Avondale to Join City Next March

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 123, 15 August 1927, Page 1

Avondale to Join City Next March

BIG MAJORITY IN FAVOUR LARGEST CITY AREA IN N.Z. After March 31 next Auckland will have the largest area of the four cities in the Dominion. This will be one of the results of Avondale electors deciding by a heavy majority on Saturday to amalgamate unconditionally with the city. Out of the 3,200 electors on the roll 1,813 recorded - their votes, the result being: For Amalgamation 1,260 Against Amalgamation .. 553 Majority 707 The poll was the largest recorded in the district, and interest was increased by keen rivalry between the two sides. The amalgamation will take place on March 31, and fo,r six months after the borough will have a right to three seats on the City Council. The city, because of the Avondale decision, coupled with the Tamaki amalgamation—if accepted —will more than double in area. The increase will be from 8,584 acres to 18,684, as against Wellington’s 16,288, Dunedin’s 14,577 and Christchurch's 10,660. Avondale has enjoyed a separate entity for over 40 years as a road district and borough. With an area of 3,700 acres, it has a population of over 5,000 and has 50 miles of roads and 25 of footpaths. The unimproved rateable value is £471,000. The debt ifl6 t 2 1 791 boroUe:h laSt March stood at ■-? 1 * 10 amalgamation supporters consider that by the amalgamation Avondale ratepayers will save £IO,OOO a y ® ar * later their fire insurance will be reduced, water rates will fall ab °ut2ss a section, and amalgamation idea foster the metropolitan board The same source supplied the following estimated reductions in Avondale rates, taking certain properties in the streets mentioned: Station Road 15 s H to £9 7s 8d > Walton Street 14 s 5d to £8 19s, Donovan Street £lO 18s 3d to £lO 13s 7d, Brown Street £l9 19s to £l3 4s, ManukauRobertson Road £2O 11s 4d to £ll 10s Farmlets: Rosebank Road £2B 8s 5d to £l9 Is lid, Riversdale Road £39 12s to £2O 12s 2d.