POLITICAL NOTES.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 283, 24 August 1908, Page 6

POLITICAL NOTES.

AUCKLAND DRAINAGE BILL. Our Auckland correspondent writes:-— There is trouble concerning tlio Auckland Drainage Bill. It appears that the Mayor of Parnell (Mr. 6. W. Basloy) received- a telegram on Friday with regard to the Auckland Suburbs Drainage Bill, which is at present before a Parliamentary Commit teg. Aa stated in the " Herald" of yesterday, the -Auckland City Council, at a special meeting, opposed the recommendation by the committee to givo representation to tho local bodies affected by the Bill. The telegram received by the Mayor of Parnell is from that borough's delegates, and is is follows: —• " We are aware of the result of the City Council's meeting. 'Do not think it will affect the result intho slightest." - In view of the importance of the issues involved, a representative of the "Herald" saw.the Mayor of Auckland last night regarding the matter.

" Tho position is practically this,", said Mr. Myers, "Iu spite of the fact that certain local bodies interested in tho comprehensive drainage scheme attended' the conference sitting for many months, and finally arrived at tne decision which resulted in tho present.Bill being drawn up,.objections have been taken by Romue'ra and I'amell, so that tho Bill Committee, in spite of the decision arrived at, were-going to recommend an alteration in a vital aspect of the Bill to get representation for' the outside local bodies. The City Council unanimously objected to this, as creating another local body adding to the numerous ones already in existence, which, in the circumstances, are not- wanted, and especially as tho control which under t|ie proposed Bill is vested in the City Council only affects tlie' main sewers, leaving the entire control of reticulation to the local bodies. Thero is 110 justification for representation, especially as I understand that if effect were given to the representations, of Parnell and Remuera it would mean that tho outsido local-bodies would have a larger number of representatives than tho City Council. That is to say,' that while the City Council contributes twothirds of tho cost they would only have, if the" recommendation bo carried into effect, about one-third representation. This position is untenable, and I could not, as Mayor of Auckland City, see my way clear to agree to such an unfair proposition. Everybody recognises tho urgent necessity of a drainage soheme, and, considering that the best expert advice obtainable has been procured, and all other vital matters agroed to by eleven out of thirteen bodies, it seems unjustifiable that these two dissenting ones should take upon themselves tho responsibility of asking for something which wo canuot possibly agree to, and which in effect would mean hanging up the drainago scheme for probably some years. I view the? position as so serious that it is lhy intention to proceed to Wellington by Monday's steamer, together with Messrs. Bagnall, Entrican, and Parr, to give evidence before tho Local Bills Committee which is to sit again on Wednesday next. I shall endeavour to point out to them the serious responsibility they aro taking in not passing this measure of 94 clauses which eleven out of thirteen bodies have agreed to, and it will be for Parliament to say whether they are prepared to take tho responsibility of delaying the passage of, such an important and far-reaching measure, especially as I.ifeel justified .in, .saying, that, the people. of both. Remuera and Pariiell recognise equally with" the others, the urgent necessity of placing the Auckland and suburban districts in the immediate position of carrying into effect a proper drainage scheme."

During the discussion on tlic Estimates after one .o'clock on Saturday morning, Mr. Herries asked for information regarding an. item under tlio Department ot. internal Affairs, "cost of passages of delegates attending Labour Conference £75." The Premier replied that the vote was- an annual' one ,of varying amount, .but there had been so many applications for payment of travelling expenses that ho. thought the system Would have to be discontinued. "We mean to get through the work of the session," said the Premier, when a tired House was struggling with tho Estimates at 1.45 a.m. on Saturday. "But if we don't get on faster with these Estimates," he continued, "we shall have to stay in Welling--ton longer than many members contemplate. There has been nothing unfair, and l am not complaining, but we. shall havo to get on faster." Tho Minister for Customs (the Hon J. A. Millar) announced during discussion on the Estimates that he would not allow any furtlior refunds of duty on prize trophies. Silver cups and such, things could be bought ic tho Colony. Mr. Harrison, a' Whangarei storekeeper, is to be the Government candidate in opposition to Mr. Mander (Whangarei) at the coming general election. Ho is'an advocate of singta tax, and tho bare majority in th« local option poll. •Mr. Sheet will oppose Mr. Witty (Riccartou). He is a farmer, and took a great interest in the recent farm labourers' dispute. Dr. Chappie is practically certain to contest tho Tuapeka seat against Mr. M'Pherson. Mr. Scott will be the Opposition candidate. Mr. Massey, who has been suffering with tonsilitis since his return from Auckland, has now practically recovered, and . will bo able once more to take his seat in tho House od Tuesday.