LOCAL BODY MERGERS IN THE NORTH

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 253, 22 July 1936, Page 8

LOCAL BODY MERGERS IN THE NORTH

Improvement in System

ADVANTAGES- OF UNIFIED CONTROL A likelihood of there being further amalgamation of local bodies in the Auckland district, following upon the merging of the Thames Harbour Board in the Thames Borough Council, has created increased interest among Wellington enthusiasts for the absorption of the smaller local authorities by the establishment of single-body control over two or more districts. The published report from Auckland of proposals being under way for the merging of the two boroughs of Birkenhead and Northcote is viewed with satisfaction in local government circles. “The reports concerning proposals under consideration for the merging of some obiter local bodies in addition to the two boroughs mentioned, have been brought to my notice,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. W. E. Parry, when questioned yesterday. “There is no douibt that the amalgamation of local authorities will result in a definite improvement in our local system, thus tending to diminish greatly the present heavy overhead administrative costs, especially in the case of the smaller local authorities, whose finances could very well be undertaken by a larger local government organisation. The public views the question of amalgamation, which affects, bhe whole Dominion, in the proper light. I think the legislation I am promoting for the purpose should greatly help to bring about amalgamation.”-