STAMPS AND DEEDS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1932, Page 5

STAMPS AND DEEDS

OFFICES TO CLOSE STRONG PROTEST FROM HOKITIKA Describing it as the thin end of the wedge, the Hokitika Borough Council last evening severely criticised the Cabinet’s adoption of the National Economy Comrriission’s Recommendation that the Stamp and Deeds Offices in the smaller towns be closed and transferred to the larger centres, together with the staffs, and office books and records. The matter was brought forward by the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry), who outlined the position, and said that it was a question of vital importance as far as Hokitika was concerned, as it meant that the local offices of these departments were to be closed, and transferred to Christchurch. He was of the opinion that a strong protest should be entered against the action of Cabinet. It was stated that the recommendation had been adopted, and would take effect after March-31, 1933. Many reasons were given in support of the retention of the Stamp and Deeds offices at Hokitika, chief among them being the comparitively negligent amount that would be saved annuah ly, the increasing amount of business that was being transacted on the Coast necessitating local supervision and sufficient to warrant continuation of the service, the great delay caused locally while the business is transacted on the other side, the extra expen so and additional fees to clients for search, stamps, and registering, and the fact that suitable accommodation and fireproof buildings were already provided here

“These offices,” stated one councillor, “are so closely connected with other governmental departments, that it means nothing less than the thin end of the wedge.” Cr. J. King: I do not think the Council is going far enough in merely entering a protest. 1 think the Mayor, representing the. interests of the borough and ratepayers, and Mr J. A. Murdoch, representing the lccal branch of the Law Society should go to Wellington as a deputation, and there go into the matter thoroughly and vigorously with the authorities.” The Mayor: “We are only a small town compared with other places, like New Plymouth, where the same conditions apply. It was stated that Mr Kitchingham of Greymouth; was • shortly calling a meeting of public bodies to discuss the , matter, and tile opinion was expressed that-a protest from ing would carry the most weight. Cr. A. R. Elcock referred to the increased expense to which people would be put, and said that the Government would not save £IOO a year by this step. The Mayor spoke of the increasing attention that was being given to the cities at the expense of the country centres—the centralisation of affairs “More attention should .be given to the country,” he said, “as it is from there that the cities draw much of their power.” Cr. Elcock thought that if a combined meeting was to be called, Hokitika should be represented by the Mayor. After further consideration of the matter, it was decided that an emphatic protest should be entered.