CIVIC SNAPSHOTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 417, 27 July 1928, Page 16

CIVIC SNAPSHOTS

i -*■ + ! Items From the j Council Chamber

In order to allow the University to get a proper library ready for the lectures on civics which it proposes to commence next year on the suggestion of the Mayor, the Auckland University Board asked that this year’s amount of £250 be handed over. The Finance Committee was empowered to act.

The loss of its grounds at Remuera has caused the Hockey Association to advise the council that it will require 10 grounds next year in addition to the one at Victoria Park. A council committee will consider the position, which is likely to prove decidedly embarrassing.

The Mount Roskill Road Board proposes to raise a loan of £3,000 without reference to the ratepayers for repairs to The Drive, Selwyn Road, St. Andrew’s Road and Landscape Road. An enabling clause in the Local Legislature Bill for the present session of Parliament will be sought. The board will be supported by the City Council.

The Harbour Bridge Association approached the council, submitting a pamphlet outlining its objects, pointing out that its aim was to avoid any charge on rates and taxes, and asking for the council’s support, financial or otherwise. The question was referred to the Finance Committee for a report.

In view of the financial stringencies facing the City Council a number of the streets which were to have been planted with trees this year will be left alone. The planting programme will see a total of 1,342 trees set out. These are allotted to the following districts: Remuera 366, Epsom 495, Parnell 27, Ponsonby 194, Grey Lynn 360, Point Chevalier 263. By far the greatest number will be elms.

Included in the number of men being retired by the City Council in order to keep within the estimates there will be one man of 70, who has been in the service of the council for 38 years, and another of 78, who has been employed for 21 years. They will be granted six and four months’ leave respectively before finally retiring.

A sum of £723, remaining out of a £15,000 loan for roading in the central ward of Avondale borough, is to be expended as follows: North Bo*4 £220, Layard Street £442, and CrsKHtoft Street £6l.

In order to ensure that school concession cards are used only by those entitled to them, the council decided on a revision which will make the tickets available for 10 rides only, at the same price as previously charged for 12. The tickets will be sold at the schools.

The council approved a proposal that in future the council would not grant taxi licences unless the owners had arranged insurance. Most taxis are insured.