Riccarton will not talk on amalgamation

Press, 24 June 1986, Page 9

Riccarton will not talk on amalgamation

The Riccarton Borough Council will not meet other local bodies in the next few weeks to discuss amalgamation. The Mayor of Riccarton, Mr Richard Harrington, recommended that the council meet other councils, but this was opposed by other councillors, who felt all other options should be explored first.

Cr Derek Anderson said it would be better to spend the time trying to educate the public rather than attending meetings with other councils.

“It’s education of the ratepayer that is going to finally win this case,” he said. “I think we have to come out in the open and show where the ineffi-

ciencies are on the other side of the fence.” Cr Gerald Hunt said the council should refuse to meet the conciliator appointed by the Local Government Commission, Mr Douglas Pearson. “These things are set up to take you down a oneway path,” Cr Hunt said. “I think the thing to do is to say we are not going down that path, and make our position clear.” • Mr Harrington said the council did not have any option but to meet the conciliator, as this was legally required.

The council decided to write to the Local Government Commission, opposing the one-city proposal. It has also decided to call a public meeting on amalgamation.