33

H—2B

this view has particular application to the rural districts which were reviewed during this inquiry. An examination of the population statistics in the seventeen counties under consideration revealed that since the dates of their constitution the population has steadily declined in nine districts, has shown a slight increase in four, while in the case of the four counties surrounding Christchurch the population has increased considerably, due to a large extent to the extensive development which has taken place adjacent to the city boundaries. These urbanized areas were included by us in the City of Christchurch. If the views we have expressed regarding the effect of the virtual shortening of distances by present-day means of communication are correct, the democratic rights of the electors will not be prejudiced, particularly in districts with reduced populations, but in any case we consider that the grouping of certain of the districts will not materially affect these rights. On the contrary, we are strongly of the opinion that greater benefits will accrue to the areas under consideration. The question of representation in the various groups of counties we decided to unite was given due consideration. The existing representation in each of the groups, and the probable representation after union, is set out as follows: —

Upon implementation of the Commission's decision relating to the extension of the boundaries of the City of Christchurch, the existing representation on the Waimairi and Heathcote County Councils will be affected. The adjustments of boundaries as the result of the Commission's decision in regard to the reorganization of Christchurch metropolitan local government affect, to a greater or lesser degree, two ridings of the Halswell County, six ridings of the Heathcote County, three ridings of the Paparua County, and eight ridings of the Waimairi County. 2—H 28

Existing Probable Representation. Representation. Group 1— Malvern .. .. 1 Paparua (West Melton Riding) L 24 10 Selwyn .. .. .. r Tawera .. .. .. .. j Group 2— Ellesmere .. .. .. ""j Halswell .. .. ! Heathcote .. .. Paparua (excluding West Melton) .. J 52 20 Springs Waimairi Southbridge Town District Group 3— Akaroa .. .. .. .. ) Mount Herbert .. .. ► 21 9 Wairewa .. .. .. j Group 4— Ashley .. .. .. Eyre Kowai Oxford > 39 11 Rangiora Waimakariri-Ashley Water-sup-ply Board Total 136 50