“Word broken” on Local Govt Bill

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33413, 20 December 1973, Page 17

“Word broken” on Local Govt Bill

f.Vew Zealand Press Association

WELLINGTON.

The Government's decision to insist on consolidation of submissions on the Local Government Bill yas described as “typical Labour Government arrogance.”

The opposition’s local Government spokesman, Mr D. A. Highet (Remuera) said in a statement that the Government had proved once again that its word was not to be trusted.

During the introductory reading of the bill the Minister of Local Government (Mr May), had given his word that “no-one — whether the executive of an organisation or an individual — will be precluded from giving evidence before that committee,” said Mr Highet. Now only those bodies the Government wished to listen to would be able to appear before the committee in person. The others would have to rely on faith that their written submissions would be read and considered. “For the hundreds of local authorities that are effectively disenfranchised ttfrough the polling provisions of the Minister’s inequitable bill, this latest announcement must be the crowning insult,” Mr Highet said. “Not only do they lose the right to determine their own future under the bill, but they are denied the satisfaction of appearing before the Select Committee to express their views in person.”

The action bore out the Opposition’s claim that the Minister was trying to rush

sweeping legislation through without allowing time for so widely differing circumstances of local authorities throughout the country to be taken fully into account, said Mr Highet.