Lending a Hand

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 393, 29 June 1928, Page 8

Lending a Hand

Ratepayers’ Groups Organised

CONCERN over the administration of the Auckland City Cotmeil has provoked a group of ratepayers to organise strenuously in the city and suburbs toward the formation of active ratepayers’ associations, with a central controlling body to determine general policy. No city councillor need apply for membership of this group of associations, which already embraces approximately 2,000 people. Constructive criticism and jealous guardianship of the people’s interests are its declared objects.

An outline of the ratepayers’ group scheme, as established by its organisers, has been given by Mr. H. P. Taylor, one of its promoters. “The suggestions are based on a democratic principle to ensure that all electors and ratepayers receive fair treatment in civic administration and secure the greatest possible efficiency,” Mr.' Taylor says in explaining his scheme. “One of the rules of the affiliated associations precludes city councillors from being members. Mr. J. R. Lundon has confined his activities to the Murray iuvestigation and has not identified himself with the formation or operation of these associations.

“The city has been divided into districts and, wherever possible, a branch association will be formed, while delegates to the central body will be appointed in proportion to the populations. Remits will come to the main organisation, which will meet every two or three months, and, where required, suggestions or criticisms will be submitted to the City Council. “Rallies of the whole of the members will take place between now and the next election. In the absence of the ward system for representation

purposes, the present method of election is unsatisfactory. “Under our scheme, each district will nominate candidates, the m»zbers being chosen by the central body. After investigation as to the fitness of a suggested councillor, the central body will issue for the electors’ consideration a ticket advising acceptance in the interests of the ratepayers. The central body will be called together shortly for an annual meeting and the election of officers. The estimated membership of the main organisation before next election will be 4,000 or more. “Until recently the Mayor, and most of the councillors, have looked upon the movement with disdain and have treated it with ridicule, hut the activities of the City West association in the Murray investigation, with its results and the creation of sq many ratepayers’ associations, have- caused councillors to be somewhat concerned. INCREASED EFFICIENCY “It is the intention to pursue relentlessly the policy of increasing efficiency, effecting economies in staff administration, reorganising the engineering department, including water and drainage, letting all work above a certain amount by contract, and abolishing the pernicious habit of secrecy, except where it is absolutely necessary. All papers laid on the table in open council are to be open to any ratepayer for inspection. Copies of agenda papers in open council are to be available to any authorised branch representative, and the town clerk shall be under the direction of a committee of chairmen of all committees—not that of the Mayor alone, and, on important matters, certainly not on his own initiative. “When the organisation is in full swing, it is proposed to extend its operations toward all local bodies, including hospital and charitable aid, licensing, harbour and drainage bodies, in which citizens elect representatives.. “This movement, if conducted tu the lines for which it has been formed, should prevent needless expense. The city’s business has reached such proportions that it is almost impossible for individual councillors to keep pace. This means that too much is left to officials. The movement may mean the appointment of a permanent organiser.” It has been suggested also by Mr. Taylor that more efficient tion might be obtained by the appointment of a city manager, or the payment of an honorarium of from £3OO to £4OO to chairmen of the more important committees to ensure closer and certain attention in the general management of the corporation.