9

H—2B

(2) Capital Rateable Value.—The capital rateable value of counties varies between £89,465 and £13,750,198, and the position generally is shown in the following table : Rateable Value. Number of Counties. Up to £1,000,000 .. .. .. ..30 £1,000,001-£2,000,000 .. .. ..29 £2,000,001-£3,000,000 .. .. .. 26 £3,000,001-£5,000,000 .. .. .. 23 £5,000,001-£10,000,000 .. .. .. 14 Over £10,000,000 .. .. .. ..2 Thus it can be seen that 108 of the 124 counties have a rateable capital value of under £5,000,000. (3) Plant. —The value of plant operated by counties in New Zealand varies from £6O in one case to £43,778 in another; the average value of plant over the whole of the counties is £8,398. (4) Population—The statistical figures available to us as at Ist April, 1949, indicate that the population in thirty-four of the existing counties has shown a steady decline since the dates of their respective constitution. It is noteworthy that in the case of the seventeen North Canterbury counties which have recently been reviewed by us, eight of them are included in this figure of thirty-four. The following table generally indicates the over-all position : Population. Number of Counties. Up to 5,000 .. .. .. .. 76 5,001-10,000 .. .. .. .. 30 Over 10,000 .. .. .. ..18 Although statistics of this nature are of assistance in a review of this nature, we consider that they can be regarded only as a general guide in approaching the problem of reorganization of local government. Local conditions, such as the topography of the country, its degree of settlement, community of interest, the nature of the farming operations carried on and general land usage, access within the district, density of population, its rateable potential, and many other factors of a local character influence the desirability of reorganization. It is only a full understanding of these local conditions, and, above all, an appreciation, as far as it is reasonably possible to obtain, of the constructive views concerning local government of the people in the local authorities' districts, which will enable us to solve the problem of reorganization. We are satisfied, however, that if rural local government, and likewise other forms of local government, are to continue to function satisfactorily, a local body must have sufficient revenue potential to undertake the progressive steps necessary to carry out its functions adequately. The employment of adequate administrative and technical staff and the provision of sufficient plant and materials are vitally necessary. Considerable progress has been made in accessibility to rural districts in particular, and in the means of communications of all types. This has virtually shortened distances, and enabled a much wider coverage to be undertaken administratively. It has also resulted in more effective and wider representation. Great advances, administrative, technical, and scientific, have been made since many of the local authorities in New Zealand were constituted, and as we progress in the discharge of our functions the need for reform becomes more and more evident.