CITY’S ATTITUDE ON HEATHCOTE MERGER

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31502, 17 October 1967, Page 18

CITY’S ATTITUDE ON HEATHCOTE MERGER

The possibility of a merger of Heathcote County with the city had arisen because of unfortunate circumstances, but had highlighted the fact that local body reform was long overdue, Cr H. G. Hay said when the city council met last evening.

“It could lead to moves in other areas such as Riccarton and parts of Waimairi,” he said. “There is a greater awareness of the need for making our city a more truly united one. I have confidence that there is a majority of far-sighted people living in Heathcote who welcome a move for unification of the city.” There was some difficulty about farm properties which might have to face a heavy rate increase if there was a merger, Cr Hay said. Perhaps there could be a merger of the rural areas with some other county. Much as he had been an advocate for amalgamation he was concerned about a suggestion that if a merger was to be negotiated the council would accept the assets and liabilities of Heathcote at a date to be determined, the Mayor (Sir George Manning) said. “I hope the date determined is after they have paid the Christchurch Drainage Board,” he said. “The next move Is not up to us,” Cr H. E. Denton said. “It is for the ratepayers and residents of Heathcote to’say what they want” The city development committee set out other recommendations that would be made if a merger was negotiated as: The existing Heathcote works and services and similar commitments would be continued as far as possible. The number of councillors would be increased from the next triennial election to have two Heathcote County Council representatives appointed until the next triennial. The County Council’s existing staff would continue to be employed by the City Council.

Discussing Heathcote’s difficulties would not add a penny piece to the county’s coffers, Cr N. G. Pickering said. It was for the county ratepayers to decide their future, and if they wanted to join the city the council should welcome them. “We feel we can offer them something better than they have at present,” Cr Pickering said. “We don’t want to trample on them while they are down.” The Heathcote councillors

wanted to rectify toe county’s position and were determined to do so, Cr G. D. Hattaway said. When they had done so, he was sure they would be more ready to look at amalgamation.