"TOO DRASTIC"

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 130, 29 November 1932, Page 6

"TOO DRASTIC"

DANGER TO LOCAL BODIES

ENFORCEMENT OF UNION

In the course of a discussion by the Petone Borough- Council,last night on the question of the amalgamation of the boroughs of Lower Hutt and Petone, objections were made to the provisions in the Municipal Corporations Bill bearing on rlocal body amalgamations. . :

The Bill-provides that if the ratepayers of any borough favour, at a poll, amalgamation with an adjoining borough, they, may present their request to the Governor-General. If the other local body objects to amalgamation the Governor-General may appoint a Commission- which1 has the power to enforce amalgamation if it thinks that desirable.

"On behalf of the people," said the Mayor, Mr. D. McKenzio, "we should respectfully'request the Hon. A. Hamilton, the Minister-in charge of the Bill, to protect us from any measure that would force amalgamation with another borough and give a Commission such drastic power.' Any alteration of an important right should be exercised by'the inhabitants at the ballot box."

"It's too drastic," agreed Councillor V. E. Jaeobson. "Any powerful local body could 'mop up' the smaller ones."

On the motion of the Mayor, the council passed a resolution objecting strongly to the provisions, and asking that they bo eliminated, or that a proviso be inserted that tho Commission has no jurisdiction where an adverse vote at the poll is recorded by • tho other borough.

A copy of the resolution is to bo sent to all local bodies in New Zealand,