IMPORTANT MERGER.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17277, 13 December 1927, Page 7

IMPORTANT MERGER.

COUNTY’S DECISION

THREE RIDSNQS ABOLISHED

LONG ADVOCATED STEP. An Important decision was made by the Waikato County Council to-day, when at a special meeting, a resolution was passed dissolving the Cambridge, Tamahere and Whangamarino riding districts, which will -be merged in the county. This had .been advocated for some time to enable economical administration.

In accordance with notice of motion given at the preceding meeting, the chairman (Mr W. Newell) moved that .under Sectioni,3o Of the Counties Act, 1927, the county take steps to declare a special order abolishing the road boards of Tamahere, Cambridge, and Whangamarino and merge them in the county, to take effect from April 1, 1928.

The chairman added that the action contemplated was practically compulsory. For, some time the county council had been held up to ridicule as a mere figurehead. Power had now been. granted the council to proceed with the")matter as proposed, and the county should fall into line with others. Its plant was not being used to the full advantage. The day of small road boards was ended and the step would be in the Interests of the whole council. /

Mr T. Hinton endorsed the remarks of the chairman in seconding the motion.

As the representative of the Tamahere Road Board, Cr. ■S. C. G. Lye stated thati his district was in a peculiar position, but was willing to assist in the merger under certain conditions. They had in the past rated themselves heavily to obtain good roads and provide the necessary plant. As a riding, Tamahere was in an unique position, having burdened itself with loans aggregating £42,000 for the formation of its rtfhds. Bitumenised stretches had been laid from Matangi to Tauwhare, and on the main Piako Road. The loan money was now practically all expended and the interest and sinking fund would have to be met. The riding suggested that in the event of its absorption the county should take over certain valuable plant, including a roller and bitumenising machinery, at book valuation, less depreciation, and credit the value against the loan accounts of the Tamahere Riding, reducing them a little. The riding proposed further than the Tauwhare Road to Crawford’s Gully and from Hinton’s Gully to Matangi should be proclaimed county roads. There was sufficient money in sight to finish the Tramways Road. If the requests were given effect to, the Tamahere ratepayers would be satisfied, though they would be highly rated.

The chairman suggested that the matter of complying with the conditions proposed by the Tamahere Road Board should be deferred and the council should not commit itself at that stage. Cr. Henderson agreed that no definite promise should be given. Cr. Smith supported the merger proposals and said it would place’ the whole county in a better position to receive subsidies. v Cr. J. Sampson stated that unfortunately he could not support the proposal for the abolition of the ridings, as his district was antagonistic to it.

.The chairman gave Cr. Lye'his assurance that the Tamahere Riding would receive equitable treatment, but the time was not opportune at present to decide what concessions should be given. ' The proposal to dissolve the three ridings and nierge them into the county was carried, only Cr. J. A. Sampson dissenting, as the representative of the Whangamarino Riding. General satisfaction was expressed at the important forward step made in the interests of the Waikato County.