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1932. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1932.

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave.

Sib, — Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, Ist August, 1932. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report of the Department for the year ended 31st March, 1932. I have, &c., Malcolm Fraser, Under-Secretary. The Hon. Adam Hamilton, Minister of Internal Affairs.

REPORT.

Local Government. Local government played a prominent part in the Department's activities, and it has been noted that the existing economic conditions has brought many local authorities into close contact with the Department. Counties. —The boundaries of four counties were altered by the transfer of land from one county to another ; and county and riding boundaries were also affected by borough boundary alterations. Four County Councils passed special orders altering riding boundaries and, where necessary, adjusting representation. The Waitomo County Council was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity consumed. The holding of the annual meeting of three County Councils on a date other than that prescribed by law was validated. Six County Councils availed themselves of the legislation contained in the Counties Amendment Act, 1931, authorizing the abolition of the system of separate riding finance in counties. Boroughs.—Five alterations of city and borough boundaries were made. The Gore Borough Council passed a special order abolishing the division of that borough into Wards. The Mount Albert Borough Council passed a special order altering the boundaries of wards in the borough, and adjusting representation. Minor irregular steps in connection with the preparation of the district electors roll for the Borough of Hawera were validated. Town Districts.—Four alterations of town district boundaries were made. Road Districts. —The Mount Wellington Road Board was authorized to fix water charges according to the quantity consumed. River Districts. —Two river districts were abolished — namely, Mangawara in the Waikato, and Lochiel in Southland. Three petitions for the alteration of river-district boundaries were considered, and lands included in two cases. A petition for the exclusion of lands from the South Wairarapa River District is under consideration.

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