NOT FAVOURED

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 185, 3 May 1933, Page 4

NOT FAVOURED

Amalgamation of Counties WANGANUI CONFERENCE Dominion Special Seuvice Wanganui, Muy 2That, no advantages would result Irmn amalgamation of counties within the No. 8 Highways District was the decision ot a conference of county representatives held in Wanganui yesterday. Il was contended, however, that certain minor local bodies within the counties I hemselves could be brought under county administration advantageously. The conference was the outcoqie of an invitation by the Waitoiara County to meet and discuss the situation. After a round-table discussion, the following motion, moved by Mr. Belton and seconded by Mr. Mackintosh, was carried: “That the conference of the county councils in the No. S Highway District, while agreeing in the broad principles of amalgamation, is of opinion that no advantage can accrue in the highway district by the amalgamation of any of the counties themselves, lint feels Hint there are some internal bodies within the counties themselves which could be absorbed by the counties with advantages.” Counties have been left Io approach their respective internal local bodies unofficially. The conference definitely indicated that so far as amalgamation of counties is concerned any merger proposals will not come to fruition voiuntarilv. Tf amalgamation is to become an established fact the Government’s commission will have to act.