RIDING AMALGAMATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 190, 13 August 1932, Page 6

RIDING AMALGAMATION

WANGANUI COUNTY PROPOSAL. NOTICE OF MOTION TABLED. Ridings and riding boundaries formed the basis of a short discussion at yes terday’s meeting of the Wanganui County Council, and a notice of motion was given by Cr. J. Kennedy to the effect that tho Upper Wangaehu Riding merge with Mangamahu. He said ho had suggested this amal gamation some years ago, but .vas told to defer it as there was no means of access to the upper riding. Now that the road was through he saw no rea son why tho two should not merge There were only 8000 acres in Upper Wangaehu. It had been left a s a rid ing because it was all that was left of the Upper Wangaehu Road Board. The rest had been absorbed by the Rangi tikei County. Cr. W. Craig would like to see the whole question of riding re adjustment discussed and the notice of motion left wide enough to cover that. Referring to Alangawhero, he said that it was far too large to be easily workable. So far as ridings general' were concerned sum benefited more .inn others be cause of highways. Cr. Mackintosh (the chairman): Are you prepared to go into the matter, Cr. Craig, and bring before the next meet ing what should be done! Cr. Craig: I have a very fair idea of what should be done. There was further discussion on the subject. Cr. Mackintosh: Do you intend to move, Cr. Craig, that the whole of the ridings be done away with? Cr. Craig: Yes. Cr. Mackintosh: That is a matter lor the ratepayers. Abolition of county ridings is no new venture. There arc local bodies in New Zealand at present availing themselves of tho privilege of doing away with ridings so far as expenditure of money is concerned. The funds aro pooled and expended at the council’s discre tion, just as in a city or borough. Rid ings are retained merely to have elected a council that fairly represents the county.