H—2B

8

In one case it was stated that difficulties have been experienced owing to the small number of representatives who have been available to carry out the local authority's administration, and if borough status were granted, a larger number would be available to carry out the work. It was apparent to us, however, that the difficulties of this particular authority were accentuated by the fact that no technical officer was employed, and the members themselves had to give a good deal of their time to technical matters, even though they were not fully qualified to undertake same. We are aware that a number of boroughs which have been constituted from time to time are smaller, in so far as population is concerned, and have fewer amenities than some of the larger independent town districts. A number of urban areas in counties, however, have larger populations than some boroughs and town districts and are supplied with more amenities. Until such time, therefore, as we have been able to make an over-all factual survey of urban local government, we have decided to defer decisions in regard to changes of status unless evidence is available to satisfy us that there are major difficulties being experienced by the local authority concerned which can be overcome only by a change of status. The general review which is being undertaken in regard to urban local government will enable us to formulate principles which we hope will result in more progressive and stronger types of urban local authorities than some of those which at present exist. In general, we are of the opinion that if local government is to measure up to its full responsibilities and to carry out effectively the functions it is empowered to undertake it must be sufficiently strong in revenue potential, population, rateable value, and area to provide the modern amenities and services demanded and economic and efficient administration. In so far as the question of status is concerned, we believe that the existing measuring rod of population qualification is outdated, and it is evident that consideration must be given to this aspect in the near future. V. PROGRESS OF GENERAL REVIEW In our last annual report reference was made to an over-all general review of territorial local government which was being undertaken. Progress has been made in this connection, but owing to the limited staff which we have had at our disposal, and the staff changes which have taken place during the year under review, it has not been possible to complete this work. However, one branch —counties—has been completed in order that our decisions relating to counties could be reviewed in the light of the existing county structure throughout the country. It has not been possible to obtain information later than the year ended 31st March, 1948, owing to the lack of published statistical information and, in a number of instances, up-to-date audited accounts. The figures and facts which we have had at our disposal, however, give a general picture of the county structure existing at that date. A considerable amount of data has been tabulated and segregated, and brief reference is made to some of the more general aspects which indicate the disparity existing between operative counties throughout New Zealand, which, excluding the Chatham Islands, total 124. (1) Area. —The areas of counties in New Zealand vary between 20 square miles and 3;872 square miles. The overall position is revealed in a general way in the following table :—• Area, in Square Miles. Number of Counties. Under 100 .. .. .. ..8 100-500 .. .. .. -. 56 501-1,000 .. .. .. ..33 1,001-2,000 .. .. .. .. 18 Over 2,000 .. .. .. .. 9