St Kilda stays independent
Four times within recent years have the residents of St Kilda been called upon to record their votes for or against the proposal that their borough should sink its identity and follow the example of other suburban boroughs by amalgamating with the city. The majority against the proposal has been steadily decreasing, and on the third occasion when a poll was taken, in May, 1920, the verdict against amalgamation was carried by only eleven votes. Very keen interest was taken in the poll yesterday. Motor cars were freely employed to convey voters to the booths, and out of a total roll of 4274, no fewer than 2760 cast their votes. There were four polling booths: Coronation Hall, Musselburgh, Forbury crescent and St Clair. A close contest was generally expected, and though the trend of public meetings had indicated a strong feeling against amalgamation, the overwhelming majority that was eventually recorded against it was a surprise . The polling booths closed at 7 o’clock, and from that hour onward a considerable crowd waited the result outside the central booth. Partial results posted up from time to time by the returning officer, Mr W.G. Griffin, kept them interested. Shortly before 8 o’clock Mr Griffin announced, amid great applause, the final results as follows: For 926. Against 1780.
Merger inevitable
The day of fusion has been again postponed, but the St Kilda Borough Council cannot indulge any hope that the spectre of amalgamation has been banished indefinitely from its municipal deliberations. The logic of circumstances will ultimately prevail. St Kilda will not always continue to carry upon its back that Old Man of the Sea — a predominant body of ratepayers determined to run no risk or having their rates increased, as they have been led to believe will happen should amalgamation be effected. The expansive embrace of Greater Dunedin still awaits the coy borough when it is in a mood to realise that municipal isolation is only a drag on the wheel of progress, and to welcome that unity which is strength. — editorial
Visitors flock to scenic suburb
The motor bus service recently put into operation through Woodhaugh and now extended into Leith Valley is supplying a longfelt want, and must popularise this scenic suburb. Attracted by the blossoming kowhai and conspicuous by their ceaseless activity, half-a-dozen tuis are at present welcome visitors to the neighbourhood. Bellbirds are well distributed through the native bush growth, and a day rarely passes without their rich, musical notes being heard. — ODT, 17.9.1925
Compiled by Peter Dowden
