NORTHERN COUNTIES

Northern Advocate, 18 August 1933, Page 5

NORTHERN COUNTIES

CONFERENCE BEGINS DELEGATES IN WHANGAREI FAR-REACHING PROPOSALS. DERATING AND LEGALISATION. Before t?ho conference of the North Auckland Counties’ Association, opened iu Whangarei today, wont on to discuss amalgamation of local bodies, several other matters were dealt with.

Mr L. Webb presided, and the following delegates wore present: —Messrs W. K. Becroft (Rodney), R. Coates and J. S. Davidson (Otamatea), V. Trounscm and T. A, Ballantyne (Hobson), J. A. S. Mae Kay (Whangarei), IT. S. Robinson and A. E, Bisset (Bay of Islands), A. C. Yarborough and W. White (Bay of Islands), W. H. Lane and T. 11. Hayes (Whangaroa), W. Tickers and 11. H. Thompson (Mangonni).

RURAL RATES. RESOLUTION ADOPTED. ■The following subject submitted by the Whangarei County, in the form c r a resolution, was given the support of the conference: — “That the Acting Prime Minister bo

urged to prepare and publish for the information of the general public, and rural local bodies in particular, a comprehensive statement covering the reasons and arguments which support his contention that the total derating ; >f farm lands is impracticable; and further, as the Government has expressed (be opinion that a reduction in rural taxation is essential, and as it favours a policy of partial derating, the Acting Prime Minister be urged to state what immediate action is contemplated to meet the position, apart from the set ting up of a commission to enquire generally into local body government.” In moving the resolution, Mr J. A. S. Mae Kay said that it was self explanatory.

Seconding, Mr Rodney Coates said: “Every council in the North will realise that total derating is impracticable. It would mean, for one thing, the wiping out of local bodies, which would not be an advantage at the present time. The local authorities serve a very useful purpose, and in many eases do the work cheaper than the Public Works Department. At the same time I agree that a full statement is necessary.” Air L. Webb reported upon discussions on the subject at the Counties’ Conference, and expressed disappointment that n definite pronouncement on policy should have been made by the Acting Prime Minister. The resolution was carried unanimously.

XJNLEGALISED EOADS. RESTRICTIONS OPPOSED. The following motion was sponsored by Mr Robinson (Bay of Islands) and seconded by Mr Lane (Whangarfta): — “That the attention of the Minister of Public Works be drawn to the contents of a circular letter dated May 12, 1933 (P.W., 22/158) issued to Northern County Councils by the District Office of the Public Works Department, concerning the legalisation of rohds, and pointing out to the Minister that, in the opinion of this conference, the restrictive conditions outlined in such letter and the threat to withhold payments for work carried out, are unreasonable and at this juncture absurd, and arc calculated to interfere seriouslv with local body expenditure at a time when it is greatly needed, further pointing out that the funds at the command of- county councils in the North of Auckland are insufficient to undertake expensive road surveys and at the same time meet the ordinary demands in connection with the maintenance of existing roads in addition' to making some provision for improved access to settlers in the outlying districts.” The resolution was adopted.