“DOG IN THE MANGER”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 741, 14 August 1929, Page 18

“DOG IN THE MANGER”

CITY COUNCIL’S ATTITUDE ON WATER CHARGES

MT. ALBERT’S CONDEMNATION

Strong exception was taken to the City Council’s action in raising its water charges to the Borough of Mount Albert from 18 to 15 3d a thousand gallon’s. at last evening's meeting of the Mount Albert Borough Council. Also only one day’s notice had been given. Cr. Langley considered that at least six months’ notice should have been given when it was intended to increase the charges by 25 per cent. The Mayor, Mr. L. E. Rhodes, said they had no guarantee that the City Council would not raise the charges by another 25 per cent.—~under existing arrangements the borough had to take whatever water was supplied and to pay whatever the City Council liked to charge for it. “It is unreasonable that on the one hand the City Council increases its charges, and then on the other hand the moment there is a suggestion to get a Bill through the House to form a water board the City Council should rush down to Wellington to try to stop it," said the Mayor. “It is too much the ‘dog in the manger’ attitude and we should use every endeavour to get that water board formed.” The following-resolutions were carriedz—(a) “That the council refuses to pay the extra charges without reasonable notice being received by it.” (b) “That the council communicate with the other local bodies concerned to gain their co-operation in fighting the City Council on the extra charges." (c) “That legal opinion be obtained on the validity of the City Council’s action.”