Councils meet to talk of ‘new era’

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33004, 25 August 1972, Page 1

Councils meet to talk of ‘new era’

The Christchurch City Council and the Waimairi County Council held a joint meeting last evening which was described by the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr N. G. Pickering) as “unique” and by the chairman of the Waimairi County Council (Mr D. B. Rich) as the “first in the history, I believe> of the two councils.”

Both leaders called for closer co-operation and greater understanding between the councils and individual members; and, at the conclusion of the informal meeting, Mr Pickering and Mr Rich shook hands heartily.

Fourteen city councillors and 11 Waimairi councillors attended.

Mr Pickering, at the conclusion of the meeting, said the City Council would later invite the Waimairi County Council to a joint meeting in the City Council chamber. Mr Rich, opening the meeting, proffered an olive branch —Waimairi would make the first instalment of its promised contribution towards the 1974 Commonwealth Games Pool. His announcement was greeted with applause.

“There is no formal resolution for this on the coun-

cil’s books, but I think I can say before my fellow councillors that this will happen,” Mr Rich said.

The councillors were supplied with drinks and snacks before the meeting began and Mr Rich, in the chair, said the only formal part of the meeting would be short addresses by himself and Mr Pickering. ‘Recent stresses’

“I am concerned that the two councils do not have serious differences of opinion, but work together to get to know each other and each other’s problems. Recently there have been particular stresses on relationships between the two councils,” said Mr Rich.

“We should have some kind of machinery for the investigating of outstanding problems.” Mr Rich, after mentioning the difference between the councils over Waimairi’s contribution to the Games pool said that the management and distribution of surpluses from the M.E.D. was an argument that had been going on for 12 to 14 years. Waimairi wanted a share in the M.E.D. management and in the funds from that source.

“We are looking for a discussion in some depth with the City Council on that question—win, lose or draw. The city should not, in fact, use these funds, we feel.” Mr Rich said that the Waimairi foreshore reserve plan was another subject for mutual discussion, as the area between Spencer Park and Waimairi Beach would benefit greater Christchurch; the transfer of some land from the city was required. That would need an early meeting. Cr I. Calvert, chairman of the Waimairi town planning! committee and recreational sub-committee invited the city town planning chairmar (Cr M. McG. Clark) and twc or three other city councillors to a meeting of his committee. The Waimairi works committee chairman invited his opposite number on the City Council, and other councillors, to a Waimairi works committee meeting.

‘Country cousins’

"I am hopeful that these meetings will be held on a reciprocal basis; I hope that the Mayor and some councillors will attend a Waimairi council meeting,” said Mr Rich.

“If the City Council will co-operate in the matters I have raised, and some other things, then we in turn will co-operate in any way we can.

“Waimairi is now the eighth largest local body in New Zealand. In recent years we have felt very strongiy that the City Council has still treated us as country cousins.

"We hope that the two councils will co-operate in dealing with problems that affect greater Christchurch. “I hope that this meeting will open a new era of cooperation,” Mr Rich said. Mr Pickering said he also felt that the meeting, which was unique, might be the start of a new era in cooperation.

“We are going to have differences of opinion, we know that. But let them be on matters of real policy. The type of controversy between the two councils, and Mr Rich and myself, in the newspapers recently has not done his council any good, or the city I have the honour to represent. ‘Not intentional’ “I apologise for not calling the joint committee on the Games pool together earlier. On the Commonwealth Games project the public is very united. “If I have slighted Waimairi on any occasion, I can assure you it was not intentional.

“I suggest we call a joint

meeting on the M.E.D. question, but that is over to the committee chairman (Cr D. R. Dowell). I see no great difficulty. “I think we should get together over metropolitan matters. I readily accept the invitation to go to a Waimairi council meeting. I am very happy to return the invitation,” Mr Pickering said. Rubbish disposal

He said the City Council was not happy with its present system of rubbish collection. He thought there would be a new method by April 1 next year. Waimairi already had a paper-bag collection.

The question of a rubbish disposal centre for metropolitan Christchurch was a matter which he would like a joint sub-committee to investigate.

A common by-law for the control of dogs was another issue. The city had 8000 licensed dogs and some 2000 more not licensed. He was sure Waimairi was also concerned about the problem. “Co-operation is the key word. I am sure we are not going to agree on everything. We shall have to agree to disagree on some matters. “But there has been too much adverse comment and controversy between our two councils. I am sure the general public don’t really enjoy reading of the two bodies in conflict. Public arguments “If there must be public argument, it is not very satisfactory unless it is soundly based and well informed. “I feel that the two councils must co-operate to advance metropolitan Christchurch. Whatever the decision of the Local Government Commission may be, Waimairi and the City must live together for a long time yet. “We welcome Waimairi’s gesture in calling this meeting,” Mr Pickering said.