COUNTIES AMALGAMATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 April 1937, Page 12

COUNTIES AMALGAMATION

CRONADUN MEETING

[OUR OWN_ CORRESPONDENT.!

REEFTON, April 17.

There was a large gathering of ratepayers at Cronadun last evening, when a meeting was held there to.. put before residents the proposal,, for the amalgamation of Inangahua County with the Grey County. Mr. F. W. Archer, acting County chairman, presided, and he was supported by Crs. Seawright and John 0 Regan. The chairman gave particulars of the proposal and pointed out that business holdings would be more adversely affected Ilian farming lands should the proposed amalgamation lie given effect. . Cr. O’Regan endorsed the chairman’s remarks. The Inangahua. County had been functioning since 1574, and he detailed the effect of amalgamation on the various ridings, pointing out that their position would not he improved by centralisation. Cr. Seawright pointed out that the question was vital to every ratepayer. Inangahua would have to assist in the payment of the heavy Grey County indebtedness if the amalgamation came into existence, and with then .small representation they would be in a minority on the Council. The only way of staving off amalgamation was to put forward a solid and united front. , , Mr. W. O’Malley contended the? must make a united front, stating that the proposed amalgamation- oi local bodies was one of the proposals that assisted to put file tormer Government, out of office. He wanted no connection with Grey whatever. They were capable of managing their own affairs. Mr. McMahon said if a representative petition were drawn up and if tlie history of the county and its position was explained To Mr. Parry he was sure there would be no amalgamation. Mr. M. S. O’Malley moved and Mi. Timothy McMahon seconded: That this meeting strongly protest against any amalgamation with Grey or any other adjacent County and that a petition be circulated amongst ratepayers embodying this resolution. Ihe motion was carried unanimously.