AUCKLAND PROTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 290, 7 December 1932, Page 11

AUCKLAND PROTEST.

SUBURBAN LOCAL BODIES.

"OBJECTIONABLE CLAUSES."

Strong protest was voiced yesterday afternoon by representatives of various local bodies to those clauses in the Muni-, cipal Corporations Act which deal with the amalgamation of boroughs. The meeting was called by Mr. I. J. Goldetine, president of the Suburban--Local" Bodies' Association, and those present wcresthe- following "Mayors and councillors: Messrs. A. Donaldson (Newmarket), E. Morton (Onehunga), H. F. Meikle (Devonport), Burton (Papatoetoe), Slyfield and Mulholland (One Tree Hill), J. J. Mulvihill (Mount Eden), W. F. Stilwell (Mount Albert), Martin (Northcote)-, Prickett and Hayman (Birienhead), G. Lawson (New Lynn), and J. Guiniven (Takapuna). ' ',:

After the speeches of members had revealed that opposition to the amalgamation clauses was unanimous, it was resolved, on the motion- of Mr. S. Donaldson, "That this meeting of local bodies enter an emphatic protest against the clauses in the Municipal Corporations Bill, now before the House, •which takes away the rights of electors to decide the question of amalgamation with a neighbouring district, and would request the deletion of the objectionable clauses. If a change from the present method is to be made it should be in the direction of both parties affected taking a simultaneous poll on the question, and it be a condition that both polls be in the- affirmative before any amalgamation • can take place."

Protests against the bill were heard last night at the Northcote Borough Council meeting.

"Who is behind this bill 1" asked Mr. W. C. Ellis, "the City Council?"

The Mayor, Mr:. Martin :• Yes. The City Council. They wa'ht to take in Newmarket, and then one of two other local bodied, 80 as-to found off their own area.