AMALGAMATION OF LOCAL BODIES.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20919, 28 July 1933, Page 10

AMALGAMATION OF LOCAL BODIES.

APPROVAL EXPRESSED. (i-RESS ASSOCIATION TEL3GHAJI.) WELLINGTON, July 27. The annual confreence of the New Zealand Counties' Association to-day approved the amalgamation of local bodies where it could be shown that economies without loss of efficiency could be effected, and supported the setting up of a commission of enquiry to make an impartial investigation of the subject. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr A. E. Jull, M.P. (Waipawa); vice-presidents, Messrs W. Morrison (Waitotara), and C. J. Talbot (Fairlie); committee, Messrs J. W. Anderson (Matamata), J. Connett (Taranaki), K. W. Dalrymple (Rangitikei), C. Matthews (Cook), G. A. Monk (Horowhenua), L. Webb (Whangarei), C. K. Wilson (Waitomo), representing the North Island, M. Bethell (Amuri), F.. R. Flatman (Geraldine), W. H. Mclntyre (Buller), W. M. Norman (Southland), and J. Ritchie (Vincent) representing the South Island. It was decided to press for remedial legislation to remove inequalities existing in section 50 of the Valuation of Land Act, 1925. Failing legislation, the Government is to be urged to suspend the section for not more than two years. It was also decided to urge that local body rates should become a first charge against a mortgage to i the Crown.