COUNTY AMALGAMATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23213, 10 June 1937, Page 9

COUNTY AMALGAMATION

PROPOSAL CONDEMNED "NOT IN INTERESTS OF ECONOMY" Condemnation of the Government's proposal that there should be a measure of amalgamation between the counties of New Zealand was voiced by speakers at a conference of local bodies and the Automobile Association (Otago) last night, the reason given being that the proposal was not in the interests of the communitv, efficiency or economy. All the counties in the province were represented except Waihemo, and representatives of each body, with one exception, expressed disapproval of the idea. Cr J. Ritchie (Vincent) said that he was sure the idea of amalgamation had not originated with the counties and boroughs, but he believed it was those bodies interested in city administration. If that was the case he considered they should mind their own business. The counties were quite capable of looking after themselves. In looking into the matter of amalgamation, three points should be considered—community of interest, efficiency and economy—and he did not think that any of those points would be made if the proposal was put into effect. As local bodies they should put their backs to the wall and say they did not want amalgamation. Alterations might be necessary, but that was a matter for the counties directly affected. The Government had been asked to put all its cards on the table, but they were still in the dark, and many councils had not even been approached as yet. "Very few councils "are in favour of amalgamation." said Cr E. Morgan (Maniototo), "and our backs are already to the wall. It is to be hoped that the Government will not go any further in the matter, for. even if there are one or two small counties who can amalgamate, that is question for them to decide themselves." Cr J. Bennetts (Tuapeka) said his council had come to the conclusion that no good would be served by the proposals. The Minister had emphasised the point of democratic government, but yet he would not agree to a vote of the ratepayers being taken. That was most undemocratic. There should be no question of compulsion about the matter at ,all Cr W. Moore (Bruce) said they would not aesitate to listen to a man who was acquainted with local body administration from beginning to end, but Mr Parry had had no experience at all. The only dissentient voice was that of Cr J. Rodman, of Waitaki County, who said that there was a need for improvement, whether they called it merely an alteration of boundaries or not. A number of counties had all sorts of boards within their boundaries that could easily be eliminated. Similarly, many of the borough were only " glorified " townships. He suggested that a friendly conference of counties should be held to discuss they matter of improvements.