LOCAL BODIES

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1936, Page 7

LOCAL BODIES

AMALG A M ATI ON DIE FICULTY

(Per Press Association—Copyright)

CHRISTCHURCH, November 6

The difficulty of attempting to solve the problem of the , reform of decal government in New Zealand from the parccinal standpoint was emphasised by the Minister of Internal Affairs \the Hon. W- Parry), replying to a deputation to-day.

The Minister said that t»ie Bill which he had drafted on the subject, aimed at creating national public opinion to pave the way for the reconstruction of a system now entirely obsolete. He was opposed to relegating the matter to a Royal Commssion whose recommendations would he’ the subject of the pressure of parochial interests brought to hear on..every | v . I d. . member of Parliament.: ;Vd!.

Presided over bv a judge of tne Supreme Court, the court-which it was proposed to set up, would deliver judgment after investigating conditions in each district, and would havo power to put its decision into operation. In the meantime, every facility would lie afforded local bodies to enable them, to make a voluntar'y effort t-o amalgamate with neighbouring authorities. The court would consist of a Supreme Court judge, a representative of the Valuation Department and a representative of the local bodies concerned.