CIVIC SNAPSHOTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 607, 8 March 1929, Page 16

CIVIC SNAPSHOTS

I i. -i , I Items From tbe j Council Chamber

Cr. O. Mcßriqe was granted leave of absence from meetings during March.

Commenting favourably on Auckland's swimming baths, Mr. J. Downes, an alderman of Willoughby, Australia, has written asking to be furnished with particulars of them.

From February 3 to 16 a total of 3.794 adults and 3,397 children used the Hobson Street baths; 1,977 adults and 2,027 children the Parnell baths; and 2,786 adults and 1,289 children the Shelly Beach baths.

Permission was granted to the Melanesian Mission Board to open the mission house at Kohimararna as a museum, and to charge an admission fee of sixpence. The city engineer suggested that, in view of the connection of the museum with the Church, this portion of the building could reasonably be exempt from licence fees. The question was referred to the Finance Committee.

The Auckland branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects suggested that permits should be granted in the outer areas for the erection of brick veneer dwellings, and that the by-laws be amended accordingly if required. The city engineer was of opinion that each case should be considered on its merits, and if the style became numerous a by-law could *be framed.

The Remuera Central Ratepayers’ Association sought information regarding the Orakei Basin. The body wished to know what were the terms of the lease between the council and the Harbour Board; was there any road dedicated, or any reserve preserved round the lake; and did bathing sheds belong to the council? The Parks Committee will supply the information.

Various Point Chevalier organisations made a request that the council take the necessary steps to have control of the Point Chevalier Beach vested in the council. It is desired that a deputation wait on the Parks Committee. This committee has been authorised to receive such deputation.

Permission to hold a picture programme in the Prince Edward Theatre on Good Friday evening was declined “in accordance with the usual practice.”

A resolution was passed taking authority to apply to the Local Government Loans Board for permission to raise the proposed loan of £ 100,000 for city drainage works. The security offered is a special rate sufficient to cover interest and sinking fund. The currency desired is 33 years, and the interest rate is proposed as 6 per cent. A sinking fund of not less than 1 per cent, is proposed.

Shortage of funds has hampered the Town-planning Committee in its negotiations with outside local bodies. The committee recommended that the Mayor and Cr. Paterson, who are to represent the council at the forthcoming municipal conference, be requested to bring before the conference the necessity for special provision to enable local authorities to carry out more effectively the provisions of the Town Planning Act.