PROPOSED AMALGAMATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15155, 20 November 1912, Page 5

PROPOSED AMALGAMATION

BIRKENHEAD AND NORTHCOTE

FAVOURED BY CONFERENCE.

The question of the amalgamation of the Birkenhead and Northeote boroughs was discussed lost evening at. a conference of (lie borough council* concerned. Mr. A. -M. Mowleni presented the report of the committee of both councils, which had considered the matter early in the year. Tho report stated that the question had been raised as to whether an irrevocable, agreement could bo legally entered into Wiieroby caeh borough, as at present consttuted, could continue for ever as a separate ward in tho amalgamated borough, and the expression of opinion was given that it was possible for a future amalgamated council to abolish such a system. The report conveyed tho expression "of opinion that if an irrevocable system of wards could be entered .into and the rates levied expended in each respective ward, the- amalgamation of the boroughs was advisable. Tho report added: " Tho opinion was held by all :h& members of tho committee that; though no present and immediate benefit would accrue to either borough, save a slight problematical saving in administration cost, yet there could be no present loss to either borough, and tho questions of the future* such as tram service, municipalising of gas, improvement of ferry service, public reserves, and other important questions, would bo more efficiently dealt with by an amalgamated borough than by two separate authorities. A lengthv discussion ensued, and eventually the following resolution was carried unanimously:—"That in the opinion of this conference it is desirable that the boroughs of Birkenhead and Northcoto should , amalgamate, tho basis of such amalgamation to be on the ward system." It was further resolved to appoint a committee of four trom ouch councU to prepare a .basis of amalgamation with a view to taking a poll of tno ratepayers of each borough at an early date, such report to bo presented to the adjourned meeting of the conference a month hence.