OTAHUHU COUNCIL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 125, 29 May 1942, Page 2

OTAHUHU COUNCIL

The Mayor. Mr. C. R. Petrle, M P., presided at a meeting ol the Otahuhu Boroush Council.

Manse To Be Demolished.—The Bank of New Zealand advised that steps had been taken to have the old house on the corner ot Avenue and Great South Roads sold for removal. The house Is on the site purchased for a new bank. Street Collection. —The Auckland Orphanages Advisory Council was granted permission to hold a collection on September 25. Nomination for Atickland Institute and Mnsenra.— Mr. A. Murdoch, who has been a member lor a considerable period, was again nominated. Postal Services.—ln answer to the council* request for the restitution of the special night posting box to the city, the Chief Postmaster advised that further reductions in staff made it Impossible to comply with the request. Scheme 13.—The National Service Department advised that payment of full wages to all men employed under Bcheme 13 In Otahuhu would be paid up till June 27, when the position would be reviewed. E.P.S. Expenditure.—The secretary to the Prime Minister acknowledged the borough's protest against being debited with expenditure In Schedule "A" of the Auckland E.P.S. costs. Fire Protection In Mangere Biding.—The Manukau County Council is to be advised that, In view of the high costs of maintaining the Otahuhu Borough Fire Services, an increase of £25 per annum for the protection rendered to the Mangere Riding would be a fair charge. Hospital Taxation.—The question of hospital taxation was raised by two letters, one from the Waikato Hospital Board, and another from the Waitemata County Council. The Waikato Hospital Board asked for support in arranging a conference of representatives from the Municipal and Counties Association to draw up recommendations to place before th* Government in an endeavour to gain relief from the greatly increased taxation. The WaKempta County Council's letter dealt with the treatment of members of the armed forces in hospital, the charges being against the hospital. The contention was that all the charges incurred should be against the War Expenses account. The method of charging at present, it was stated, was a Ircreflt to small hospitals but those in the main centre were labouring under an unfair charge. Councillors, whilst not desiring to quibble over the cost of services rendered to the men, supported tbe recommendation that all charges should be against the War Expenses Account, particularly as. In the case of Otahuhu. the hospital charges this year show a 50 per cent increase. Straying Stock.—Users of the "long paddock" are , to receive the attention of council employees, and all stock found at large are to be impounded with the probability of the addition of a piece of blue paper being presented to the owner. Benzine Economy.—ln an endeavour to make a considerable saving in the benzine consumption, certain of r?ie council's motor vehicles are to be withdrawn from service. Engineer's Report.—The borough engineer. Mr. S. Annabell. presented a very comprehensive report upon the water supply and fire fighting facilities of the borough.