AMALGAMATION OF LOCAL BODIES

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20989, 18 October 1933, Page 6

AMALGAMATION OF LOCAL BODIES

CONFERENCE TO KEASSEMIJI.E The conference of representatives of local bodies in and round Christchurch, set up to consider the amalgamation of local bodies in the Christchurch metropolitan area, is to reassemble on Monday, October 30, at the City Council Chamber, when the report, of the committee appointed by the conference will be submitted. The conference first assembled on April 11, 1932, to discuss proposals relating to the formation of a metropolitan board of works and was attended by representatives of the following bodies: Christchurch City Council, the New Brighton and Riccarton Borough Councils, the Heathcote, Paparua, and Waimairi County Councils, the Christchurch Drainage Board, the Christchurch Tramway Board, and the Christchurch Domains Board. The conference arrived at the following resolution: "That this conference, without expressing an opinion on the desirability of establishing a metropolitan board of works, or any similar unification of local bodies in Christchurch, or its environs, decides to set up a committee of seven to investigate and report upon the iinancial and general aspects of the question, and report to this conference, such committee to have power to add up to three outside gentlemen who may be coopted to assist in the investigation; the various bodies represented to be asked to piace all facilities before the committee to assist in arriving at a decision." Messrs A. S. Taylor, a former member of the Christchurch City Council, and James Anderson, formerly City Treasurer, were accordingly coopted. , All the local bodies interested were asked to furnish a copy of their most recent balance-sheets, together with any other information which would be of use to the committee. Enquiries have been made with a view to ascertaining the system of control in other cities in New Zealand and the principal cities of Australia, particularly to electricity supply, tramways, drainage, water supply, gas, and the system of rating. It is understood that the principal recommendation in the report of the committee is that portions of Heathcote and Waimairi counties (Cashmere and Fendalton) should be amalgamated with the city of Christchurch.