Auckland provincial water scheme of obtaining a pure supply from Lake Taupo. The speaker stressed the necessity of pushing on with the sewage scheme and pointed out that the borough’s activities were not keeping pace with the progress. Dealing with the annual report presented by the mayor, Mr. L. E. Rhodes, the speaker commented on the commencement of the report which read: “ A most healthy condition of the borough affairs at Mount Albert is revealed in the annual report.” In his opinion the reading should be “ unhealthy.” The total expenditure ex-loan money was £93,005. In June last £750,000 was borrowed to be expended on a scheme covering 14 years, but at che rate of expenditure shown that amount would last for eight years only. The amount of £43,810 for the

purchase of plant was criticised, the speaker stating that from the purchase of plant in the past the results had been bad. He referred especially to the stone-crusher, which had been in the Morningside Reserve for years unused and rusty, until it was sold at a loss.

A vote of confidence and support was accorded the speaker.