THE SOUTH ISLAND.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 154, 12 April 1945, Page 5

THE SOUTH ISLAND.

MORE AUTONOMY SUGGESTED. (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, April 'li. More autonomy for the South Island was suggested by the following resolution carried by the North Canterbury Regional Planning Conference m Christchurch to-day: “This conference agrees with the principle of post-war planning and development. It considers the regions as laid down by the Government to be too small to yield the most broadlyefficient results for the general welfare, but as it is informed that most of the 24 areas into which New Zealand lias been divided have already: been farmed into regions it must acquiesce. With a view to obtaining the most practical results from this scheme it agrees: ‘ )'■

"(1) “To set up a provisional committee consisting of the Mayor of Christchurch, the presidents of Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association, Canterbury Progress League, Canterbury A. and P. Association, Canterbury Trades Council, the Christchurch Suburban Local Bodies’ Association, and a representative of the Rural Local Bodies charged with the duty of nominating a representative and efficient regional council for this area; (2) “To approach other regional councils in the South Island in an endeavour to get them to elect a South Island executive to work in collaboration with the executive ' of the South Island Local Bodies’ Association. and if this'is done; (3) “To ask the Government: to give the South Island, executive ■ (a) sufficient authority to carry out necessary surveys and investigations and to promote developmental work which is necessary and is within existing legal requirements; (h) sufficient funds to open and maintain a South Island office with an adequate paid staff and equipment; (c) the right to approach the Cabinet directly, on important issues requiring legal sanction and recognition that this executive speaks authoritatively for the South Island generally.”