LOCAL BODY SYSTEM

Southland Times, Issue 22991, 10 September 1936, Page 6

LOCAL BODY SYSTEM

More Simple Form Sought ENCOURAGEMENT OF AMALGAMATION COMPULSORY POWERS TO BE TAKEN (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, September 9. Details of a Bill by which the Government hopes to encourage the amalgamation of local bodies and to provide for the simplification of local government generally were discussed in an interview to-night by the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), As previously stated, everything possible will be done to encourage voluntary amalgamations, but in cases where particular local bodies are not prepared to co-operate, the Government will have power to arrange for compulsory amalgamation on a basis to be decided by a special commission to be set up for that purpose. Mr Parry said that it was obvious that considerable savings could be effected and the whole business of local government simplified by a reduction in the number of local bodies. In some cases there were several local bodies exercising jurisdiction within a small area, with a resultant duplication of services and excessive cost to the ratepayers. Under a Bill which would be introduced in the House of Representatives within the next few days, every encouragement would be given to local bodies to arrange for voluntary amalgamation where possible. However, in cases where amalgamation was desirable but where one or more local bodies refused to fall into line the compulsory provisions would apply. Personnel Of Commission. In the latter case, the Minister said, he himself would prepare a scheme of amalgamation, which would then be referred to a special tribunal or commission, consisting of a Judge of the Supreme Court, a departmental officer with special knowledge of rating and valuation and a representative of the local bodies concerned. The commission would examine the scheme submitted by the Government through the Minister and decide finally on various details of amalgamation. The full powers for compulsory amalgamation could then be exercised. “There are 601 local bodies in New Zealand at present,” Mr Parry said, “and a reduction in their number would almost certainly result in greater all round efficiency. Naturally, it will take a considerable time to deal with all the cases which will arise under the new legislation and the commission to be appointed is likely to have a fulltime job.” The Bill embodying these proposals was considered in detail at a caucus of the Government Party this morning. Subsequently, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) stated that it was desired to have the measure introduced as soon as possible in order that it could be referred to the Local Bills Committee, which would then have an opportunity of considering the views of all the local bodies. No attempt would be made to rush the measure through the House and ample time would be given for an expression of all interested opinion.