AMALGAMATION DISCUSSIONS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27410, 24 July 1954, Page 8

AMALGAMATION DISCUSSIONS

WAIMAIRI’S POLICY STATEMENT BY COUNTY CHAIRMAN The Waimairi County Council is not seeking to amalgamate other areas into its district, according to a statement made by the chairman (Mr F. W Walter) at a meeting of the council this week. To assist neighbouring areas it would consider accepting them, but it had made no official approaches. Mr Walker saSi that at a meeting in the Paparua County Council office, attended by chairmen of counties close to Paparua. he had said that the Waimairi county had no need of amalgamation. Later at that meeting it had been suggested that the built-up areas of the proposed new county, embracing Paparua, Halswell and Springs, should join Christchurch.

Mr Walter said he commented then that as these built-up areas were contiguous with the Waimairi boundary It was not possible for them to join the city, but to assist with amalgamation they could join Waimairi. After a later meeting (at which Waimairi was not represented), Mr W. F. McArthur, Paparua County Council chairman, was reported as saying that the built-up areas of Hornby and Sockburn would be amalgamated shortly, Mr Walter said. In the same report, another Paparua member was reported as saying that the built-up areas could possibly join Waimairi. After Paparua ratepayers had approached a Waimairi councillor, the council discussed amalgamatidn at its last meeting, said Mr Walter. The Waimairi council had decided, on requests from Paparua ratepayers, to accept amalgamation of their areas to assist in the over-all amalgamation. It was made clear that Waimairi would not approach neighbouring areas, seeking amalgamation. \ Mr McArthur had said that relations between Waimairi and Paparua were not being maintained, said Mr Walter. As Waimairi had always approached Paparua on matters concerning ratepayers of both counties, such as the high-pressure water scheme and Waimairi’s offer to take areas not wanted by the new county, Waimairi did?not feel responsible for breaking harmonious relations.