LARGER COUNTIES ?

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1791, 15 December 1936, Page 5

LARGER COUNTIES ?

i AMALGAMATION BILL j Matamata Council Discussion ' An explanation of the general outlines and purposes of the Local Government (Amalgamation Schemes) Bill was made by the Minister of Internal Affairs in a circular letter received by the Matamata (County Council on Friday. This led jto discussion in which it was suggested the county should be extended Southwards. The Bill aimed at a simple means ipf obtaining a substantial reduction in the number of local authorities [with a view to larger and more satisfactory units of local government. It gave to local authorities, or groups of such, the power to work put amalgamation schemes best suited to individual districts, but at the game time contained the necessary [provisions to prevent purely obstructive tactics from hindering desirable amalgamations. All types of local [bodies from county councils to fire and harbour boards were affected.

The basis of the Bill lay in the preparations of amalgamation Schemes by or on behalf of local Jbodies for different localities. Amalgamation might allow for all or any <of the following provisions:—

The union of two or more'adjoining districts whether or not of a like gtatus or constitution, into one district.

The merger of any district. The transfer of functions of one local authority to another. ‘ An alteration or adjustment of any district boundaries. Tlie conversion of any district to one of a different status or constitution.

Any other matters incidental to the above and such other matters as pught be declared for the purpose of the Bill by the Governor-General by Drder-in-Council. The Bill sought to encourage voluntary local efforts toward amalgajnatter. If local bodies could, agree among themselves to schemes thought suitable to the district, the .Government had. the power to give (effect to this without delay. It was sought further to encour-

age local initiative even although all T agreement, and power was given for t one or more local bodies to prepare and submit a scheme for consideration. Where such action was not taken, the Minister had power either to require any local body to prepare and submit a scheme or to do this himself

An important clause at the end contained an independent set of provisions. enabling a county council at any time to initiate a scheme .aimed at dispensing with surplus local authorities within its boundaries. This would enable a number of smaller local bodies, such as road and drainage boards, to be eliminated simply in advance of a more comprehensive

scheme. The clerk said the main purpose of the Bill was to eliminate overlapping and to cut 1 down expense. The engineer recommended an expansion of the county towards Taupo. There was a community of interest along the T.T.T. Company’s line, and this move might become necessary later. This was a good opportunity. The chairman, Cr. J. W. Anderson, suggested a conference with the Piako and Rotorua counties, but withdrew this later on the understanding that the Piako county intended to confer with Thames and Ohinemuri. The clerk, with reference to the last clause, said that local bodies within the boundaries, such as the Thames Valley Drainage Board and, various rabbit boards, mostly extended beyond the county’s area. The chairman thought a conference* to discuss the position of the Maungatautari riding might be valuable. The county boundary might well be straightened. Cr. K. S. Cox thought the Waipa county might have an interest in this. Any other conference should be with Taupo and Rotorua. The latter probably desired to include Reparoa. The area, of land adjacent to the county boundary at Atiamuri should be considered. The chairman was definitely opposed to amalgamation with any other county. The engineer said vast areas to the south and south-west of the county yet awaited development. This had been hindered by cattle sickness but had a natural outlet > along the timber line. It would have i. to be controlled some day and was no man’s land at present. Cr. Cox said that if Waipa handled the county would be unless this other land was included in its boundaries. Timber

royalties would help maintain revenue. It was probable that the Taupo main highway would soon be controlled by the State and that would leave only about 22 miles of other roads at present to be maintained. It was decided to further discuss schemes after a report was submitted by the clerk and the engineer on all possibilities.