Appointed Members?

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31142, 19 August 1966, Page 12

Appointed Members?

The move for territorial local bodies to appoint members of the Christchurch Drainage Board and the Christchurch Transport Board was revived at a meeting of the Waimairi County Council last evening.

Speaking on a request from the Drainage Board for the council’s views on its representation, Cr. G. E. Don said that both boards should be composed of members appointed on the basis of population.

Elections for both boards would be held next year at a coSt of about £ll,OOO, and, said Cr. Don, the polls would produce the usual spectacle of public apathy. Appointment of members would mean greater liaison between the drainage and transport services and the districts they served, he said. He moved that the council

ask both boards to give early consideration to putting forward a joint local bill to provide for equitable representation.

Cr. A. A. Adcock seconded the motion, but, he said, it did not go far enough. Two years ago, the council had had considerable support when it tried to establish a metropolitan authority. “We should, perhaps, again seek that support. It was un-

fortunate that, 18 months ago, some city councillors put the blinkers on and closed the door, though at that time the City Council said it was going to come up with its own scheme of local body reform,” said Cr. Adcock.

“Nothing has eventuated.” Crs M. P. Hobby and F. S. Blogg said that the question should receive more study, and it was referred to the finance committee.