Abstract:
This thesis is an attempt to trace the history of our territorial local authorities from 1876 to 1885. Originally I set out with the intention of conducting a survey of the various attempts that have been made to reform local government in New Zealand. This I found could not be done without a proper appreciation of the history of the establishment of the local government institutions set up in 1876.
I have, therefore, in this instance confined myself to a study of the period mentioned with the hope that some day I may be able to carry on and complete a survey of the whole development of local government in New Zealand up to the present day.
The subject being such a wide and complex one, I have endeavoured only to trace the major developments that have occurred. In addition I have made no attempt to trace the evolution and development of the vast number of 'ad hoc' local governing bodies that have sprung up, but have confined my attention to territorial local authorities. The development of the county system is of course the most interesting aspect of the history of local government in New Zealand as it is round the counties that controversy has chiefly centred. Municipal government has not called forth the same difference of opinion being a well established form of local administration.
