NOT REALISABLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 264, 6 November 1937, Page 10

NOT REALISABLE.

PROVINCIAL STATUS. NORTH AUCKLAND'S CLAIMS. MINISTER PRAISES UMIVSE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. "It has been suggested that there should be created a new province called, perhaps, Northland —although I believe there is not unanimity as to the name," said the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W. E. Parry, in opening the new Whangarei County Council chambers to-day. '•With the sentiments behind that desire I am wholly in accord," said Mr. Parry. "It suggests that far from being a mere geographical expression, there have grown up in the area a local patriotism and sense of unity which must, in the long run, make for more real pennaneut development. It suggests, further, that the pioneering stage has been completed and that the district has reached its majority. The North Auckland area will in the future, much more than in the past, be a factor in the political and economic development of the country. "A provincial status, however, is not legally realisable, because in law there are no provinces in the Dominion —these were abolished in 1870. But I suggest that what is desired is something of a sense of individuality, and some acceptance by the authorities that the Northland is, in effect, an area to be considered separately." Although there were to-day no such institutions as. provinces, the' present Government fully realised the justice of the claim, the Minister said. It would do its utmost to satisfy the just demands of the residents. Already the town of Whangarei was in effect a provincial capital, and it contained offices of many Government Departments.