AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20889, 3 June 1931, Page 11

AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL.

NORTHCOTE AND BIRKENHEAD CONFERENCE TO BE HELD. The proposal to amalgamate the boroughs of Northcote and Birkenhead was discussed last evening by the Northcote Borough Council, which agreed to a conference - between the two bodies on June 24. The matter was introduced by a letter from the Birkenhead Council, which offered to meet the Northcote representatives. "I move that we agree to meet the other council to discuss the question," said Mr. P. C. Cross. "We would not commit ourselves by such a step and no harm could possibly come from a roundtable discussion. We must attempt to reduce the cost of administration in every way possible, and if such a conference showed that amalgamation would effect that without sacrificing other important interests, we should move in that direction. It will all depend, of course, on the conditions suggested."

Moving as an amendment that the matter be deferred, Mr.' W. C. Ellis said that before the council attended a conference he would like to have some idea of the suggestions that were to be made. There was more in the matter than the cost of administration.

" The time is quite inopportune," said Mr. C. H. Johnston. "We expect a bridge to bo built across the harbour and in that case amalgamation with the city will be more advisable." The Mayor, Mr. R. Martin: " I cannot see that a conference will get us anywhere." After further discussion a conference was agreed to.