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(7) The local government of the Kawhia County and adjoining districts; (8) The local government of the Borough of Waihi. (9) The local government of the Kihikihi Town District. (10) A proposal to alter the boundaries of the Raglan and Waipa Counties. (11) County government in the North Canterbury region. This involved some seventeen counties> two town districts, and the Waimakariri-Ashley Water-supply District, and is a matter which will be inquired into at an early date. The question arose as the result of boundary adjustments proposed by the Christchurch City Council in relation to the contiguous Counties of Heathcote, Halswell, Paparua, and Waimairi. (12) The constitution of the Borough of Motueka as a fire district. (13)' A proposal that the Mount Maunganui Borough should be incorporated in the Borough of Tauranga, and that the functions of the Tauranga Harbour Board should be transferred to the Borough of Tauranga. (14) The constitution of the Town District of Havelock North as a borough. (15) The proposed abolition of the River Districts of Ahikouka, Waiohine, South Wairarapa, Kahautara, and Te Ore Ore. (16) A proposal to extend the boundaries of the Borough of Whakatane. (17) A proposal to constitute the Town District of Taradale as a borough. (18) The proposed adjustment of the boundaries of the Boroughs of Port Chalmers and West Harbour. Before proceeding with this particular matter the Commission is considering the question of review of the whole of the metropolitan local government at Dunedin. X. STAFF A number of changes have taken place in the staff of the Commission during the year under review. The former Secretary, the late Mr. F. B. Stephens, was appointed Assistant Under-Secretary to the Department of Internal Affairs in December, 1948, and the late Mr. J.\F. D. Jeune assumed his position in an acting capacity. When the latter arrangement was made no appointment was made to fill the vacancy created on the investigating staff. Whilst returning from an inquiry held at Papatoetoe, the late . Messrs. Stephens and Jeune lost their lives in the air crash at Waikanae on the 18th 'March, 1949. The late Mr. Stephens had been associated with local government for many years, and his vast knowledge in this particular field, both in New Zealand and overseas, was of immense value to the Commission. Although, from a staff point of view, he severed his connection .with the Commission in December last, he still continued to act as counsel representing the Department of Internal Affairs at the public inquiries held by the Commission. His ability, zeal, and exceptional knowledge jof local government was outstanding, and the loss suffered by the Commission, the Public Service, and the community in general is an irreparable one. The late Mr. Jeune had been associated with local government for many years prior to his appointment to the investigating staff of the Commission, 'and his knowledge gained both in New Zealand and overseas was also a valuable asset to the Commission. The sudden passing of these two officers at a time when the work of the Commission had grown considerably has resulted in some difficulty being experienced in maintaining the rapid progress which the Commission desired. Immediate steps were taken to meet the staff position, and valuable assistance has been rendered by the Under-Secretary to the Department of Internal Affairs and the Public Service Commission. It is hoped that satisfactory replacements. will be obtained in the near future. We wish to place on record our appreciation of the untiring services rendered to the Commission by the late Secretary and Acting-Secretary, and to express our thanks to the other members of the staff for their loyalty and co-operation throughout the year.

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