CLASH WITH ARMY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 918, 11 March 1930, Page 16

CLASH WITH ARMY

MR. SKELTON “INTERFERES” | WITH SERVICE COMPLAINT IN ONEHUNGA A clash of interests between the holders of open-air meetings was voiced at the meeting of the Onehunga Borough Council last evening. The question arose out of a complaint lodged by members of the Salvation Army, who objected to the “deliberate interference” with their open-air service in Church Street on Friday evening last by some person who persisted in speaking in close proximity to the Army on the stand allotted the latter by the council. The Army’s letter urged that two parties could not occupy the same corner without confusion. The Mayor, Mr. E. Morton, explained that the person complained of was Mr. Hall Skelton, who had been addressing the public on the Samoan question. Councillors expressed the opinion that it was unfair to local organisations that outsiders should occupy the stand allotted to the Army and decided to request the sergeant of police to see that the council’s authority was respected in future. A deputation representing the Onehunga School Committee urged the council’s financial support of a scheme for the improvement of the playing areas on- the school property. The spokesman, Mr. H. de Wolfe, said the estimated cost of the work was £1,300. He said £l6O had already been donated. The scheme included the laying down of football, cricket and tennis grounds and all subscriptions would carry a £ for £ subsidy from the Education Board. The Mayor, Mr. E. Morton, replied that the council would give the question its favourable consideration. An offer by the Auckland City Council of several German guns and trench mortars was declined. Mr. J. Park, architect, submitted alternative plans for the proposed municipal buildings on the quarry site in Queen Street. As the result of a discussion it was agreed to ask Mr. Park to submit estimates for a twostorey building with and without a hall at a cost not to exceed £16,000, and that no provision b© made for shops. Permission was given the Onehunga branch of the Auckland Hospital Auxiliary to take up a street collection on March 28. The railway engineer wrote agreeing to transfer to the council an area of land on the foreshore adjoining the basin reserve, provided that th© Railway Department was relieved of all costs. The question of submitting the necessary survey plans was left with the Mayor and the chairman of the Reserves Committee. A request by Mr. Wesley Martin to show pictures in the Strand Theatre on Good Friday, evoked an animated discussion, during which Cr. J. Pilkington moved that the request be refused. This was lost in favour of an amendment by Cr. S. Vella that the question be referred to the council-in-committee. The foreman of works reported that reasonable progress was being made with the drainage contract in the new area, on which some 65 men were being employed.