POWER BOARD’S CHARGES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 812, 5 November 1929, Page 14

POWER BOARD’S CHARGES

ONEHUNGA BOROUGH BUSINESS £40,000 FOR DRAINAGE In response to the Onehunga Borough Council’s request for a reduction in the charges for power used in pumping water to the reservoir, a letter was received at the council’s meeting last evening from the general manager of the Power Board intimating that the council was already saving £l,lOO a year by substituting electricity for gas engines, and it was impossible at present to offer any reduction on the present rates, but that if the council would agree to shut off the power between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. daily he would recommend a flat rate of Id a unit or a reduction of onetenth of a penny on the existing charges.

The Mayor, Mr. E. Morton, said that by installing a Diesel engine and generating independent power, the cost of pumping could be reduced by one-half. Cr. W. C. Hill, chairman of the Waterworks Committee, said that it would not be possible to cut off the power between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., especially during the summer months. The question was referred to the borough engineer for a report. The Prime Minister wrote to say that in accordance with the wishes of his Majesty the King. Armistice Day is to be observed on the same lines as in previous years. Short religious services are to be held and two minutes’ silence is to be observed at 11 a.m. Local authorities were asked to suspend all vehicular traffic during that time, but rail and water transport is not to be affected. The Merrilands Ratepayers’ Association wrote asking for further information on the details of the proposed drainage-loan of £40,000, which is to be decided by a poll on November 12. The council was requested to receive a deputation at an early date, but at the suggestion of the Mayor, the town clerk was authorised to furnish any explanation necessary. A letter was received from the Auckland Harbour Board offering no objections to the work of widening Esplanade Road along the waterfront, but pointing out that the provisions of the Harbours Act, 1923, -would have to be complied with and that the necessary land would have to be acquired, either under the Public Works Act or by special legislation. A request by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for permission to take up street collections was referred to the conference of local bodies to be held in Onehunga on November 11.

The Main Highways Board wrote to say that £ 307 6s 2d had been allocated as the council’s share of the petroltax receipts for the quarter ended September 30 last. A request by the Citizens’ Band Committee for the use of Jellicoe Park to hold a Paddy’s market for the purpose of raising funds toward the erection of a band rotunda was granted. Mr. T. H. Ashe’s offer to present a series of photographs taken of the unveiling ceremony in Jellicoe Park on October 20 was accepted with thanks. The pictures are to be hung in the council chamber.