BOARD'S REPRESENTATION.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1368, 17 March 1923, Page 4

BOARD'S REPRESENTATION.

TO REMAIN AS AT PRESENT On Friday the Te Awamutu Power Board discussed the question of representation in view of the forthcoming elections. The Board's solicitors advised, on the question of representation, that the Crown Law Office maintains that the whole of Waipa County within the Board s area constitutes one constituent district and must be represented on the Board accordingly. The chairman said a more equitable provision in the Act would have permitted the Board dividing its area into ridings, but under the present Act Waipa County includes Kihikihi and Ohaupo town districts; similarly Otorohanga County contains Otorohanga town district. The Act also requires the election of borough representatives in April and county (and town district) representatives in May. It was a question whether, under the circumstances, the Minister might be asked to consent to a reduction in the number of Board members. The Board must consist of at least live and not more than twelve* members.

Mr Daniell suggested that Waipa County have two, Te Awamutu two, Otorohanga County one, and Ohaupo and Kihikihi (combined) one. Mr Downes suggested four Waipa County members, two for Te Awamutu borough and one for Otorohanga County.

Mr Danie'll accepted Mr Downes' suggestion, and moved to this effect. Mr Sutherland thought there were advantages in retaining the same number of members as at present, aa they were spread over the whole area, and thus were better in touch with the ratepayers and requirements of the district. Mr Johnson here mentioned that the franchise differs in boroughs and counties. All borough burgesses may vote, but only county ratepayers may vote —and these latter are restricted to "one man one vote'' principle. After some further discussion Mr Daniell again amended his motion to give Waipa County five membersone for each riding. Mr Parlane seconded. Mr Macky moved, as an amendment, that the basis of representation remain as at present—thus giving Waipa County seven representatives, Te Awamutu two and Otorohanga one. Mr Sutherland seconded. Mr Downes (jokingly): It is evident that you want to come back! , [r Sutherland: \'o. that's where you're wrong, for I'm not coming back. 1 am going to make room for someone else. (Laughter.) Tlir, y.-. •,,.„( ~,, j ;,.,,] f1..,j f 0 Awamutu's valuation was £561,000, against W'ti-vi Ounty's £2,643.000. The amendment was carried.