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Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1927, Page 2

A proposal by Sir Robert Stout, for the substitution of district councils for the present multiplicity of local bodies was put forward ill the legislative Council last week and briefly discussed. Sir Robert Stout moved: “That the Council is of opinion that the executive Hhould, during the recess consider the need of remodelling local government machinery in the direction of establishing district councils with wide powers over large areas, no) that the centralised government and its growing cost may not he increased, but that real economic and efficient local self government may he promoted and strengthened.” Sir Robert referred in detail, quoting figures to show the increased cost in administration of the Departments of State, which he contended had grown out of al proportion to the increase in population. The local bodies of the Dominion were paying over £18.000.000 per year in officers’ salaries. Sir Robert submitted that it was Parliament’s duty to take steps to cheek such waste of money in unnecessary administration. The motion was seconded by the Hon. Hannn. who said that he would have district councils somewhat on the lines of the London County Council, and give them large powers. Committees of these bodies would ho set up to deal with various public services. We could not, be said, allow the cost of Government lo go on soaring without risking a national financial disaster. At this stage the debate was adjourned. Although the motion, if carried, will not “get anywhere” in a concrete sense, the suggestion will revive interest in the old-time subject of local government reform—once upon a time a good hardy annual in the political arena. The discussion will not be harmful because there is the evident need from the remarks of the mover of the motion for public thought to be directed in refernce to the more economical .administration of local government. Some amalgamation schemes of local bodies are now going forward, and there is a definite movement in Auckland for a comprehensive stop to create an all-embracing local body to direct the internal affairs of Auckland City and neighbourhood, now in the hands of so many differentlocal bodies. The subject is therefore - timely in that respect and reviving public interest in an old theme may lead eventually to some measure of material reform so long overdue.