INQUIRY URGED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 189, 27 August 1937, Page 6

INQUIRY URGED

Preas Association.) rr*# x-vv *r . i M* LA

Amalgamation of Local Bodies C0UNTIES> ATTITUDE

(By Telegraph—

WiiLilfliNUluiM, lu asi The local Government (Amalgamation Scliemes) Biil should be held up until a thorough inquiry has been held, the New Zealand Counties' Association considers. At the biennial conference of the association the following recommendations of the sub-committee wero unanimously adopted : — "(1) In the opinion of this conference, before the proposed Local Government Amalgamation Schemes) Bill is proceeded witb, it would be of far-reaching advantage if a thorough inquiry were held with a view to ascertaining on broad lines: (a) What functions ean best be diseharged by the National Government ; (b) What cjan best be carried out by local government; (c) how the framework of local government could best be constructed to discharge sucb functions. "Tbe inquiry should define and coordinate national government aetivity - where it cuts across local government aetivity, and report on the effect of clual control of portion of the highways included in the order of reference. We think there should he an investigation into the major local-body problems, such as the incidence of rating, the 'bases of franchise, and loan indebtedness. (2) This conference. respectfully urges the , Minister to hold up the BilL until such an inquiry has been held and the report made available. "(3) Subjeet to the foregoing, we reaffirm the resolution "of -the two previous conferences to the effect that the conference supports amalgamation whenever it can be shown that amalgamation will secure a reduction in expenditure, and/or increased efficienc'y. We add that, in the event ,of any scheme o£ amalgamation being propounded at any time, the onus of proving that it will advantageous sball rest definitely on those who propouhd such a scheme." . Mr W. Marshall, Paeroa, submitted the recommendations in place of the resolution he had moved in the morning, and which had been withdrawn. "I Feel our recommendations Will earry a great deal of weight ; in fact, I believe the Government will give way to our wishes," said the president, Mr C. J. Talbot. A . remit urging that the proposed legislation should be amended to provide for a poll of. ratepayers:before ahy amalgamation scheme ' was put into effect and was referred to the executive for action later, .if thought necessary. .