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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Local Government

Local Government.

The statutes in force afford opportunity for the fullest possible measure of local self-government. Provision has been made for creating local governing bodies whenever the inhabitants of a prescribed area so desire; and, on the other hand, if the ratepayers should wish to be relieved of self-government, they may have their district merged in the county of which they form a part. The provincial district is divided into counties, each with its elective council. Of these there are twelve, namely, Waitotara, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Oroua, Kiwitea, Pohangina, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Pahiatua, Wairarapa North, Waiarapa South, and Hutt. Besides these, portions of the Patea, Taupo West, Taupo East, page 200 and Hawkes Bay counties are included in the Wellington provincial district. The County Councils have no jurisdiction over the lands comprised in the numerous boroughs. Wellington, the capital city of the Colony, is of course the chief town of the provincial district. There are fifteen corporations, of which Wellington, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Masterton, Pahiatua, Marton and Feilding are the principal. The smaller Boroughs are Foxton, Carterton, Greytown North, Lower Hutt, Petone, Onslow, Karori and Melrose. There are six townships whose local governing bodies are known as Town Boards, viz.: Johnsonville, Featherston, Halcombe, Bulls, Waverley, and Lethbridge (Turakina). Another form of local self-government is the system of Road Boads, the popularity of which is evidenced by the large number of Road Districts that are worked under the Act. The following are the Road Boards within the boundaries of the Provincial District: Kohi, Motoroa, Okotuku, Patea East, Wairoa, Waitotara-Momohaki, Whenuakura-Waitotara, Kaitoke, Kaukatea, Mangawhero, Purua, Upper Wangaehu, Fitzherbert, Manawatu, Manchester, Otaki, Te Horo, Wirokino, Akiteo, Castlepoint, Eketahuna, Masterton, Mauriceville, Upper Taueru, Featherston, Taratahi-Carterton, Makara, and Seatoun. There are two river protective and drainage districts, viz., those of Waiohine and Wairarapa South.

The Wellington and the Wanganui Harbour Boards are the governing bodies which control the two principal ports, the members being elected, nominated, or ex-officio. The port of Foxton is under the management of the Marine Board which appoints the harbour-master.

The Licensing Districts are co-extensive with the Electoral Districts and the electoral rolls are available for the purposes of the triennial elections of committees and for local option polls, which are also taken every third year shortly after the committees are elected. The nearest resident Stipendiary Magistrate sits as chairman ex-officio of the several Licensing Committees.