AMALGAMATION PROPOSED

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1933, Page 7

AMALGAMATION PROPOSED

SIX WAIROA LOCAL BODIES definite efforts under way. CABINET MINISTERS FAVOURABLE. FIRST SUCH MOVE IN DOMINION. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wlelington, Last Night. In a practical effort to bring about a saving in the present heavy overhead charges that have to be met by ratepayers in the Wairoa district a definite move in the direction of amalgamation has been made by the six local bodies operating in that area. This step is believed to be the first of its kind in the Dominion. Proposals for a regional council to replace the present local authorities have been unanimously agreed to at a conference of delegates representing all the local bodies concerned. Another conference of all local body members is to be held next month and in the event of sufficient support legislation is to be sought to give effect to tire scheme. The Mayor of Wairoa (Mr. H. L. Harker) will return to-morrow after having placed the project before several members of the Government, including the, Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. J. Young). Mr. Harker reported to-day that Mr. Young said he was in accord with the proposals and would place every facility at the disposal of the Wairoa local bodies, including his departmental officers, to enable them to reach a definite scheme to place before the Govemwith a view to obtaining the necessary legislation. Mr. Harker discussed the scheme with several other Ministers of the Crown, all of whom were very sympathetic toward it and pleased to see at least one local district in New Zealand endeavouring to improve matters for its ratepayers.