MOUNT ROSKILL ROADS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 143, 7 September 1927, Page 16

MOUNT ROSKILL ROADS

CONCRETING PROPOSALS SUGGESTED BIG LOAN A decided diminution of enthusiasm upon the subject of a proposed loan of £BB,OOO for concreting roads in the Mount Roskill district was made manifest at last might's meeting of the road board. A special committee recommended that the board should take a poll of ratepayers for consent to transfer an unused loan of £4,800, with which to erect municipal chambers. The chairman, Mr. 13. J. Jones, suggested that to expedite the project, the poll could be taken on the same date to be fixed for the loan of £ 88,000. Mr. J. R. Robertson stressed the necessity for educating the ratepayers upon the requirements involved in the heavier loan, but he considered there must be absolute unanimity among the members in supporting the proposed concrete roading. To that end he urged discussion, and a vote upon the subject, particularly as there appeared to be some expressions of dubious opinions as to the advisability of borrowing £BB,OOO. Mr. W. Kerr presumed that the whole i board was still of the same opinion, in favour of the loan. Mr. L. A. Tozer was f ully convinced that the ratepayers, being assured of receiving full value for their money, would give ready consent to the loan. Although one of the largest suburban districts, with 100 miles of roads concerned, Mount Roskill had the least number of concrete roads round about Auckland. Mr. A. C. Belcher was prepared to take the platform with unstinted support for the loan. The chairman remarked that he would support the loans, but he was not now so keen about it a.s hitherto. He knew the feeling of the district and could not go against unconcealed convictions. Mr. E. A. Allen thought the scheme too big, and the only people who would benefit by concrete roa.ds would be those from outside with motor-cars. Mr. Robertson declared that if the loan were refused, it would simply antagonise the people, who would immediately declare for amalgramation with the city, and the chance was already being eagerly sought by a section of the community. Finally it was decided that the subject should be further discussed at the next meeting.