Smaller executive ‘better for R.P.A.’

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32778, 1 December 1971, Page 22

Smaller executive ‘better for R.P.A.’

A five-member executive to take the place of the old one, comprising all 11 council representatives on the authority, was elected yesterday by the Christchurch Regional Planning Authority in a move described as opening the way for fuller public discussion of its activities.

Mr D. B. Rich, chairman of the Waimairi County Council, was elected chairman of the authority, succeeding Mr G. D. Griffiths, who did not seek re-election to the City Council. Mr J. B. Midgley, chairman of the Riccarton Borough Council’s town-plan-ning committee, was elected deputy-chairman. Before he left the chair, Mr Griffiths said that the authority’s work would be of growing importance. During the next three years, on questions of amalgamation, the authority would be asked many questions, and would answer them without bias and with the authority of its experience. DECISIONS UPHELD

“The authority has been subjected to a good deal of criticism, but its work stands up anywhere. Its decisions have been upheld on appeal and we will see the results in years to come,” said Mr Griffiths.

“I have been a member of this authority since its inception, and before that, and it would be wise to adopt a new procedure, and have a small executive to report to the full authority.” Mr Griffiths said that the old executive comprised all council representatives on the authority, and the only members to have a vote. “People thought that once the executive had made up its mind, it was the authority’s decision,” he said.

“If the executive work was done by a smaller group reporting to the authority, its recommendations would be open for public discussion. That would mean a stronger-better-informed executive.” “You have a most important job to do. It is devoid of politics, and is right for the community, the region, and all parts of the city,” said Mr Griffiths. “The authority has an independent opinion which must be expressed for the good of us all.” MR RICH’S REMARKS On his election, Mr Rich paid a tribute to Mr Griffiths, whc> had served on the authority for 17 years. Mr Rich said he had asked Mr Griffiths to continue as a personal appointment, but he did not wish this.

The proposed smaller executive, said Mr Rich, could vitalise the authority. The old executive had the same voting strength as the authority, and this could lead the appointed members without a vote to feel that they were the only people not considered.

Commander H. J. A. Lynch said that the associate members were administrators and professional men, whose opinions were valuable; but, by law, they did not get a vote.

The trouble had been that the authority had not laid all its cards on the table, said Mr R. H. T. Thompson. A smaller executive would be against fuller discussion.

Mr A. Y. Shuker said he did not enjoy being a rubber stamp. He moved that the present form of executive be discontinued, and that monthly meetings of the authority be held to discuss all matters of regional significance. Mr R. M. Macfarlane said he would never support the associate members having voting rights. There was one local body now where the appointed members out-

numbered the elected members. It would be the end of the authority if the appointees got votes; and he doubted if the Minister would amend the law. Mr I. Calvert supported the smaller executive, saying that it would not be practicable for the authority to discuss councils’ work in detail. “A large body like this meeting every month would be a very expensive organisation,” said Mrs F. R. Clemett. “It is too big to deal with everything.” PROPOSAL LOST The proposal for monthly meetings (the authority now meets every other month) was lost on the voices, and Messrs Rich, Midgley, and Shuker and Mesdames M. McG. Clark and Clemett were elected the executive. Mr R. C. Neville, who was a Waimairi County member, but lost his seat when he did not seek re-election, was given a personal membership of the authority, Mr Midgley saying that Mr Neville had been a member of the authority since 1956, had a tremendous knowledge of the subject, and would be an asset.