WATER BOARD OPPOSED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1060, 26 August 1930, Page 7

WATER BOARD OPPOSED

ONEHUNGA COUNCIL’S STAND As the outcome of a discussion on the provisions of the Auckland Provincial Water Board Bill, now before Parliament, the Onehunga Borough Council, at its meeting last evening, took exception to the confiscatory clauses of the measure, whereby the proposed Water Board is empowered lo purchase any waterworks under the L J ubJic Works Act. It was decided to request Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P., to oppose the Bill unless a clause is inserted safeguarding the Onehunga waterworks. The recent decision of the Full Court in tlie case Northcote Borough Council v. Buchanan, whereby the provisions of the Rating Act, 1925, were found to be inapplicable in a district where the system of rating on unimproved values was in force, was discussed and Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P., is to be x-equested to support a remedial amendment to the Act.

The council’s representatives attending the forthcoming airport conference were instructed to support the acquisition of land and the prosecution of the scheme forthwith, on the basis of the Government bearing one third of the financial responsibility and . the local bodies two thirds of the cost of establishment and operation. Also that the Auckland Harbour Board or some other existing board be appointed to take control. ■*.

Having received satisfactory reports from Dr. Hughes, Medical Officer of Health, and Mr. A. F. Jameson, pumping engineer, the council decided to install an automatic chlorinating plant at each of its two pumping stations. It was explained that in the past, application ol’ chlorine had * been a manual process, but under the new system the chlorine, being in a gaseous state, will be injected into the water by electricity. The cost of the two automatic units will be £414 and their installation is to be effected about three months hence. FOOTPATH SUBSIDY The district engineer. Public Works Department, advised that a £ for £ subsidy up to £4O bad been approved for footpath and stormwater provision in Selwyn Street. The Railway Department refused permission to erect a shelter on its reserve at the corner of Church Street and Captain Springs Road, because the council had declined to pay £5 a year for the lease of the land. The Medical Officer of Health reported that the periodical bacteriological analysis of the borough water supply had proved satisfactory. A proposal to pave Norman’s Hill Road with concrete at an estimated cost of £ 1.601 was deferred for two weeks. Permission was given the Society Cor the Protection of Women and Children and the Community Sunshine Association to take up a joint street collection on November ?. A similar request from the Victoria League to use a street stall for the sale of daffodils was declined.

The Suburban Bus Company notified its intention to increase its fares owing to the increased price of petrol and its request to be heard by the council on Monday next was granted.