MUNICIPAL SITES.

Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16796, 30 March 1920, Page 7

MUNICIPAL SITES.

PROPOSED ACQUISITIONS

In the matter of the proposed acquisition of the Cambridge terrace site fronting Victoria square for a Town Hall, the Mayor stated at the "meeting of the Council last night that replies had been received from the owners. The total price asked was £60,500, being 150 per cent, above the Government valuation of £24,040. "This, I take it," added the Mayor, "will be a useful hint for us when we revise our rating valuations." CANTERBURY HALL PROPERTY. The Canterbury Hall Company agreed to extend the option for the purchase of its property in Manchester street for three months from the 17th instant, and the Finance Committee recommended to the Council that steps be taken to place the proposal before the ratepayers. The amount required was £16 : (JOO, made up as follows Share capital of company, £14,980; liability to architect, £633 13"? 4d; contingencies £406 6s 8d; £16,000. The committee also redommendod that tho period of the loan bo thirtysix (36) years, and that a sinking fund of 1 per cent, bo provided, which would pay off the loan in that timo. In reply to Cr. Peek, the Mayor said the proposal was to acquire the property for an administrative block or for the Electricity department, not for the purpose of effecting an exchange for the Provincial Council site. The Council adopted a formal resolution authorisina the taking of a poll. AUCKLAND TRAMWAYS DISPUTE. « — (PRES3 ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, March 29.

As n, result of a conforenco between tho Mayor (Mr J. H. Gunson) and representatives of the Tramway Union, yesterday, the strike cnuscd by the discharge of a number of motormen and conductors for alleged brenches of the traffic regulations, has been settled. The suspension of one conductor was upheld. The motormen are to be medically examined as to their fitness for work. Two motormen and one conductor are to be reinstated.

The Mayor says that the Corporation expects the utmost d'ligence on the part of the conductors in the collection of fares. The representatives of the Union have given an undertaking duly to respect authority and to uphold discipline.