PROPOSED NEW COUNTY.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 17 July 1917, Page 5

PROPOSED NEW COUNTY.

MINISTER DISTINCTLY OPPOSED. Mr. P, Pedeysen and Mr. W. Dixon, introduced by Mr. R. W. Smith, M.P., waited on the Minister for Internal Affairs as a deputation from the Wangaehu Road Board, with reference to the institution of a new County. Thedisadvantages to settlers in the Road District were suffering from were pointed out to the Minister, and he was asked w.hat assistance would be given for the formafion of a new county. The Minister stated that the policy of the Government was to increase the size of local governing bodies; he might agree to the amalgamation of the Rangitikei and the Waimarino counties, but it was against his policy to multiply the number of counties. The Wangaehu District might merge into the Wanganui County or into tße Rangitikei County. The Minister was so opposed to the county proposal that the deputation left feeling that it was useless to pursue the matter further. It is understood that the Upper'Wangaehu may decide to call settlers in the district to gether to consider the advisability of merging into the Rangitikei County.