MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE REMITS

Evening Star, Issue 19197, 13 March 1926, Page 10

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE REMITS

THE MINISTER APPROACHED [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 11. Some of the remits which were passed at tho last Municipal Conference held in Dunedin were brought before the Hon. 11. F. Bollard, Minister of Internal Affairs, by members of tho executive of tho association. Mr J. Nathan (Mayor of Palmerston North), spokesman for the deputation, said that one of tho remits was a proposal that, to secure continuity of policy, provision should he made for the election of mayors and council members every three years instead of two years. Mr Bollard: I can see no valid objection to that. Mr Nathan: These elections cost a lot of money, and that is a consideration in small electorates.

Tho temporary transfer of loan money was mentioned, and Air Nathan said the following resolution had been passed- “ That local bodies ho empowered to transfer amounts temporarily to tho district fund accounts for tho purpose of covering bank overdrafts, such sums, so transferred, to he repaid into the loan account as at March ol every year.” Air Nathan said that, while permission to do this had been refused, Palmerston North and othoiy councils had had no difficulty in obtaining it. “ Give ns the power and wo will take a chance with tho hanks,” ho said. Air Bollard: It might be, all right with some local bodies, but to others 1 would not give the power. Some local bodies get into serious trouble and then come to the Government to get them out of it.

Air Nathan : So yon seriously suggest that those of ns who run our business well should bo penalised. Shull we say it should apply to those local bodies with over 30,000 of a population? Some delegates said this would be agreeable, but one said it would Lu unfair to some small bodies. Air Nathan : Well, we will leave it for the Alinister’s serious consideration. One of tho most important matters discussed was the direct appointment by local bodies of hospital board representatives. Air Bollard said the ..Minister d Health would deal with that question. Regarding an increase in unauthorised expenditure, which was represented as badly needed, Air Bollard said: “ I will look into it. I. think wo can do that.” In regard to giving powers in local bodies to define residential and business areas, the Minister said; “ Wo will give, you something before the session is over.” Air Bollard said ho thought the remits wore very mild, and ho would lie aide to do something for them, and lie thought they would bo fairly' well healed.