A NEW SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1932, Page 5

A NEW SCHEME

DISTRICT CONTROL TO ELIMINATE OVERLAPPING. » (By Telegraph—Per tress Association) CHRISTCHURCH, June 17. A scheme supported by tlie Hon. Mr Hamilton (Alinister of Internal Affairs) for the co-ordinating, of local bodies in an endeavour to eliminate

wasteful overlapping and unnecessary ’ overhead expense, is to be put ou shortly in some districts which have 'signified their wijiingn'ess to submit to the experiment. Mr Hamilton said to-day that it was intended to dispense with the idea of setting up a Royal Commission to investigate local body, administration. It was, he said, intended | instead “to get right on with the job.” I There bad been no actual scheme formulated vet, said the Minister., but the question was being discussed with the local bodies throughout New Zealand, and some districts had been considered suitable and acceptable in \viiich to give the idea a trial, and oh which to.base a definite policy of r-organisation, The first object Was to ret up some sort of an Advisory Council for a certain area to j supervise the. local bodies, anti to advise the Government ‘ht their requirements, including new works and necessary revenue. If an "Advisory Council were eet up in each ’prdvincc, the Government would, no doubt, consider the delegating of gi'eater powers to the provinces. The Advisory Councils would be self supporting, and would probably include representatives elected by the local bodies. The Town Planning Board had arranged New Zealand in regions and Mr Hamilton said it was likely that some of these regions would he subjected to an experiment later. If the experiment succeeded, the idea would be developed throughout the country.