City Council Shots—

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 103, 22 July 1927, Page 16

City Council Shots—

Round the Table

“I regard Eden Terrace as a deathtrap.”—Cr. J. Davis. “I don’t think we will ever see trams running in Belgium Street”; Cr. Entriean. “I am heartily sick and tired of seeing so many foreign trees in our streets!”—Cr. Ellen Melville. “Not all the intelligence of the city can yet get here by election!” —Cr. A. J. Stallworthy. Cr. Phelan: “Parliament says that we must take over these buses Therefore, we must have money for repairs, and places in which to house them.” Cr. Alice Basten made an admission: “When I first entered this council,” said the new councillor, “I was a little diffident on getting to my feet!” Speaking from experience, Cr. Entrican said “I do hope our engineer will see that numbers are placed on gates and not on doors of houses.” The new tramways loan is to be submitted to ratepayers in an undivided form. They must either accept or reject it. Cr. Ellen Melville drew this reply from the Mayor. * * Cr. Stallworthy: My association with local bodies has taught me that the greatest care should be exercised when submitting loan proposals to the public.

It has been a reproach to Auckland for many years, said Cr. Ellen Melville, that the city has been so indifferent regarding the establishment of botanic gardens. The council will meet on Thursday of next week to consider the question of town-planning in accordance with a previous resolution. Proceedings will be in committee. Recent proposals for the revision of Auckland’s local government will also be discussed. The public gallery last night was honoured by the presence of one woman. Copius notes appeared to be taken, and the proceedings generally were followed with the keenest interest. Cr. Brinsden: Over 2,000 native trees have been planted in Auckland within the last two years. Cr. Ellen Melville: Yes, and how many foreign? Cr. Brinsden (impressively) I was referring to native trees. Cr. Melville referred to Cr. Stallworthy’s remarks on the question of botanic gardens as an “oration.” Cr. Eady subsequently characterised it, however, a “peroration!” The tributes were blushingly acknowledged. Cr. Brinsden was explaining the difficulties of raising native trees. The manuka, he said, acted as a mother. “Who is the father?” inquired Cr. M. J. Coyle amidst laughter. “Not you at any rate-” came the cutting reply.