County Councils Conference.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 160, 18 July 1901, Page 3

County Councils Conference.

By Telegraph—Press'Association.

Wellington, last night. At the Counties Conference this morning, after much discussion on the proposal to abolish road boards, an amendment moved by Mr Lang was adopted in favor of enabling ratepayers of - a county to decide by a poll which form of local government they will adopt. On the franchise question it was resolved to revert to the qualifications under the Counties Act of 1886. It was resolved in ease of an objection to enrolment that a person whose qualification is challenged be supplied with a copy of the objection, and informed when an inquiry is to be held. The County Chairman's emolument was fixed at £IOO, instead of £-100 in the Bill. It was suggested that the minimum number of Councillors be excised, and the number left at fifteen. The Conference affirmed the principle of triennial instoad of biennial elections. Later.—The Conference resolved that the Conference would prefer that if town districts were abolished as self-governing bodies, the counties shall have power on petition to define a township district, and have power to delegate the management of such district to a committee of five elected by ratepayers. On reaching that part of the Bill relating to finance it was resolved to recommend the inclusion of a new clause that one-half the proceeds of the sale of standing timber on Crown lands be paid to tire County Council where such Crown lands is situated. A resolution was passed urging on the Government the advisability of making subsidies to local bodies.