LOCAL BODY MERGERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21987, 23 June 1933, Page 7

LOCAL BODY MERGERS

REGIONAL SYSTEM PROPOSED. At the request of the Hawke’s Bay County Council, Mr A. H. Ferguson, formerly county clerk, has furnished the council with a report on the question of the amalgamation of local bodies. At the last meeting of the council, when the report was received, it was decided to supply members with copies and to give the matter further consideration at next meeting. As the present system has taken years to grow, Mr Ferguson remarks, it would seem desirable not to replace it by something new and untried, but rather to amend it, to remove the defects in it, and retain the good points. The following course is suggested as a possible means of remedy:—• 1. The grouping of . New Zealand into areas defined by natural boundaries, with like interest, somewhat similar to the old provincial districts, but smaller. 2. The election of a council for such district. 3. The authority of that council to be supreme (j within limits fixed by statute). 4. The existing local authorities to function as at present within such provincial areas.

5. After the provincial council takes office, that council would decide what amalgamation of existing local bodies, if any, was necessary. The real question at issue, Mr Ferguson adds, is not necessarily one of retrenchment, but rather the introduction of a system that would give increased value t® the present expenditure; and it is further desirable that the efforts of the individual local bodies should be directed for the good of the provincial area, and not for a part of it only- It is pointed out that any alteration in the existing conditions would require new legislation, and it is suggested that the Prime Minister be ap. preached by the council in the matter.