Develoment corp, to face Paparua doubts

Press, 27 September 1983, Page 9

Develoment corp, to face Paparua doubts

The Canterbury Development Corporation will have a chance to put its case for finance to the Paparua County Council but some councillors are not keen on supporting the venture. Cr A. Y. Shuker told the council’s finance committee yesterday that he did not believe ratepayers’ money could be given to the corporation, which was “only a business venture in real terms.”

The corporation seeks 51 million from local bodies to establish a charitable company designed to promote the development of Canterbury. The Christchurch City Council made a grant of

5500,000 to the corporation. The County Chairman, Mr J. Y. Pethig, said the 51 million being sought from local bodies was a “phenomenal amount” but the corporation’s objectives seemed to be in the right direction. He did not know if ratepayers’ money could be used to support the venutre “in this year’s budget or any other year’s budget.” Cr W. J. Baker thought the council should speak to representatives of the corporation before making a decision.

“I think it is part of our duty as councillors to try to develop the area,” he said.

“We are one of the biggest counties in New Zealand but we don’t do enough to promote development” Cr E. C. Britnell said that local authorities in Auckland promoted the development of their region. The Paparua County Council should try to develop its area.

“We have not done anything to promote and develop the area. Entrepreneurs have done all the developing for us,” he said. Representatives of the corporation will be invited to attend the November meeting of the finance committee.