LOCAL GOVT. CHANGES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30178, 9 July 1963, Page 14

LOCAL GOVT. CHANGES

P.M. To Meet Deputation (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 8. Auckland members of Parliament and members of the Regional Authority Establishment Committee today agreed to make a concerted approach to the Local Bills Committee of Parliament in am effort to bring about legislation that would lead to reorganisation of local government in Auckland.

This agreement was reached towards the end of a threehour meeting in the Town Hall, during which the bill already drafted by the establishment committee and presented to Parliament came in for some torrid criticism and at one stage seemed certain to be rejected. A sudden change in outlook occurred when general agreement on the need for a regional authority was expressed and appeals made by several speakers for compromises in bringing into being a bill acceptable to Parliament.

The first move in the new approach will take place on July 17 when the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) will discuss the matter with Mr W. J. Scott, acting chairman of the Local Bills Committee, and with Mr D. M. Robinson, chairman of the establishment committee, Mr H. D. Lambie. its deputy chairman, and Mr K. W. Hay, a member.

The willingness of Mr Holyoake to meet this deputation was announced by Mr Robinson a few minutes before today’s meeting closed.