DEVONPORT AFFAIRS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 960, 1 May 1930, Page 7

DEVONPORT AFFAIRS

MEETING OF BOROUGH MAYOR GRANTED LEAVE Air. E. Aldridge, Mayor of Devon port, was granted six months’ leave of absence by the Borough Council last evening. He stated that he had accepted an appointment in the South Island, but was not in a position to know whether his absence from Devonport would be for a longer period. Councillors expressed regret that the Mayor had found it necessary to break his connection with borough affairs. During the next six months Air J. Hislop will be acting-Mayor. "This may be the thin edge of the wedge, for an application by the theatre proprietors to show pictures,” commented Air. W. Cassels-Brown, regarding an application by the Thespian Orchestra to be allowed to show silent pictures in conjunction with four Sunday concerts, already sanctioned by the council. The proceeds from the concerts will be divided among four public appeals for funds. Air. J. Hislop moved that the application be granted. Mr. T. Walsh, in seconding, said that even church organisations in the city showed Sunday pictures. It would be impossible lor a theatre to show pictures or open for business on Sundays. Messrs. G. Falla, E. H. Little, C. M. Browne and W. S. Campbell doubted the wisdom of permitting Sunday pictures. Finally, the application was adjourned in oi'der to ascertain what class of picture it was proposed to show. "Please give us footpaths, footpaths covered with tar and sand,” pleaded Alessrs. F. Clark, president, and P. N King, secretary, on behalf of the North Devonport Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association, which was represented by a large deputation. Air. King claimed that the people who travelled in "push” transport—prams—were of more importance than those who rode in buses: and only one street in North Devonport had a tarred footpath. Beach Road was considered as being the street needing most urgent attention. Mr. Hislop, Deputy-Alayor, said that the association had always been most helpful, and if the council had the money all the streets would be put in order. I-Ie promised full consideration of the requests of the deputation. A proposal put forward by Air. Aldridge. on behalf of the Stanley Bay Croquet Club, for financial help in reconditioning its lawns, which have been by salt water percolating through from the sea, was. not sympathetically received; councillors urging that any money available should be spent on road work. The Croquet Club is to be invited to formulate a scheme for financing the improvements asked for. Air. H. H Watkins, engineer to the Auckland Drainage Board, intimated that it would not be convenient for him to report on plans for bettering the drainage at Narrow Neck. A sum of £5 5s was voted to the Obstetrical Appeal.