Proposals For Greater Christchurch

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25548, 16 July 1948, Page 10

Proposals For Greater Christchurch

POPULATION INCREASE OF 30,000 IN CITY The desirability of establishing a metropolitan board of works to control and co-ordinate all utilities in the metropolitan area of Christchurch, leaving the various territorial, local authorities to administer local affairs, would have to be considered by the Local Government Commission, said the chairman (Mr I. J. Goldstine) yesterday when the hearing of the City Council’s claims for the addition of certain areas to the city, and the absorption of the functions of the Drainage and Tramway Boards was continued. The whole issue was opened up by the City Council’s application, and the commission’s decision would have to be on the lines of the best solution of the problems of administering the area, said Mr Goldstine. He told Mr W. R. Lascelles (for the City Council) that the commission would like to hear evidence or submissions on the advantages and disadvantages of the system. If the council’s proposals were successful the population of the city would increase from 120,000 to about 145,000 or 150,000, said the Town Clerk (Herbert Stanley Feast). Rating assessments would increase from 32,255 to 41,713.