REFORM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21747, 1 April 1936, Page 10

REFORM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

MINISTER'S INTENTIONS

LETTER TO BURGESSES* ASSOCIATION

Local government in the Dominion is to be the subject of a pronouncement by the Minister for In* ternal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), according to a letter from him read at the meeting of the council of the United Burgesses' Association last evening. The association intends placing the case for a reduction in the number of local bodies in Christchurch before the Minister when he next visits the city. After discussion at its last meeting the council of the association wrote to Mr Parry congratulating him on his announced intention of reducing the multiplicity of local bodies in the Dominion. It drew attention to the large number of local bodies operating in Christchurch, and asked him to hear a deputation when he was next in Christchurch. "I intend to examine carefully the v/hole subject of local government to see what reforms arc necessary end desirable," stated Mr Parry in his reply. "As soon as I am in a position to do so I shall make a pronouncement on the subject setting out the lines of action proposed to be followed." Mr Parry added that the views of the association would be considered, and he would be pleased, to discvxss tKe position with it when opportunity offered. The chairman (Mr A. E. Peverill): The letter shows that the Minister is after the welfare of the people. It is going to take a very strong man to shift some of the local bodies. Mr S. W. Richardson: We must make Greater Christchurch first. It was decided to wait for Mr Parry to visit Christchurch, and in the meantime to prepare a case for presentation to him by a - deputation.