CIVIC GOVERNMENT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1508, 2 August 1912, Page 9

CIVIC GOVERNMENT.

WHAT MUNICIPALITIES WANT. DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER. V large deputation from the Municipal Association's Cnnierence waited on the Prime Minister (the Hon. W. I''. Mnssey) yesterday, and placed beforp liini some ol the principal results of their deliberations. Mr. D. M'Laren .(Mayor of AVollington) said that, the conference had broil representative of practically the whole. of.the borough councils, and many of the towns boards of the Dominion. Ho felt sure that Mr. Massey'.s and the Cabinet s interest in the municipal affairs of die Dominion -would ensure the' careful consideration by the Government ot the decisions of the conference. ( With reference to the matter of voting at municipal elections, Mr. M'Laren said that the coiifcreiico had been decidedly of the. opinion that the provisions of the Legislature Act ought to ba applied so that marking with the cross would be dona away with, and scoring ,out .by line adopted. An amendment was 'sought, in the Mining Act to iirevent what might be called the misiise of good agricultural land, lowcis were sought under the Motors Regulations Act for enhancing the powers oi the niuniflipnlities in the matters ot registration and speed regulation. I hero had been considerable discussion 011 the subject'of the term of Mayoralty, mid it had been decided that it would ba hest to not alter the present arrangement, the conference had felt that Mayors honoraria should not be taxed, as the money was not really income. There was a strong recommendation from the conference to legislate to prevent sections being sold in such unsuitable portions that insufficiently large air spaces would bo piovided. Regulations for the vroper coiuiuct of picture, shows were sought. _ Mr; M'Laren. concluded by saying that ho was sure that .Mr. Massey woukl recognise- that the ccntei'c.nce had made an earnest endeavour to assist the Government to make municipal government as perfect as possible. The Mavors of Christehurch (Mr. 11. llolland) and Dunedin (Mr. .T. Wilson; nlso spolco. Both pointed out thot in tuc past nianv recommendations had been made'bv the conference, but few had ever been given effect.to by the Government. Mr. Massey said that he was glad of the opportunitv of, meeting so many representatives of'cities, boroughs, and town boards'. He appreciated to the full the importance of the Municipal Conference, and lie looked-upon the recommendations as of tjie utmost value to the Government. Regarding the proposal as to municipal voting, the Prime -Minister said that lie had supported the proposal when lie was a private member, so would have no diffi-cultv-in doing so as n Minister. The pre. «ent system led to confusion, liespccting another point . raised, he' said that the Government had 110 right to interfere with sinking finds. As to I lie preservation of agricultural land in mining districts, h; had seen tlii destruction which was going 011, and would say that if the laud would not |inv for replacing and top soil, it should not b3 interfered v.ilh. The Government had not yet considered whether they would bring down a Municipal Corporations Act this session, but the suggestions of the conference would receive every consideration.