REGIONAL PLANNING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25865, 8 June 1945, Page 9

REGIONAL PLANNING

CONSTITUTION OF LOCAL COUNCIL

A meeting of the North Otago Regional Planning Council was held yesterday afternoon to consider the constitution of the council as recommended by the executive. Mr .Tames Rodman was in the chair, and there were also present Messrs G. Dash (Waimate), C. Langbein, ,T. Garlick (Works Department). H. M. Whatman (Waimatel, 11. A. Adams (Lands and Survey Department), C. J. Doidge (district railways engineer), T. Johnston (Railways Department), W. S. Gillies, J. W. Nichols, N. A. Davidson, J. R. Chapman, W. R. Williams, A. F. Stock, I. Steenson. and the acting secretary (Mr H. Williamson). Boundaries Fixed There was a short discussion on the question of boundaries, it being pointed out that the South Canterbury Council had adopted the Waitaki River as its southern boundary, whereas Hakataramea was included in the North Otago area. Mr Whatman said that if the council was going to call on a third of the Waimate County for finance, then strong opposition would be offered to the proposed boundary, Mr Chapman said the Oamaru Harbour Board area went up to the Waihao River, and the northern boundary of North Otago should go up to the Waihao River. The great bulk of the produce from this area went to Oamaru.

Mr Langbein said there was no question of raising rates for the Regional Council, which was purely an advisory body. Mr Redman said the boundaries were decided on the basis of community of interest, and the question of finance did not arise.

The boundaries were adopted, subject to agreement being reached by sub-commit-tees 'appointed by the North Otago and South Canterbury Councils. Objects of Council

The objects of the council were set out as follows:

1. To prepare in collaboration with the appropriate Government, local body, and private agencies, a thorough survey of the existing physical, social, and economic conditions within the region. 2. To formulate or examine projects designed to provide economic employment within the region for returning service personnel and war-workers during the transitional period from the cessation of hostilities until the time when long-range development plans can be put into operation.

3. To prepare in harmony with national, social, and economic policies, a long-range co-ordinated plan of physical development of the region.

4. Generally to do such acts or things as may b? considered for the benefit of the community. Mr Dash moved the deletion of the mst' clause, as the duty of the council was to plan, not do things, but on a show of hands the clause was retained on the vote of the chairman. Power of Expulsion

Dealing with the clause providing for the expulsion of any member who wilfully infringed any of the rules, or whose conduct or the -conduct oi whose representative at meetings was deemed unworthy of a member or injurious to the interests or standing of the council, the chairman supported the clause, and added that people made statements at public meetings that were not justified—statements which could not be substantiated—and if this clause was in force on other local bodies it would be all to the good. Mr Williams said that under clause 27 they were going to hold everything in camera.

The number for a quorum was amended from 15 to 10, and the clause dealing with voting power was amended to provide for one vote each for representatives appointed by members.

With other minor amendments, the constitution of the council was adopted. After a discussion on finances, it was decided that donations for purposes acceptable to the council may be received and expended. No expenditure exceeding the amount in hand shall be made, and no traveling expenses may b» claimed unless such expense has been authorised. Mr Rodman was appointed treasurer.