UNION OF COUNTIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18906, 5 July 1923, Page 8

UNION OF COUNTIES.

FACILITATING AMALGAMATION.

NEW LEGISLATION PROPOSED,

(From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, July 4. The projected new legislation will have the effect of facilitating tho union of counties where such is desired, thereby saving considerable overhead expenditure and leaving more of the rates available lor the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges. r J his decision arises out of deliberations that have been going on between the counties in Southern Hawke’s Bay whoso desire to become united has . been somewhat hampered’by' the possibility of a loss subsidy being paid ■by the Government consequent on the union. Under ihe existing legislation subsidies are payable to county councils, the maximum being £2500. If, therefore, a county wijs receiving the maximum and became united with another county or counties, no greater sum than £2600 would be payable to the united county. It is now proposed to introduce legislation providing that on the union of two or more adjoining • counties the same subsidy in the aggregate shall bo payable to tho united county as was payable to the several counties prior to the union. As difficulties have arisen in obtaining the necessary petitions for union in the past it is proposed that authority be given m the new law for the Governor-General to issue a proclamation declaring that any two or more counties may bo’ united to form one county under such name as he deems fit.