The Press THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1962. Local Government

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29766, 8 March 1962, Page 14

The Press THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 1962. Local Government

Addressing the Dominion conference of the Municipal Association, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Gotz) again showed his awareness of the principles upon which muchneeded reform of local government should be based. Unfortunately, although the establishment of the Local Government Commission represented an encouraging step towards a general overhaul of local administration, the commission has lacked effective powers. Mr Gotz hopes that legislation passed last year will allow better progress. It is ironic that the Minister should suggest as the most logical solution to current problems a system of regional administration

not unlike the provincial governments abolished in 1876. The most important part of his speech, however, was his emphasis on the urgency of adapting local government to needs, if all control is not to pass to the central government Confusion among ordinary citizens about the functions, responsibilities, and rights of the local authorities that touch their lives is made an excuse for electoral apathy —something that threatens the very essence of democracy. This alone, quite apart from compelling economic and other reasons, should convince existing authorities that the best way to serve their own interests is to Co-operate with the Minister and the commission.