AMALGAMATION

Northern Advocate, 18 August 1933, Page 5

AMALGAMATION

LOCAL BODIES IN NORTH

PROS AND CONS PUBLIC WORKS AND OVERLAfmO. WHANGARET CONFERENCE TODAY. A conference of the North Auckland Counties’ Association is being held 1 in Whangarei today with the object o£ considering Whether amalgamations can be effected between local bodies in the area north of the Waitemata County., whereby overhead costs can be reduced without loss in efficiency, general administrative control, or in -service to ratepayers, individually and collectively. The president, Mr L. Webb, is presiding. Mr H. 0. Hemphill, honorary secretary of the association, has gone exhaustively into the matter, and has devoted his -expert knowledge ,of local body administration in the preparation Of it provisional scheme, in Which he outlines the possible constitution and active functioning of a' “Midland County.” .The basis of discussion is the following circular prepared by Mr Hemphill:—

tfwo aJitfcUict Lines. In tire movement towards reduction of local bodies, the North of Auckland territory is somewhat fortunate in haying, in my opinion, two distinct lines to staft off from in a discussion of the problem of grouping and amalgamation. In fixing boundaries for purposes of grouping- local bodies, the essentials to be taken into consideration are geographical features, community of interest, commercial and social centres and lines of communication.

With these several factors in mind, and with some knowledge of the territory under review, I submit there is one natural dividing line south of Kaiwaka—following the present southern boundary of the Otamatea County. Below this division, commercial and social ' activities are naturally drawn southward. The other natural dividing line is, ah my opinion, located generally along the existing northern boundaries of the Counties of Hobson and Whangarei. If these suggested geographical lines are acceptable to the conference -as natural commercial and social boundaries, then a very definite and important step will have been achieved which will clear the way for consideration of the second phase of the problem. For the .purpose of considering a definite scheme, let us assume that the divisions submitted have been adopted. The second step for consideration now is the most suitable grouping of the various units of local government. In this connection thfe following is submitted td the conference, having due regard to the factors previously referred to, and to the comparative figures set out in the attached 'Statistical return.

tire various governing botftfs, it is, in nty opinion, most essentiai’ “that 'bottowgh artel kindred bodi.es suck as town boards, etc., should be classified as a definite group distinct from irnfral bodies.Bttg*ested Grouping. (1) That the Hodney County be grouped with the Waitemata County. If acceptable, then it is for "Rodney to meet WaitOmata in conference. (2) That the counties of Whangarei, Hobson and'Otanrntea be grouped to form one county to be known as the 44 Midland County ’ ’ for the purposes of this paper. (3) That the counties of Bay of Islands, .Hokianga, Whangaroa and Mangonui ; be grouped to form one county, to be known as the ‘ ‘ Northland County ’ ’ for purposes of reference herein. If acceptable, then it is for these four bodies to meet in conference.

Organisation of ttto midland county area submitted as a hypothetical scheme. Internal Grouping, (1) Whangatei Bototigh, Town Districts of Hikurangi, Kamo, Onerala and the Whangarel Harbour District. (The whole to .be controlled r;v the major body and administered by special .statutory authority). (2) Bargaville Borough to remain as n Separate entity. (3) Hospital Districts of Wliaugarei

and Kaipara combined to form one district.

(4) Whangarei, Hobson and Otamatea Counties combined to form one county with internal administering bodies.

It is suggested that the grouping outlined in paragraphs (1) and (3) be referred to the Whangarei Borough Council and the Whangarei Hospital Board, with a view to appropriate consideration and subsequent action on their part. Midland County Organisation.

(1) For purposes of representation and administrative control the Midland County be organised into three ridings, each existing county to form a riding and be named after the county (Otamatea Riding, Hobson Riding and Whangarei Riding). (2) That each riding retain its identity, together with its assets, property, machinery, etc., for a .period of not less than three years after amalgamation becomes effective. This is, in my opinion, a very important and necessary proviso and safeguard, and will also provide an opportunity to study carefully the changing conditions during the- settling -down process, (3) That all existing ridings be abolished.

(4) That each riding in the new organisation be treated in exactly the same manner as a riding under the existing law. (Tt shall contribute to wards the general account expenses of the county on a rateable value basis — the balance of revenue being carried to the .riding for expenditure iu that riding).

(5) Representation (see guiding statistical figures attached). —Otaraatea Riding 2 representatives, Hobson Riding 2 representatives, Whangarei Riding 4 representatives, and that the term of office be increased to five years. (6) The chairman of the county to he elected yearly in manner as at pre. sent provided. (7) Election of councillors and annual meeting of council as at present provided (with extended time).

Rating Matters. (1) That a uniform general rate be levied separately over each of the three ridings of the county. (2) That a uniform hospital rate he levied over the whole county. (3) Special area loan rates, drainage area rates, harbour district rate, etc., must remain as at present leviable and collectable over each separate or special rating district or area. It should be noted that within Midland County there will remain no fewer than 104 individual rates. Under existing legislation, no alteration in the direction of consolidation can be made in the case of 80 of these rates, which are special area loan rates. The question of consolidating all ,loans into one riding loan, with a uniform special rate over the whole riding, is likely to nresent itself for serious consideration if administrative costs are to be sealed down. ADMINISTRATIVE. Engineering Division. (1) Under the grouping outlined, a county engineer—qualified and possessing organisation ability —would be required. (2) Also an assistant resident engineer in each riding responsible genet-' ally for the maintenance and upkeep of all roads and bridges, etc., in his riding, and the preparation and certification of all wages and contract vouchers, etc., for submission to headquarters office for council's approval. (3) Each assistant resident engineer would require the assistance of a typiste Und probably a cadet, an office suitably equipped, car, telephone, etc. (4) Drafting of plans etc., to bo carried out at headquarters office. (5) Road surveys to bo undertaken either by an officer and staff appointed for the purpose, or by some system of contract.

Clerical Division: Secretarial and Administrative. (1) Chief clerk responsible for organisation and general administration —a directing head of all branches in addition to general secretarial duties. (2) An accountant responsible for all working details in connection with finance, book-keeping, balance-sheet, etc. (3) Collector-cashier responsible to the accouiltant for the collection of rates, licenses etc. (4) Ordinary office staff in keeping with the duties involved.

Inspectors. (1) Group traffic inspector as at present. (2) That all public health duties in the county be taken over by the Public Health Department as a Btate respon-, sibility. (3) An inspector located in each riding to deal with the enforcement general traffic regulations, stray stock on roads, noxious weeds, collection of j heavy traffic license fees, motor drivers’ license fees, dog, registration fees, etc., and the many other matters coming under office. Biding inspectors to share office 'accommodation with assistant resident engineer.

The foregoing is generally a brief outline of the organisation required to administer, but there are obviously a great number of problems untouched, apparent only to those possessing an intimate and practical knowledge of local government. Observations and Conclusions, (1) T desire to make it perfectly clear that, so far as the scheme herein outlined is concerned in respect, of Midland County, the cost of administering the greater area will certainly be no loss than the present-day total cost of administering the several governing bodies concerned.

(2) Government control —and by this I mean the activities of the Public Works Department —over the same area as local bodies is said to be responsible for a very heavy administrative expenditure. In this connection it is submitted that the time has arrived when local control should lx* reduced to one administrative authority—■‘abolishing overlapping. If there is to be a, reduction in general administrative costs, then it 1 can only be achieved through the whole of the expenditure —national as well as local —-being undertaken by the greater local authorities (Government expenditurfe on railways and public buildings excepted). In this case the saving would be more national than local.

To maintain two expending authorities in one district when one could and should undertake the whole of the responsibility, is a- noticeable feature in present-day administration. I further desire to make it perfectly clear that the suggested grouping and internal organisation, as outlined in the foregoing hypothetical scheme, cannot possibly succeed iu achieving the objective unless the whole of the expenditure on roads and bridges—both national and local —is placed in its hands.

Further, there must also be a material scaling down in departmental requirements and regulations if administrative costs arc to be kept within bounds.

The process of creating internal regulations and requirements dealing with public expenditure and local c-oii: trol has leached large proportions, and is rcsponsibles for a great deal of additional expense. In many instances departmental requirements appear to be far too elaborate for the expenditure involved.

(.I) In the event of Midland County coming into being and becoming charged with the expenditure of all moneys on roads and bridges within its area, it is suggested that an engineering officer of the Public. Works Department be appointed by the Government as a contact officer between the .State —on account of State moneys expended —and the council. This official would be a consulting officer in addition to certifying to the correctness of the expenditure of funds contributed by the General Government and Main Highways Board. (4) That. any amalgamations or grouping approved take effect as from Ist April, 1935. Considered Opinions.

(1) That, the hypothetical scheme outlined in respect of Midland County cannot function economically or favourably compare with the existing administration unless it is charged with the control of all expenditure on roads and bridges within its area. (2) To. hand’ over to local governing authorities all Government moneys for expenditure on roads and bridges would injuriously affect a very large number of employees in the Public Works Department and add considerably to the unemployment problem. (3) That so far as North of Auckland is concerned, the maximum area of fully occupied territory that can be efficiently and economically administered under the existing system Is between 1000 and 1200 square miles — and then, geographical features and lines of communication (roads) must be favourable.

(4) That North of Auckland is only partially developed and in consequence will require, for many years to come, a decentralised form of local administration where the personal touch and briefest of the riding councillor can still be counted upon, especially in the outlying areas.

PRESENT BASIS. RETENTION ADVOCATED. In presenting the report this morning Mr Hemphill supplemented his observations as follows: — It is of the utmost importance, if the commission being sot up by the Government is to succeed, that it shall act with diplomacy and do nothing which might be calculated to destroy £the confidence of the people or their interest in local government. Throughout the Dominion, the people rendering gratuitous service in local government number many thousands. It would be difficult indeed to measure that service in money value, consequently it is in the interests of the people of New Zealand that the basis of the present system should not be interefered with by any acts or recommendations of the commission.

The proposed commission should also embrace the functions of an advisory board, to whom groups of local bodies, finding difficulty in arriving at some definite conclusion, might appeal for guidance and assistance. The Advisory Board should be prepared to attend group conferences for the purpose. Coercive measures should not be resorted to bring about amalgamation. Bettor that the people should undertake their own negotiations if possible, on the advice and recommendations o', the Commission.

VIEV7S OF MB COATES. “ALONG BIGHT LINES.” The Et, lion. J. G. Coates wrote stating that he had carefully studied the amalgamation proposals and desired to express his appreciation of the trouble Mr Hemphill had gone to in gathering the data and setting it out for the information of the conference. “The principle involved in the move is along right lines,” the letter went on, “but for the present I believe it would be wise and productive of more results to keep those phases of the problem which relate to the rural local

governing bodies ns distinct from the urban, ones.” In view of the Government contemplating the setting up of a commission to investigate local government problems and report thereon, ” v Mr Coates did not think it was desirable that he should at this stage express any detailed opinion on the proposals outlined. It was fitting that a body so competent as the North Auckland Counties’ Association, with its local knowledge, should discuss proposals for amalgamation among the eight counties involved, and this, Mr Coates considered, should prove helpful in formulating a well-considered opinion for presentation to any commission which was set up, w T hcn it was ready to take evidence on matters relative to the northern district.

DELEGATES DIVIDED. FURTHER CONSIDERATION DESIRED. The matter was fully discussed today, some delegates being of opinion that amalgamation must bo inevitable, and others holding that the economic gain would be small, if any, and that the larger areas would be difficult, to administer efficiently. Delegates were asked to place the matter before their individual councils, and forward criticisms to the Northland Association, with a View to another- conference to co-ordinate views prior to the presentation of evidence to the Commission which will probably be set up.

Statistical Figures of Suggested Grouping. Are$ Square Capital Unimproved. Group. Miles. Value. Value. I > opulatio Waitemata and Rodney ... ... 1,0.81 6,098,502 2,867,861 ■ 14,610 Midland County ... 2,213 9,153,900 3,494,000 22,020 Northland County ... 2,033 5,363,950 1,947,883 24,890