H—2B

XI. CONCLUSION The work of the Commission has grown steadily and is becoming more widely known, both inside and outside local-government circles. Numerous inquiries on general matters affecting local government are received from day to day. Public interest in local affairs is becoming increasingly evident, and this has been assisted in no small degree by the press and the National Journal circulated among local authorities, to whom we desire to express our appreciation. The presentation of the type of evidence which the Commission requires has become more widely known, and we desire to commend the steadily increasing co-operation which has been received from both members and officers of local authorities throughout the Dominion. The relationship between the Commission and the Department of Internal Affairs > which is charged with the administrative aspects of local government, has been close and co-operative. A number of Government Departments have assisted the Commission in no small measure, particularly in regard to preliminary investigations and inquiries, and we desire to pay a tribute for the co-operation which has been, without exception, extended to us throughout the year. We have made every endeavour to reach decisions for the benefit of the community as a whole, and, with due regard to efficiency and economy, to safeguard, as far as possible, the democratic rights and privileges of the individual, at the same time recognizing the need for reform which is so essential for the successful reorganization of the local-' government system. I. J. Goldstine, Judge, Chairman. J. W. Andrews, Commissioner. W. C. E. George, Commissioner. G. A. Monk, Commissioner. H. E. N. Wilkins, Secretary. April, 1949.

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