H—2B

34

On effect being given to tlie final schemes promulgated by the Commission, a redefinition of these ridings would become necessary, and may be desirable in all the counties we have proposed should be grouped. A redefinition of the ridings will result in the loss of approximately four ridings in the Heathcote County, one in Paparua County, and five in Waimairi County. If the ridings in these three particular counties surrounding Christchurch are redefined to provide for the approximate number of ridings as indicated and there is no redefinition of the ridings in the other counties, the grouping we have recommended will, pursuant to section 58 of the Counties Act, 1920, result in the probable representation as shown in the previous table. It will thus be seen that this will result in a reduction of the existing representation from 136 to 50, which will effect certain economies. The average number of electors represented by each Councillor would be increased from approximately 287 to 400. If a strict interpretation is given to section 58 of the Counties Act, 1920, it appears that there are likely to be certain anomalies, particularly in respect of the counties of Malvern, Ellesmere, and Rangiora, and further consideration of this question may be necessary before a final decision is reached. It can only be determined satisfactorily, however, after implementation of the decision relating to Christchurch metropolitan local government. The operations of local governing authorities are influenced to a large degree by their financial strength. As the result of the multiplicity of local authorities, many of them operating in a small way with too small a rating potential, their operations have been seriously restricted. This is accentuated by the present-day high costs, and in many institutions these higher costs are met by reorganization, making for greater efficiency and economy. In other words, to cope with higher costs, reorganization from time to time becomes, as a natural corollary, essential. If county government is to occupy the place it should in the sphere of local government, larger and financially stronger units must of necessity be established. The equipment of counties with the ability to carry out the functions which are already their responsibility should be the immediate objective, followed, where possible, with an extension of their functions to enable them to assume some of the responsibilities at present carried out by certain other types of local authorities and the Central Government. The drift of population from rural areas which has occurred in most of the districts under review must slowly but inevitably have its effect on the strength and stability of rural local government. More important even than this, it must reflect itself in the reduction, in all forms of primary production, of the largest source of the country's national income. The responsibility of rural local government for the development of rural centres and for the encouragement of closer settlement is one which cannot be lightly passed over. Therein lies the financial strength not only of county government, but also of the nation's wealth. This does not infer that other types of authorities making up our localgovernment system do not have their responsibilities and do not require reorganization. For the general well-being of the nation, they have an equal responsibility to undertake wherever possible, the functions with which they are entrusted, and in order that they may do so economically and efficiently require some measure of reorganization, both functionally and in area. However, the reconstruction of count}" government, with strong units able to cope with modern requirements of local government in an efficient and scientific way, and adequate finance to attend to the major local government requirements of a locality, is, in our opinion, of paramount importance, and one of the first and major tasks to be undertaken. The result will be, we believe, that the local community spirit will be enhanced, and at the same time a broader and less parochial outlook will emerge. These observations do not, however, infer that county government has not played a vital part in the development and progress of the country in the past. We desire at this stage to pay a tribute to the voluntary work undertaken over the years by the members