The Waipa Post. TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1921. Published on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. NEW COUNTY BOUNDARIES.

Waipa Post, Volume XX, Issue 1129, 16 August 1921, Page 4

The Waipa Post. TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1921. Published on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. NEW COUNTY BOUNDARIES.

WHEN the Government assigned to a specially - appointed commission the task of adjusting the boundaries of Waikato and King Country counties it was recognised that the task was not ah easy , one. Something of a similar nature had been previously attempted, and by gradual process the foundation of responsible self-government had been established. The circumstance which led to the commission were unusual. Originally, and even up to the time when the Counties Act was consolidated in 1908, special provision was made that the counties of Awakino, WesJ; Taupo, and East ,Taupo should ntit?' become operative. The exemption of this large tract of country from the system of local government was inevitable, as settlement had hardly begun. Gradually, however, the lands were taken up, and the natural demand for self-government exerted itself, until, in 1916, following investigation which had been made by the then Minister of Internal Affairs, legislative authority was given for the constitution of road districts in the non-operative counties of East and West Taupo. Five road boards were set up under that authority, and they have operated most successfully over the more settled territories, but, in order to keep pace with the progressive demands of settlement, it has been found necessary to re-adjust what was always regarded as a temporary or pioneering system. Thus there came about the Boundaries Commission, whose recommendations are announced to-day. A study of the proposals shows that they have a somewhat drastic effect upon the boundaries of the counties concerned. Awakino disappears, a new county at

Taumarunui and another at Otorohanga come into being. Waipa absorbs a large area out of Taupo West, as well as some of the remnants of Waitomo. The changes are considerable, and they are, moreover, of importance as 1 affecting future progress. But the recommendation appears to be an excellent one in more thoroughly defining the community of interest in the several localities. It cannot come into effect until Parliament has given assent, but there appears no reason Aliy the proposals should not receive the unvarying endorsement of the .1 is..nets concerned br why parliamentary sanctioii should be withheld. The recommendations i are,, practical, and will operate to advantage; they will tfiereVfore be welcomed by all who give serious thought to the problems of local government. The cl ’..amission has dealt with a difficult problem, and it offers a most worth ysolution to the many difficulties that have hitherto presented themselves.