LOCAL BODIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20672, 10 March 1937, Page 10

LOCAL BODIES

THE AMALGAMATION SCHEME MINISTER’S VIEWS "In intend to attempt to show jou that the problem of reconstructing local bodies, admittedly only the first step in real local government reform, is of direct application to the future life and well-being of our citizens.” said the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), when speaking at the opening of the Municipal Conference in Timaru last night. “Of the Local Government (Amalgamation Schemes) Bill itself the most I need say is that it provokes a simple means of bringing about a substantial reduction in the number of local authorities with a view to creating bigger and more satisfactory local government units,” said Mr Parry. “The scheme set out for this purpose is perhaps drastic, yet it is fair. With the reasonable administration that will be exercised I think no hardship need occur to anybody.” The Minister said he was watching with particular interest the attitude that local bodies were adopting, particularly those who said they saw no need for any change in their areas. Constructive criticism he was welcoming, and already as a result of constructive criticism he could see several avenues for improving the Bill. But an intimation for preserving the status quo he could not readily’ accept. He wanted local bodies to view this matter from the national point of view. Must Take Action The Minister said that local bodies must act or else the Minister of Internal Affairs could step in and prepare a scheme for them. But even that scheme had to have all the publicity which the Bill provided and must go before the Commission for consideration where evidence from the district showed that it was not acceptable. Secondly, they must act in such a way that they were all working to a common plan so as to secure the proper result. "Is there anything unfair or is there anything unworkable about that? 1 say not.” said Mr Parry. Speaking in regard to working to a common plan, Mr Parry said that he would have much preferred to have seen the local bodies taking the initiative themselves in the preparation of schemes. However, he realised there was something to be said in favour of having a basis from which to work; and he had been asked to give a lead in this respect. It was his intention, therefore, from time to time to submit to the local bodies tentative plans for reorganising most of the principal local governing areas in the Dominion. He had already done a considerable amount of work in the preparation of proposals for these tentative plans, but before reaching any finality thereon he wished to take the opportunity consulting a number of groups of local authorities who would be affected and of viewing some of the districts himself. With the aid of the knowledge thus acquired from the local authorities and personal inspections, he would be in a better position to release the proposals. After they had been released the local authorities would have plenty of opportunity of studying them and criticising them. He trusted that he would have the co-operation of all those who felt that local government required reconstruction. Implications of Task The Minister said that his knowledge of tlie local authorities in New Zealand entitled him to say that, m general, they had a very deep appreciation of the implications of their tasks, and that they, with him. were desirous solely of promoting what was best for New Zealand. They were all desirous that local government in New Zealand should represent a system

which procured for the ordinary citizen in whatever rank of life he might find himself, the very best which society at present could afford. If they could approach this problem of government from this point of view, then he felt sure that together they cculd evolve a system which would achieve the desired effects.