Counties plead for survival

Press, 1 May 1978, Page 10

Counties plead for survival

Parliamentary reporter

Misgivings about the possible loss of rural values in country districts thaj were included in a regional scheme dominated by Christchurch were expressed by the chairmen of four counties north of the city who waited on the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Highet). Mr Highet emphasised that the policy of a National Government did not envisage the loss of these rural qualities. He said that the Local Government Commission was well aware of the principles involved, and was the relevant authority. The best thing was for the local bodies concerned to approach the commission directly.

The county chairmen who saw Mr Highet were Messrs A A. Macfarlane (Amuri), R. G. Anderson (Cheviot), WJ

;M. Dowle (Kaikoura), and C. IN. Mackenzie (Hurunui). They will seek a meeting with members of the Local Government Commission in their area. Mr Highet said afterwards I that he could understand the anxiety of rural counties facing the prospect of being tied regionally to the “octopus” of a large commercial entity such as Christchurch. The terms of the Local Government Act must be fully understood, however, he said. It must be remembered that in any regional linkage the only full participation mandatory for all was in the spheres of regional planninsand civil defence. He said the countiei would meet full sympathy and understanding from th' local government commis sion.