NO SCHEME SUGGESTED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 134, 8 June 1937, Page 9

NO SCHEME SUGGESTED

COUNTY AMALGAMATION CONFERENCE IN WANGANUI NO. 8 HIGHWAYS GROUP Although a lengthy discussion took place in Wanganui yesterday morning, when delegates representing county councils in the No. 8 Highways Group met to discuss the Government's proposed amalgamation of local bodies, no alternative scheme was suggested. It was considered that the present was satisfactory, but the opinion was expressed that some o fthe small, internal local bodies in each individual county could be considered for amalgamation purposes. Mr. Wm. Morrison, chairman of the Waitotara County Council, presided, and the conference was attended by the following delegates: Rangitikei: Messrs. A. Stuart, S. A. Mair (engineer), and H. H. Richardson (clerk). Wanganui: Messrs. A. H. Collins (chairman), T. Mitchell, J. J. Lissette, R. R. Dawson (engineer) and G. Derbyshire (clerk). Waitotara: Messrs. W. Morrison (chairman), R. Farley, L. T. Jones, and T. Dix (engineer and clerk). Patea: Messrs. W. G. Belton (chairman), J. Lupton, and J. N. Anderson (engineer). Waimarino: Messrs. D. J. Berry (chairman), C. L. Duigan, A. Mabbitt (clerk), and H. Hogg (engineer). Object of Conference. Mr. Morrison welcomed the delegates and said the conference had been caXed after discussion with other local bodies. He said most oi them would agree that amalgamation in certain cases was desirable and necessary. There were a number of smaller bodies within counties which could be joined up with larger bodies. There were 130 counties in New Zealand and it appeared to be the Government’s intention to reduce the number to 40. The average county averaged 500 square miles. In the North Island there were 29 of such areas and 21 in the south. It was the purpose of the meeting to see what attitude it would take in regard to the Government’s intentions regarding county amalgamation. Mr. R, Farley said that Mr. Semple, at Gisborne, stated that it was not the intention of tre Government to force amalgamation on any one. The countries had it in their own hands whether to amalgamate or not. He (Mr. Farley) suggested that the No. 8 group should bring down a scheme to borrow’ money at a cheap Irate for financing permanent work. | Mr. Berry asked the chairman if there had been any suggestion what amalgamations should take place in the No. 8 group. No. 8 Group Suggestion The Chairman: I have not heard officially, bui it has been suggested that Patea, Wanganui, and Waitotara should amalgamate. “The Wanganui County is going to oppose amalgamation in its present form,” said Mr. A. H. Collins. He said by amalgamation the county would loose the direct control it now had. The contour of the country should be considered carefully. He said if there was to be amalgamation they should come together and submit a more modified form. Mr. Berry said Waimarino County had no community interest with counties directly adjoining it. The matter of amalgamation seemed to the speaker to be contradictory. "What is to become of the county engineers?” he asked. He urged that the matter be gone into thoroughly before a decision was arrived at. Full-time Job “We have considered the matter very carefully,” said Mr. W. G. Belton. He outlined what had taken place at a conference held at Hawera some weeks ago. The Patea County Council uad a full-time job for its engineer and staff. He could not see how any economy could be effected by amalgamation. He remarked that there was a lack of understanding among the people of the Dominion on the question. Mr. A. Stuart said the chief cause of the amalgamation proposals was mainly due to the riding system. There was no getting away from the fact that small counties had been a source of annoyance to past Governments and the present Government. He criticised the amalgamation proposals as ridiculous in view of what he termed “the extravagance of the Government.” Rabbit boards and such like bodies could be amalgamated with beneficial results. Mr. L. T. Jones said he could not see how any economies could be effected by amalgamation with the bodies represented at the conference. The following resolutions were carried-’— “(1) This meeting of representatives of the counties of Rangitikei, Waimarino, Wanganui, Waitotara, and Patea, comprising the No. 8 Highway Group, after mature concideration of the question of amalgamation, is not in a position to suggest a scheme which will provide for a better system of efficiency and economy and community interest than that in force at present.” (2) “That this conference is not unfavourable to the consideration of the amalgamation of small internal local bodies in each individual county.” Copies of the resolutions are to be forwarded to the Minister of Internal Affairs, and the members of Parliament of the counties represented at the conference.