LOCAL BODIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 142, 18 June 1932, Page 8

LOCAL BODIES

ELIMINATION OF WASTE SCHEME TO OPERATE SHORTLY NO ROYAL COMMISSION [ Per Press Afieoeiatioxi. | CHRISTCHURCH, June 17. A scheme supported by the Hon. a. Hamilton, Minister of Internal At fairs, for co-ordinating local bodies in an endeavour to eliminate wasteful overlapping and unnecessary overhead expense, is to be put into operation shortly in some districts which have signified their willingness to submit to the experiment. Mr. Hamilton said to-day that it was intended to dispense with the idea of Betting up a Royal Commission to investigate local body administration and “to get right on with the job.” There had been no actual scheme formulated- yet. said the Minister, but the question was being discussed with local bodies throughout New Zealand and some districts have been considered suitable and acceptable in which to give rhe idea a trial and on which to base a definite policy of re-organisa-tion. The first object was to set up some sort of advisory council for a certain area to supervise the local bodies and advise the Government of their requirements, including new works and necessary revenue. If an advisory council were set up in each province the Government would no doubt consider delegating greater powers to the provinces. Advisory councils would be self-supporting and would probably include representatives elected by local bodies. The Town Planning Board had arranged New Zealand in regions and Mr. Hamilton •aid that it was likely that some of these regions would be subjected to experiment later. If the experiment succeeded the idea would be developed tUroughout the country.