New North Shore Borough Not Wanted

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 413, 23 July 1928, Page 1

New North Shore Borough Not Wanted

SHOAL BAY SCHEME POWER BOARD’S OPPOSITION By seven votes to six, the chairman giving the casting vote, the Waiternata Electric-Power Board this morning opposed the formation of the new Shoal Bay Borough. Saying that the modern idea is amalgamation, not division, the Takapuna Borough Council has issued a circular letter to secure the opinion of ratepayers on the formation of the new borough, which would absorb about one-third of the Taka puna Borough. The board received a copy of the letter at its meeting this morning. Conflicting opinions on the subject were given by members, several holding that the board should take no active part.

“A petition has been presented to Parliament,” wrote the council, “with regard to the proposal to form the Borough of Shoal Bay. The council has asked for a copy of the petition. You are a ratepayer of the area concerned, and the views of ratepayers are being sought. “The council feels that the relief suggested by the petitioners would not be obtained by severance. The tendency nowadays is toward amalgamation, not disintegration.” “UNWISE STEP” “I think the formation would be an unwise step,” said Mr. A. E. Greenslade. “The multiplication of local bodies means the setting up of more staffs, and in no way can we, as ratepayers, escape new rates and requirements. “I cannot see any good in forming a new borough. For many years I have favoured the amalgamation of the whole of the North Shore. The sooner that is brought about the better.” Mr. G. Trevithick: If the formation of the new borough should hurt other boroughs, we should be very chary about supporting it. LOCAL QUESTION ONLY Mr. G. O’Halloran: I think it is purely a local question. Mr. J.. Mackie: Most of the area mi farm lands which are affected borough values and rating. We should not take an active part. Mr. E. G. Skeats: But that’s all been adjusted. Mr. T. Lamont: I agree with Mr. Mackie that we should not take part. The board’s property is not so large as to become of serious consequence. Messrs. H. Day. S. Kennings and Skeats spoke further and Mr. Lamont moved, as an amendment to a motion to oppose the new borough proposal, that the letter be received.

Mr. J. W. Hayden, board chairman, and member of the Takapuna Council, gave his casting vote against the amendment, and it was resolved to inform the council that the new borough scheme is opposed by the board,