LOCAL BODY FINANCE

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27912, 8 March 1956, Page 14

LOCAL BODY FINANCE

JOINT APPROACH TO STATE SOUGHT HARBOUR BOARD SUPPORT FOR KAIAPOI MOVE A proposal by the Kaiapoi Borough Council for a conference of local bodies to discuss loan finance was supported by the Lyttelton Harbour Board yesterday. The council’s plan is for the conference to be used as a basis for a joint approach by local bodies to the Government, seeking an assurance that no essential undertaking will be allowed to stop because of temporary shortage of loan money. “This step is prompted by the deterioration of the loan market to the ooint where the slow rate of investment prejudices the continuance and completion of highly-essential protects.” the Kaiapoi Town Clerk (Mr I. J. Corich) said in his letter to the board. “My council considers the provision of services designed to protect the health and well-being of the community (regardless of which district they are in) is an important factor in the continued progress of Canterbury . . .” “Excuse rhe if I smile, gentlemen.” said the secretary of the board (Mr A. L. Burk), pausing while reading the letter. "They fought us tooth and nail last year.” “. . . Consequently, it is imperative that the local bodies of Canterbury should speak with one voice in any representations made with the object of improving the present situation,” Mr Corich’s letter said. Suggestion Endorsed Mr G. Manning said he favoured the suggestion. “We have not got the push and ginger they have in the North Island, in the Auckland area,” Mr Manning said. “I think, speaking together, we are far stronger than going to the Government individually. This is an opportunity for the local bodies to get together on a serious problem, and see what can be done to meet it by a common effort.” Mr E. C. Bathurst: I cannot see that we can get anywhere with it. The Government knows as well as all of us that this money is needed. It will be compelled sooner or later to make a move. Mr F. W. Freeman, supporting the move, said that, if successful, it would benefit small- local bodies. At present their loans were swallowed up in the “boa constrictor loans” of bigger bodies. “I would love to go to a meeting where we could get unanimity,” said Mr Burk. “As long as we do not discuss ; rating,” said Mr Freeman. “We are not going to have some one in Kaiapoi determining priorities as they have been doing,” Mr Burk said. The chairman (Mr W. P. Glue) and Mr Burk were appointed board delegates to the conference, which will be held “at an early date.”