CIVIC SNAPSHOTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 489, 19 October 1928, Page 14

CIVIC SNAPSHOTS

I ♦ -t I Items From the 'Council Chamber The negotiations necessary to enable the widening of William Street have now been completed and the City Council last evening signed the agreements with the parties interested. As the result of representations to the City Council by the Health Department steps are to be taken to minimise any offence caused by the tipping of refuse into the Meadowbank tip. The Mayor advised the council that the Works Committee was at present engaged on a comprehensive report on refuse disposal. Flooding of the flat areas of Kohi- 1 marama and St. Heliers Bay was the | reason for a communication from the J Tamaki Women’s Progressive League, which asked that the council should provide adequate drainage. The Works Committee will inquire into the position. Mr. R. E. Fenton advised the council that he considered the land at Waiatarua Park unsuitable for a golf course, and suggested that the land to the north and east of the park should be acquired by lease or purchase for the purpose. The letter was “received.” Somewhat to the council’s amusement it was advised by the Devonport Borough Council that Mr. F. R. Field considered the proposed temporary drainage of Waiatarua Lake was likely to effect Lake Pupuke and the water supply of other boroughs on the other side of the harbour. Onehunga had previously made an objection on the ground that its water supply was likely to be affected. Devonport notified that it had noted Mr. Field’s opinion, and passed it on for the information of the City Council. The letter was “received” with chuckles. Cr. E. J. Phelan remarked: “Apparently we are supplying free water.” Avondale ratepayers wrote to the council suggesting that the rate for sanitation in Avondale South district was too high and should be reduced or abolished. They pointed out that it was much higher than in other suburbs requiring a special service. The Works Committee will inquire into the position. The rolls for use in the Transport Board poll in the city have closed with a total of 26,397 ratepayers who are entitled to vote. The poll will be held a week from next Wednesday. The remaining £23.000 of the Tamaki sewerage loan is now to be raised and expended. The additional works will include £10,350 in the Polygon, Sylvia, Cliff and Harbour View Roads district, and £3,000 in the Auckland roads district. In view of lack of Parliamentary sanction and a petition from 107 residents. the council decided to take no further action in the direction of making a motorists’ camp in the Moun't Hobson reserve. Cr. L. A. Eady considered the provision of a camp as of considerable importance. “Surely a great city can provide a camp when a place like Rotorua can.” remarked Cr. A. J. Stallworthy. An undertaking was given that the Parks Committee would go further into the position. « • * “I have seen a great number of motor camps fn England and America. There seems to be an impression that a camp must be near the city, but that is not so.”—Cr. L. A. Eady. Tenders returnable on November 8 are to be invited for the construction of the Mount reservoir. “What’s happened about tramways lately?” asked Cr. A. J. Stallworthy. Cr. Allum: They are doing so well there’s no need to talk about them. On the recommendation of the Loans Board the council decided to reduce its application for a £20,000 unemployment relief loan to one for £IO,OOO. It is expected that the board will pass immediately. Two quotations were received for the installation of public address systems, involving microphones and distributing horns, in the Town Hall. These provided for loud-speakers in the concert chamber and in the street to deal with overflow audiences. The council decided to take no action. The council received an application for the remission of rates amounting to £406 12s on the Auckland Sailors' Home. The home secretary pointed out that the institution was quite unable to meet the rates. The application was declined. • * * The sub-committee set up to report on the question of Auckland falling in with the rest of the Dominion in forming a local botanical garden placed its findings before the City Council last evening The committee pointed out that tho Domain was entirely suitable for the gradual development of such gardens, an objective that could be attained during the usual maintenance work, provided that particular attention was paid to the end in view. The committee also pointed out that in the near future something would have to be done about the surroundings of the new museum and winter gardens, and work here could be directed to the ultimate provision of a botanical section which would be a credit to the city. The council decided to proceed on the lines suggested. • • * The city engineer reported verbally that tests of the chlorination plant at Darnell baths had proved entirely successful. The authority of the Health Department was awaited for their opening.