HEATHCOTE BOUNDARY BILL

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14161, 29 September 1911, Page 10

HEATHCOTE BOUNDARY BILL

THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

(special to "the press.")

WELLINGTON. September 2S.

Tho Heathooto County Boundary Bill was taken in committee this evening. It tvas in of tho member for Lyttolton. Mr Witty said ho. intended to object to the Bill going through. It was being forced upon people who did not want it. Hβ had been asked by the Halswell County Council to oppose the Bill. He would propose an amendment in the schedule with a view to going back to tho portion agreed to original!v between tho two counties. MrLauienson said he regretted thai ho could not ajreo to the suggestion. Ho hoped slr Witty would bo reaaonablo, and not offer factious opposition to the Bill. Mr Isitt urged Mr Wifty not to per>severe in his objection. The matter wae a very serious ono, and the Bill was necessary in connection with a proper drainage and water supply. Mr Rhodes said the Heafchcote. County Council was demanding a large rural area of tho Halswell County for raising rates to drain that part built upon. That was surely not a fair thing. Personally, ho did not object to the populated area being included. Mr Witty said he would fight for what was right. Mr Isitt said ho was quite sure £h© health of tho community was very seriously concerned. Mr Witty's amendment was lost. He pronoeded to move other amendments with a view to blocking the Bill. Mr G. W. Russell raised two points of order, which were overruled by tho chairman. This induced Mr Witty to say that it wss really a pleasure to have put tho hon. gentleman in hia placo; ho had been jrnfc in his place twice that nitjht. Ho was surprised that he should make such a statement. "Why," ndded Mr Witty, "he has sat on a Board of Governors with bishops.l' (Much laughter.) After a tarn© Mr Witty ceased his opposition:, and the Bill passed through committoo without amendment.