5

H—2B

notification in many instances, and by public notice in the press, to advise interested parties of the provisional and final decisions of the Commission. Where objections are lodged, they are given the fullest consideration by the Commission, and in some instances a further public inquiry has been held to consider the objections before a final decision has been reached. The procedure at public inquiries closely follows that adopted by similar types of tribunals. Evidence is taken upon oath, and the parties may be represented by counsel or in such other manner as they may desire. No request is made by the Commission for counsel to be engaged by any party to an inquiry, as it is recognized that this question, involving as it does financial responsibility, is one for determination by the party concerned. It has, however, been generally recognized, more particularly by local authorities, that the employment of counsel has resulted in co-ordination of the various cases presented and a shortening of the evidence, thereby saving both time and expense. In determining its procedure the Commission has had regard to the fact that no material evidence should be excluded, and every opportunity should be given to all interested parties to fairly state their cases. Although, as far as possible, the ordinary rules concerning evidence and procedure are followed, strict adherence thereto is not insisted upon, in case it may have the effect of excluding information which may assist the Commission in arriving at a proper decision. At the conclusion of each inquiry the Commission reserves its decision, to enable it to carefully sift the evidence which has been submitted to it. Following consideration of the evidence by the members of the Commission, the matter is thoroughly discussed and a decision arrived at as to whether a reorganization scheme pursuant to section 13 of the Local Government Commission Act is necessary. A report is then prepared by the Commission setting forth the reasons for the decision arrived at, and this report, together with a provisional scheme if it has been decided to promulgate one, is forwarded to all the principal parties represented at the inquiry, as well as to the Ministers of the Crown, members of the House of Representatives in whose electoiates the local authorities' districts the subject of the inquiry are situated, members of the Legislative Council resident in the areas affected, Government Departments concerned, and the press. The wide interest which has been shown by the public in the activities of the Commission has been assisted in no small measure by the publicity which has been given by the press to the Commission's reports and schemes, and this is undoubtedly stimulating renewed interest in local government. In addition, the National Journal, which publishes all matters of interest to local authorities throughout the country, gives full publicity to the reports and decisions of the Commission. Public notice is given of all provisional schemes, and any interested party may examine the reports and schemes, which are available for public inspection at convenient places. The Commission's final schemes are similarly dealt with. Before making a decision as to whether a public inquiry should be held, it has been the practice of the Commission to undertake, through its officers, a complete historical survey of local government in the locality concerned, and to obtain from the local authorities which may be affected by any decision of the Commission all available factual information relating to the proposal and to their districts generally. Maps and aerial photographs of the locality, when available, are examined, and when a public inquiry is decided upon a physical inspection of the area is undertaken by the Commission in order that the members may have a thorough appreciation of the proposals which are to be submitted to it. Whenever it has been decided to hold a public inquiry, the Commission has first been satisfied, as the result of its preliminary investigations, that it has been necessary in the interests of local government in the areas concerned. It can thus be seen that the Commission's procedure affords ample opportunity for every phase of a particular proposal to be thoroughly examined and considered.