LOCAL BODY REFORM

Evening Post, Issue 126, 29 May 1936, Page 11

LOCAL BODY REFORM

MOTE IN STJTT VALLEY

THE MINISTER'S BLESSING

As already announced, it is the intention of the Government to introduce this year legislation to assist in the amalgamation or grouping of local bodies. A further statement on the subject was issued last night by the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), who made special reference to the decision of local bodies in the Hutt Valley to hold a conference on the subject of amalgamation. '■: "Surely there is no one today calling himself progressive who is prepared to advocate continuance of the present. state of affairs, especially in view of the fact that our development demands that a more economical and efficient system of local government be brought about," said Mr. Parry. "I wish them well," Mr. Parry said, in referring to the coming conference, "in this far-reaching and important work. I would appeal to my own city (Auckland) and suburban local bodies to take a similar step in'order to end the unnecessary duplication of local bodies in that, area, and also to all local bodies from one end of the country to the other to co-operate with the Government in its attempt to eliminate the waste that takes place through the out-of-date system of local government existing today. Since I intimated, after coming into office, the intention of the Government to face up to the rsolution of this problem, I have received nothing but congratulatory '_ messages and an earnest oft-good will, from all parts of New Zealand. :;; .:, ■ .-. .:..,. ■•:.■. "There is, .besides,- an almost national unanimity of the Press towards the grouping of-local bodies into' larger and stronger units of local government. In fact; we havej evidence of active assistance; in: all parts of the country :today :by : local body .representatives furthering, this important work. I must say that I am very grateful to those gentlemen', who are taking the broad, long-sighted .view in endeavouring to bring, about some measure of reform in their, own localities. I will afford to ; any. groups;of local bodies contemplating action in this direction all assistance possible: in coming to a voluntary, grouping in their respective areas. It appears to. me that this work could weir be done by the local authorities themselves,. if the will is ; behind our local B6dy: representatives."