WESTERN SHORT-CUT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 12, 9 October 1928, Page 10

WESTERN SHORT-CUT

EMPOWERING LEGISLATION PASSED OPPOSITION DISAPPEARS The Wellington City Empowering Bill, which- enables the City Council to proceed with its reading project through the Bolton Street cemetery, was passed by the House of Representatives yesterday. Mr. R. McKeen, who had charge of the measure, said that when the Bill was first introduced, strong opposition was raised by the Early Settlers’ Association and by the Jewish people. The scheme originally affected 700 graves, but since the Bill had been amended by the Local Bills and Lands Committee only four graves would be affected. He understood that the opposition had now been removed and that various local bodies had passed resolutions approving of the scheme. Mr. F. F. Hockly (Rotorua) said it was not correct to say that all the opposition had disappeared. When the Bill was before the Lands Committee three people had protested on the ground that their property would be interfered with. So far as he knew that opposition still existed. Mr. McKeen: That is so. I was referring in particular to the opposition regarding the disturbance of the graves. That opposition has been removed and iu the other case I understand only one house will be affected. The owner, no doubt, will receive compensation.