Local Body Amalgamation

Northland Age, Volume 6, Issue 33, 7 May 1937, Page 3

Local Body Amalgamation

Discussion at Kaitaia Farmers’ Union Meeting The feeling of the members of the Kaitaia branch of the Farmers’ Union was against the local body amalgamation, unless a saving of costs and an increased efficiency could be shown, was apparent when the question was discussed at a meeting- of the branch yesterday, Thursday, and a resolution was carried that there was not any evidence before the meeting to show that such an amalgamation would be of any advantage to this district. There seems to be a feeling throughout New Zealand, said the president, Mr. T. S. Houston, against amalgamation, but whether this is due to parochial feelings, or not, I do not know. Previously the County Councils controlled all the roads but now the main highways have been taken over by the State and this should reduce the work of both the County Council and its staff. While there is a lot to be said for one body of men to control the hospital and the roads, it was quite beyond the capabilities of one man to undertake the office work of both bodies. There was nothing definite before the meeting to show that a saving in the costs with increased efficiency would result from local body amalgamation in this district. The worst feature for one control for a large area is the loss of direct representation. Mr. C. B. Michie thought that the opposition to local body amalgamation was due to honesty of purpose and not to parochial feelings as had been suggested. There were good reasons why, say the County Council and the Hospital Board could not be amalgagamated, one body of men could not devote the time to the work required and the control would fall into the hands of the executives. This would also apply if the areas under the control of one body were enlarged. The local Hospital Board, by combining with the Town Board is having one man as secretary and reducing expenditure. It was a big question and deserved very careful consideration. The amalgamation of the executives of various local authorities but the retention of the present system of representation was an aspect of amalgamation that was introduced for discussion by Mr. J. C. Marsh. The feeling in the North is that no good purpose could be served by local body amalgamation, said Mr. J. W. Jones, president of the Sub-Pro-vincial Executive of the Union. The Auckland executive considers that the only Way to secure amalgamation is by an independent commission being set up with full powers. Then full data on the position in all localities could be secured and then with this knowledge one would be in a position to judge.

MANGONUI PING-PONG CLUB’S ANNUAL MEETING At the annual meeting of the Mangonui Ping-Pong Club, held in McKay’s hall last Saturday evening, the following officers were elected : President—Mr. W. A. S. Wrathall (reelected) ; Secretary—-Mr. T. Wilton (re-elected) ; Committee—Mrs. McKay, Miss M. Wrathall, Miss It. Smith and Messrs. R. Dibble, B. Switzer, R. Wrathall and K. Berghan. The club came through last season with a small credit balance after a sucessful winter of play. Mr. Watt Appointed Special Commissioner at Te Kao The Government has appointed Mr. A. H. Watt as a special commissioner at the settlement of Te Kao in order to provide the leadership and direction for the Maori tribes that those most closely in touch with the situation feel is needed. Mr. Watt for the past 25 years has been head of the native school in the settlement and for a period was in charge of the native land development scheme there under the Native Land Board. It is probable that Mr. Watt will be relieved partly or fully of his school duties to enable him to devote his full time to the welfare of the natives. * * * * Awanui Football Club’s Dance The Awanui Football Club ran a most successful dance in Evans’ hall, Awanui, last Friday evening, when a crowded floor of dancers who spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening, compensated the organisers for their efforts. The Udjar Bios.’ orchestra was there with the music and an extra was given by Mr. Rennie Smith. The first monte carlo was gained by Miss R. Baker and Mr. Carson, while Miss L. Yates and Mr. F. Housham carried off the second. Mr. Tom Smith won the comp.etition for the cake and Mr. Q. Cosson that for the roast goose. The members of the club with the assistance of a number of lady helpers, served supper.