LOCAL BODIES' ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25937, 18 October 1949, Page 6

LOCAL BODIES' ASSOCIATION

MR E. H. ANDREWS AGAIN PRESIDENT Mr E. H. Andrews was returned un •pposed to the presidency of the Souti

Island Local Bodies' Association at the annual conference in Queenstown last week. Back in Christchurch yesterday. he said this, was the largest and one of the most successful meetings of the association. It was clear that the local bod : es represented were working well together, and that South Island interests were being advanced through their combined efforts. The only complaint made by Mr Andrews was that fuller reports of the conference had not appeared in Canterbury newspapers There was an attempt by some delegates to have the abolition of catchment boards discussed: but Mr Andrews said he hid ruled this out of order. If the functions of catchment boards were questioned, he considered it better that they should be reviewed by. say. the Local Government Commission. and not by an organisation on which the catchment boards were represented.

Mr L. G. K. Gilchrist, secretary of the association, said the conference showed remarkable unanimity in pressing for progress to the advantage of the whole of the South Island rather than purely local interests. The six-point programme of works for the South Island was again endorsed, and progress on such protects as an international airport at Harewood and the tunnel road to Lyttelton was noted with satisfaction. Swifter action was urged There were several other remits seeking adjustments, which were granted before tHe conference assembled. Improved reading. development of tourist traffic, and accelerated housing construction were matters receiving general snnport. Mr Gilchrist added.