“SUSPICION IN THE AIR”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 445, 29 August 1928, Page 1

“SUSPICION IN THE AIR”

TRANSPORT PROBLEMS DISCUSSED CITY AND SUBURBS IN CONFLICT A PRIVATE company’s first duty is to its shareholders,” Tl said Mr. J. A. C. Allum during a discussion on the Auckland transport problems last evening. “The City Council has, I believe, handled its transport in a satisfactory manner, and could do so in an extended area. The services given should, however, safeguard the interests of the city ratepayer. J

M R . ALHIM made these remarks during the conference held between the City Council and suburban local bodies for the purpose of attempting to arrive at a solution of the transport problem. The hinderance to progress, however, was the fact that the City Council has not yet finalised its views on the findings of the Transport Commission.

There was heated passages during the conference, the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, at one stage refusing to accept a motion. Mr. B. J. Phelan also complained of the air of suspicion at the meeting. The representatives of local bodies were: Mr. E. H. Potter, Mayor, Mount Eden; Mr. R. G. Clark, Mr. E. F. Jones, Mr. A. Milliken, Mr. P. M. Waters, Mr. W. L. Titchener, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth and Mr. T. Blopdworth. It was only after discussion by the City Council that Messrs. Bloodworth and Holdsworth were admitted. In opening the discussion, Mr. Potter said that the suburban representatives wanted to know what the City Council’s views were. The Mayor: I want you to understand distinctly that the City Council is not yet committed one way or the other. Outside local bodies asked us to see certain representatives; we understand yoft have come to a decision, and we woifld like to hear what* it is. Mr. Potter, in reply, said Auckland had arrived at a stage in its development when transport had to be regarded as a town and country problem. A larger area was needed for transport than for local government, and in deciding upon a transport control board, an area of about 350 square miles had to be taken into consideration within the next 10 years. He then moved that the principle of a transport board be affirmed. MOTION REFUSED

The Mayor: I am not prepared to accept a motion. The City Council wants to learn the minds of local bodies before coming to a decision. Mr. Potter then suggested that the meeting should recommend local bodies to endorse the principle of a board. The Mayor: I can’t accept that, either. M r - Milliken, representing the

EUerslie Town Board, said it was important that . a progressive effort should be made toward the solution of the problem. The suburban delegates wanted the city’s assistance in evolving a scheme for the betterment of conditions in outside districts. The best relief would be given by a transport board, but it would probably be necessary to extend the control area recommended by the commission. Mr. Potter then suggested that the suburban delegates should retire while the council discussed its attitude toward the board. Mr. E. J. Phelan complained that there was a suspicious air about all parties. "We should be honest with each other,” he "and place the cards on the table. We should tackle the problem as laid down by the commission.”

Mr. Bloodworth said he had agreed to co-operate with the suburban bodies, but he felt that little progress could be made until the City Council had decided on its attitude toward the transport board proposal. Mr. A. J. Entrican said that the council could not be expected to make up its mind in half an hour. The council had great responsibilities, and careful thought would have to be given to a suggestion that involved the possible handing over of assets worth £1,750,000. BIG PROPERTY INVOLVED

“It is said that the city has £1,750,000 at stake,” remarked Mr. Potter, “but much more than that is involved. There is property valued at £150,900,000, and something should be done to give improved and cheaper transport.” Mr. Potter went on to say that suburban bodies were practically in favour of the report, but they thought, for example, that the boundaries should be widened. At one stage it was suggested that the personnel of the board should be seven for the city and six for the suburbs. The Mayor: That was at a confidential meeting. You must not refer to It.

Mr. Potter once again attempted to bring his motion affirming the principle of a transport board before the meeting. The Mayor: I have already ruled that out of order. Mr. Potter: Is this a conference of local bodies? “Yes,” replied the Mayor. “Then I’m surprised at your ruling,” remarked Mr. Potter. Mr. Entrican then suggested that the' conference be adjourned for two weeks to enable the City Council to come to a decision on the commission’s findings. This, when put in the form of a motion, was carried, and the conference adjourned.