LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15773, 14 December 1916, Page 5

LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

AFFAIRS IX WEST TAUPO COUNTY. (rp.ESS association telegram.) HAMILTON, December 13. The Hon. G. "W. Russell. Minister of Internal Affairs, effectively settled a policy of self-government for the West Taupo County at a conference of settlers at Te Awamutu to-day. Tlicro have been disputes over the matter for years. Countv government is inoperative at present. The settlers, consequently, pa v no rates, and a section of them have all along strenuously opposed local government proposals. As a result of tho conference, however, th°_ more closely settled portions will petition for constitution as road board districts. During the discussion "one delegate stated that in all probability tho Native occupiers, by withholding their signatures from tho petition, would prevent the ncccssary two=thirds majority being obtained, ancl so obstruct the formation of road districts. Mr Russell declared that ho was not the Minister to seek to give the country the best form of local government, and then to allow the Natives, who did not occupy their land, a chancc of upsetting things. Speaking as a private individual, and not as a Minister (for he had no power to commit tho Government on the question), he said he was strongly of tho opinion that the Natives had been allowed to block settlement too long. If they claimed the right to a voice on matters affccting. the government of the land, and by their influence could overbalance a petition of this nature, then clearly they must expect to pay rates, and accept all the other responsibilities of ratepayers. Ho would go further, and say the time had arrived when the Natives should bo taxed for even' form of government just as Europeans wero.