CONSOLIDATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 59, 23 March 1945, Page 5

CONSOLIDATION

HARBOUR BOARD S EXISTENCE

PERTINENT QUESTIONS ASKED

At the sitting of the Parliament* ary Committee of Enquiry into Local' Government, in Whakatane last Tuesday, it was obvious that several oi' the M.P.s present were bent upon the question of establishing greater consolidation amongst local bodies. This .standing problem which has been before the public and the Government for some vears now has: not 5 found popular favour with the majority of the local bodies concerned and its rein traduction once again showed., the varied reaction of delegates. When both County and Borough speakers Avere stating their they were asked by members of the Committee whether they considered it possible for the local Harbour Board to lie merged with either body in order that costs could be cut and administrative responsibil-* ity lessened. In both instances speakers stated that they had net discussed the subject with their respective councils, but personally thought that such a mergence cf interest might be possible. It was when the Chairman of the Harbour Board was answering questions that the matter really was brought to a head. Mr Poison asked liow manyboats used the Whakatane harbour. Mr Boon replied that one or two a week was the usual figure. Mr Poison: One or two a week ? By heavens it shouldn't need a Harbour Board with all the appurtenant ces necessary to maintain it to do that. Its another case of using a sledge hammer to crack the proverbial nut.