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11. LOCAL GOVERNMENT A. Local Government Reform Reference was made in the last annual report to the contemplated setting-up of the Local Government Commission. The appointment of the Commission is now an accomplished fact. The Commission was constituted by the Governor-General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Internal Affairs, on 16th April, 1947. The Commission consists of I. J. Goldstine, Esq., 0.8. E., who was appointed as Chairman, W. C. E. George, Esq., appointed on the nomination of the Government, and J. W. Andrews, Esq., and G. A. Monk, Esq., both appointed on the recommendation of the nominating associations under the Local Government Commission Act, 1946. The Commission commenced its duties under the Act immediately upon appointment and has made considerable progress during the year. A separate report of the proceedings and operations of the Commission will be presented to Parliament in terms of section 27 of the Act. B. General Organization The Local Government Branch was again actively engaged in carrying out the various statutory functions required by the local-government Acts administered by the Department. The close contact of the Branch with local authorities, other Departments, and organizations was maintained, and advice and assistance given when requested with regard to problems confronting local authorities and others interested in this field. Some idea of the more general matters dealt with may be gained from the following: — (1) Boroughs The Municipal Conference was held this year in Dunedin and was officially opened by the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, who spoke about the early settlement and development of the Otago Province and matters of interest to municipalities. The annual Conference of the New Zealand Institute of Town Clerks was also held at the same time. The Department was officially represented throughout the proceedings of both Conferences. The boundaries of the City of Christchurch were altered on two occasions by the inclusion of defined areas of adjacent counties. The boundaries of the Boroughs of Timaru, Waimate, Oamaru, and Balclutha were altered by the inclusion of areas previously under County Council control. Two of these alterations were the subject of inquiry and report by Commissions of Inquiry. Following the issue by the Local Government Commission of a final scheme under the provisions of the Local Government Commission Act, 1946, the boundaries of the Borough of Rotorua were altered by the inclusion of two areas of land previously under the control of the Rotorua County Council. Consideration was given to the change of status of three town districts and two road districts which had qualified for borough status by reason of attaining the necessary one thousand of population. The Town Districts of Kaikohe and Putaruru were duly constituted as boroughs. The proposal regarding Mount Roskill Road District was referred to the Local Government Commission, which, after public inquiry, recommended its constitution as a borough. An appropriate instrument was issued accordingly. The proposed change of status of the Glen Eden Town District and the Mount Wellington Road District was not recommended by the Commission, and no further action was taken regarding these two cases.

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