The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1932. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1932, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1932. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM.

Thick u is agitation again lor local government reform as part of the general contribution to economy all round. The matter is being pressed by the Associated Chambers of Commerce, following a statement by the Prime [Minister that his earlier promise of having an enquiry into local government administration could not now he taken up. It. is mod likely Mr Forbes wishes to avoid the expense involved, seeing that earlier attempts at reform in the proposed direction went to the hoard, notwithstanding that a bill to effect reform was introduced actually into Parliament. Since that time no Government has felt inclined to- again attempt even a degree of reform. On the contrary, since that occasion many additional local bodies have been added to the list for various matters, and the people accept the position and lind no difficulty in staffing the new authorities. There are a great many local bodies, but there is never any difficulty in staffing them. Tn regard to local government, the spirit of democracy has full play. Many of the bodies are of course carried on very economically. But where there are boards operating in elo-ei settled districts the costs soon grow In regard to power boards in particular much debt has been incurred in the discharge of their duties. These boards did not grow gradually. They were of mushroom growth brought quickly into being to perform a certain duty, and in doing that there was immediate and heavy expense. Then under the lately created highways ,system, many local bodies have bor rowed heavily to keep pace with the demand for the host of roads. This, too, was all hastily done. In respect to highways and electric power development and distribution an enormous debt lms been incurred, and its weight is felt mainly in limited communities. But the burden is telling and it- hats a tendency to break down the former smooth working of local government in less ambitious times. Districts less “advanced” do not fee! the pinch as those with large loan liabilities. It is three latter which are the main cause for attention being devoted to attempted reform. But no degree of reform can wipe out the debt. That stands to the debit of the respective communities which incurred it,, am! they have to work out their own ! salvation. Localities which avoided borrowing on a large scale are not in (lie same Iran hie, and are meeting Iho difficulties of the times with less discomfort to the ratepayers. For central localities where population exists, many branches of local government could he fu-e.l with advantage. In districts with scattered population, 1 1 r< •’»a11 1 v the present -vslem i< I'm II it i,s certainly Ihe most democratic. A<«i was remarked, the smaller bodies are not ambit ion.-', and conduct, their administration on a moderate scale. Tim Chambers of Commerce uill have, a difficulty to focus mailers st) (■■ * f all h.raiii : o.« would he Ireated ,. (| iliillv. The exoerien -e bolero was that when so called re'droi was oro„r,od every drelii I had ire objection |o |he details. The troll, hie "ill he l„ ,-sl alilisli a new svd m v Imn I lie present is so firmly dog in.