Commission’s “Rural Outlook” Criticised

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29766, 8 March 1962, Page 16

Commission’s “Rural Outlook” Criticised

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, March 7. The Municipal Association is not happy with the set-up of the recently appointed Local Government Commission. At the association’s annual conference in Auckland today it was decided to ask the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Gotz) to appoint either one or two extra members nominated by .the association to the commission. The present commission consists of Mr J. B. Yaldsin, a former chairman of the Hutt County Council, Mr J. C. D. Mackley, a former county clerk at Masterton, and Mr R. E. White, a former Mayor of Timaru. The Mayor of Auckland (Mr D. M. Robinson) said the method of appointment ol the commission savoured of a “big stick” attitude. “I feel the commission may be inclined more toward counties than municipalities." said Mr Robinson. “Two of the members have former county connexions, and the third, although a former mayor, is more interested in> rural development. “I feel the municipalities should have been asked to present their point of view. “The commission, because of the experience and outlook of its members, may not understand municipal problems.”

The president (Mr A. L. Adamson) said he was not happy with the resolution. “No matter how we word

the resolution it would seem we are suspicious of the commission," he said. “I think we could accept the commission as it is, and rely on its impartiality to show the Minister we have has confidence.”

The conference carried Mr Robinson’s motion without audible dissent.