NEW TRANSPORT BILL

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1931, Page 10

NEW TRANSPORT BILL

LOCAL BODY OPPOSITION.

“URSURPATION OF POWERS.”

That it would be less effective than the present Act. that it constituted an unjustified interference with the administrative powers of local bodies and that it would materially add to the financial burdens of the people by the creation of a new department at a time when the people could least afford such increase—such were the main objections raised by the emergency committee of the Municipal Association in regard to the proposed Transport Licensing-Bill in a communication received by the Eltham Borough Council. The Mayor said that before long the powers of local bodies would be so whittled down that they would have no more powers than school committees. He moved that 'the council join in support of the opposition to the proposed legislation. He said that in regard to a 'great many clauses of the Aet the Municipal Association offered no objection. . Cr. Ricketts supported the motion, which was carried.

minimum water RATE.

CLAIM FOR OVER-PAYMENT.

The position of water rates on all vacant sections in Eltham is to be investigated and a report made to tho finance committee, according, to a decision made by the Eltham Borough Council on Friday. The subject arose from the receipt of a letter from Mr. G. H. P. Fitzgerald stating he had discovered that he had overpaid his water rates on two unoccupied properties held by him and asking for a re-fund of £2 4s. The writer contended that according to the Act the rate should not exceed 5s where the annual rateable value was less than £l2 10s, whereas for the past four years he had been paying 10s. The clerk explained that the Act of 1928 had 'restored the minimum water rate of 10s, thus over-riding the previous Act. The Mayor said the legal opinion of the late Mr. T. F. Martin supported the amount levied by the council, and it was decided that the council could not accede to Mr. Fitzgerald’s request. Cr. Whiting understood that a number of vacant sections in the borough were only paying 5s water rate. The clerk said there might be sections payino- only 5s but the question of exempted properties was being investigated individually. It seemed Mr. Fitzgerald had been guided by the Act of 1920, which was apparently over-ridden by the Act of 1928, said Cr. Coward.

ISLINGTON CHALLENGE CUP.

FINE SHOOTING BY HIGH SCHOOL,

The scores for the Islington Challenge Cup fdt shooting are taken from the annual classification return of companies, and the competition is open to all secondary schools in New Zealand. For the year 1930-31 the Stratford Technical High School headed the lists for the Central and Southern Commands according to advice just received from the Defence Department, but was beaten by D Company, Auckland Regiment. The competition is fired with .303 ammunition and is a company competition. The school team also finished well up in the British Empire competition and was placed eighth in New Zealand, flrino- with .22 ammunition. Firing with .22 ammunition in the Weekly Press competition, open to teams of 10, the school finished fourth in New Zealand.

MINSTREL CONCERT TO-NIGHT. The performance to be given by .the Swanee Minstrels at Stratford to-night promises to eclipse any previous effort of the troupe. The solo and chorus work will appeal to. patrons, and the jokes of the corner men will cause plenty of amusement.' A number of items will be given by various artists whose contributions will contrast with those of the Minstrels and lend variety of programme. BUSINESS NOTICES. The Eltham Ladies’ Hockey Club will hold a dance at the Eltham Town Hall this evening. The indications are for a very large gathering. Many are expected to come by free buses from Hawera and Stratford. First-class music and supper have been arranged. The attention of farmers is drawn to an advertisement by Alex McMullian regarding bobby calves, and to advise that the price remains as usual. KING’S THEATRE. “TRUE TO THE NAVY.” “True to the Navy,” all-talking companion picture to the popular “The Fleet’s In,” will show at the King’s Theatre Anally to-night, starring Clara Bow. In this Paramount* picture Miss Bow is a soda fountain clerk, with the reputation for having a sweetheart on every ship. “True to the. Navy’’ was directed by Frank Tuttle, maker of “Sweetie,’/ '“Only the Brave” and “The Benson Murder Case.” The screen play for the Bow picture is the work of Keene Thompson and Doris Anderson. Fredric March and Harry Green are featured opposite the star. The supporting cast includes Sam Hardy, Rex Bell, Eddie Featherston and Adele Winsor.