HOKITIKA NOTES

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 April 1937, Page 5

HOKITIKA NOTES

[OUIi OWN CORRESPONDENT.;;

HOKITIKA, April 16

A special meeting of the Hokitika Borough Council, Hokitika Harbour Board and the Hokitika Fire Board was held last evening, and was presided over by the Mayor. Each body had previously met and discussed the question of amalgamation. Both the Boards had previously met, and decided it was not desirable to be absorbed into the Council. The Mayor briefly outlined the position, and called upon Mr M. Houston (Chairman of the Harbour Board) to speak. Mr Houston stated the Harbour Board’s functions were entirely different from those of the Borough Council. It had a different rating area; the Board had managed its affairs well, had maintained the port economically, and worked under the Marine Department. The administrative expenses of the Board did not total more than £ll5 annually and could not be reduced.

Mr AV. E. Richards supported the Chairman, and referred to the lack of opportunity that will be given to younger men to give their services to their fellow-men if the drastic proposals of amalgamation of local bodies is carried into effect. Local bodies were graduating schools for young politicians, and serve a most desirable purpose. Division of labour was desirable, particularly when it cannot be shown that amalgamation has any economic value. As the Mayor had pointed out, it is a retrograde step. It was moved by Mr .Houston, seconded by Mr E. AV. Heenan, that it is not desirable that the Harbour Board should be absorbed by the Borough Council. This was carried unanimously. Mr Elcock, Chairman of the Fire Board, then on behalf of that Board, said that no useful purpose can be served by absorption with the Borough Council. He stated that the insurance companies pay a portion of the costs of administration, and, as the Hon. P. Fraser has said, where there is taxation, there should be representation. The Government find but £5O per annum, the Borough Council and insurance companies find the balance.

Mr W. Braddon, ex-superintendent of brigade, also opposed amalgamation.

The Mayor and Messrs Duff and Heenan pointed out that the Minister (Hon. W. E. Parry) said the Fire Board definitely had to go. Mr S. J. Preston (Fire Board) said that although he had voted at the Board meeting for its retention he would' now vote for its amalgamation with the Council. Mr Elcock remarked jocularly that soms 25 years ago when the Board was established that the Council sold the plant. Ao the Board for £lOOO. Is the Council going to refund that £ 1000?(Laughter.) The motion for amalgamation was put and carried by 9 to 6, the members being of the opinion that the Minister was determined to abolish the Board.

A deputation from the Rugby Union then waited on the Council, asking for the use of Cass Square for a seven-a-side football tournament on Coronation Day.—The Mayor said that the Square may be wanted that day for celebration purposes. Cr. G. Heinz suggested that this could' be arranged by the Governor’s spech being broadcasted on the Square.

The Rugby Union said they would be pleased to assist in that, and it was finally resolved that a break be made in the tournament at 11 a.m. for the Coronation celebration service.