CIVIC LEAGUE

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 16, 21 July 1921, Page 8

CIVIC LEAGUE

AN ENCOURAGING START

OBJECTS OUTLINED,

The advisability of forming a Wellington Civic Leagu,e was discussed last night at a conference attended by representatives of the following ratepayers' associations:—Karori, Northland, Seatoun and Bays, Kilbirnie, Lyall 'Bay, Oriental Bay, and Koseneath. Delegates were also present representing- the Eastern Suburbs League, the Te Aro Progressive Association, and other city organisations.

1 A draft constitution embraced the following points:—(l) To secure the best available candidates for the City 'Council, and, by arousing general public interest in civic affairs, to assist tho council in every way possible. (2) To establish special departmental committees to study and assist in such municipal questions as finance, development,, ami town-planning, legislation, health, education, etc. (3) To establish branched in the different municipal district* where no organisation exists, and, whero any existing body already functions, invite it to become a branch by affiliation. (4) Membership to be open to citizens as individuals, and to branches or affiliated organisations as single units. The questions raised were very fully discussed' and whilst it was intimatad that those present could not commit their associations, all the speakers expressed their full agreement with the plan of forming a comprehensive Civic League fully representative of 'the business interests in the centre of the city, and also the .whole of the suburban interests. It was made very clear that the proposed league would not be in any way associated with general polities, or attached to any' political party; further, that though the' Welfare League and the Progress League had taken part in initiating the movement both bodies desired to step aside as soon as the civic organisation was established. The plan of organisation decided upon was not designed to be- antagonistic to any existing municipal 'associations, but was framed, with the object of practically federating the whole of these into one broad civic league, representing all civic interests of Greater Wellington. The view was emphasised that whereas Wellington has expanded very considerably the citizen organisation existing was almost that of thirty years ago, and an urgent need obtained for expansion and consolidation in, that direction, it was contemplated dealing with matters of port and harbour works, and the important affairs of hospital board administration as well as with municipal undertakings. In the constitution provision was made for the work undertaken by the Town-planning Association,. and it was hoped to have that body join in co-operation with the league in its wide field of operations. The meeting, was very harmonious and hopes were expressed that othsr bodies not represented would join in later. The following motions were carried unanimously .-—"That all present, with power to add, representatives from other municipal bodies not represented at this meeting, constitute a provisional committee, and will recommend to our several societies ihat they be represented at a further conference to be held on 17th August for the purpose of forming a Civic League and adopting the draft constitution with the necessary modifications and additions." It was also unanimously decide'e! "to recommend as part of the said constitution an affirmation by members of loyalty to the King and British constitution."