THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE." HELENSVILLE, FRIDAY, OCT., 30, 1914 WAITEMATA COUNTY DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 October 1914, Page 4

THE KAIPARA AND WAITEMATA ECHO WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED "THE KAIPARA ADVERTISER & WAITEMATA CHRONICLE." HELENSVILLE, FRIDAY, OCT., 30, 1914 WAITEMATA COUNTY DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF

In this quiet, but large and flourishing corner of the Waitemata County, little interest appears to be taken by the ratepayers simply because they run a local body of their own, i.c, the Helensville Town Board, the boundaries of which are extensive somuch so that it is time it became a Borough with larger and more administrative powers. However, this is by the way.

Several attempts hare been made by certain members of the Waitemata County Council to remove its head-centre and administrative offices from Swanson Street, Auckland, and why they were ever located there, and out of the County altogether is a puzzle to many, instead of being- removed to one of the many outlying districts, Helensville especially. But each attempt. has failed in its mission, Mr F. Dye (chairman), of Ivaukapakapa, being particularly conspicuous against this movement. Upon what grounds the Echo has not been enlightened. An important meeting of ratepayers was called for one morning last week, and held in the Chamber of Commerce Buildings, Auckland. Another piece of stupidity. Out of convenient hours and out of the County, and Devonport just across the harbour and "in the County."

The object of the meeting, whereat some 25 only attended, was to consider the advisability of cutting up the County into two, and the removal of the offices out of the citj^ "corner." A most desirable "move" too.

Like a great many other meetings intended for the good of the public, cold-water was well distributed, Messrs A. Cochrane and J. B. Guy being strongly opposed to the division of the County, while Messrs Kerr-Taylor and Jas. McLeod (both representing ridings within a cooee of Helensville), strongly supported the idea of removing the offices to one of the County districts.

The meetiug, though opposed by Messrs J, R. Leigh ton and W. Oliphant in regard to removal and dividing the County, eventually decided to set up a committee, consistiug of one delegate from each riding, and the member for each riding to discuss all matters brought forward at the meeting. The committee to- meet Friday, at the County Council's office in Swanson-street.

On the motion of Mr I^eighton, the committee A\ ras recommended to consider the question. Whatever the decision is come to, the Echo thinks that the coming County election should hinge on this momentous question of cutting up and removing of offices. Every candidate should be made to declare for or against.

Councillor Jas. McLeod, member for Maretai Riding (close to Uelensville) is a great believer in the removal of the Waitemata County office— lock, stock and barrel—to Hel ensville, which is central and accommodating in many re-spects—-easy of access, in close proximity to most ridings, and with accommodation in plenty and 3.11 requirements. tjpon these grounds aj§o ? Mr McLeod knows where lie

stands, and without making further remarks in this issue the Echo hopes that common sense will prevail, and that Helensville will even make a move, for surely it has some 'ego" and "wish" in this important movement.