LOCAL BODIES COMMISSION

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26967, 17 February 1953, Page 8

LOCAL BODIES COMMISSION

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

MINISTER’S REPLY TO CITY COUNCIL

The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr W A. Bodkin) does not think that at'this juncture it is necessary for a deputation from the Christchurch City Council to wait on the Prime Minister (Air Holland) regarding a number of outstanding petitions for amalgamation with the city. He made this comment in a letter regarding the appointment of a new chairman of the Local Government Commission, which was received by the council last evening. The council, however, decided to endeavour to obtain a deputation to the Prime Minister. Mr Bodkin said he had noted the council’s views concerning the filling of the vacancy caused by the death of Mr I. J. Goldstine. The question was at present under consideration as was also amending legislation. In its letter to the Minister early this month the council asked for the appointment of a chairman as soon as possible. Failing the appointment of a permanent chairman, jt asked for the appointment of an acting chairman to deal with the outstanding petitions. The Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.) said he proposed to confer with a number of the petitioners for amalgamation before taking further action. He hoped to call representatives of the petitioners together within the next fortnight. “I think that we should demand that a deputation should wait on the Prime Minister to ask him that another chairman be appointed until the Amalgamation Bill comes down,” said Cr. J. E. Jones. “We don’t know what is going to happen, and we should not wait for wnat is going to happen in 12 months. The Prime Minister should be asked to carry out our recommendation that a chairman be appointed in the meantime.” Cr. Jones said there was a feeling that amalgamation was a personal matter with the Prime Minister. In the interests of the city that should be cleared up. Progress with works and water supply and nearly everything concerned with progress in the citv was being held up. “Our cause will be strengthened if we consult .the petitioners,” said Mr Macfarlane.