To Join the City?

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 163, 30 September 1927, Page 13

To Join the City?

ROSKILL SIGNS PETITION

More Signatures Than Required

MORE than double the signatures legally required for the amalgamation of the Mount Roskill Road Board with the City of Auckland have been obtained despite the fact that the petition was only in circulation three days. It will be presented to the board at Tuesday night's meeting.

'J'HESE facts were communicated to a meeting of Mount Roskilt ratepayers over which Mr. J. W. Shackleford presided in Auckland this morning. A committee will wait on the board in support of the petition comprising Messrs. Shackleford, J. P. Chadd.erton, G. E. Tansley, J. R. Mills, H. J. Ashby, H. B. Choyce and F. A. Denize. The attitude of certain members of the Ratepayers’ Association was commented upon, especially a statement to the effect that the present system of rating on the unimproved land values was the principal reason for the move to join the city. NOT AGAINST RATING This morning's meeting emphatically protested against such a suggestion. It was not their object, r: was stated, to interfere in any way with the present system of rating. They were merely actuated, said Mr. Shackleford, by a desire to promote the best interests of the district, and, particularly, in the direction of transport facilities. It was pointed out that the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Baildon, had decided to take a vote for the extension of the tramways service to Point Chevalier and to Reinuera, and unless immediate action was taken by the people of Mount Roskill it would be many years before such another opportunity offered. Mr. Baildon had definitely promised that he would withhold taking a pell for these extensions, so as to include a vote for extension to Mount Eden and Dominion Road. This would mean that the present tramways

system would be taken into the heart of the Mount Roskilil district. A recent deputation to Mr. Baildon had emphasised thr fact that immediate attention was essential if concreting was to be carried out on the Mount Albert, three Kings and i-'ah Roads. There was also a pressing need for drainage in various parts of the district, which the road board could not, and would not, be able to carry out for many years. Attention was arso drawn to a statement concerning the interests of Messnjf Winstone and Shackleford. It was stated that Mr. Winstone would not be called upon to pay any rates, as the bulk of his property was sold or leased to the golf club. Rates would be paid by that body. Neither Mr. Shackleford or his wife, on the other hand, had any considerable holdings, either directly or indirectly, in the district. Mr. Shackleford’s advocacy of union with the city was actuated by his desire, as an old Aucklander, to promote the best interests of both city and district. NOT WITH MOUNT EDEN The meeting was strongly opposed to any counter move to bring portion of Mount. Roskill district, into the municipality of Mount Eden. It was contended that this would block the tramways extension for all time, and he against the best interests of Mount Roskill. Public meetings will be held throughout Mount Roskill. Among the speakers, it was stated, would be citizens from other districts which have already joined the city, and considerably benefited* as a result.