The Local Government Bill.

Hastings Standard, Issue 51, 25 June 1896, Page 2

The Local Government Bill.

DEPUTATIONS TO TIIE PREMIER. Special to Standard. ' Ihj Telegraph—-<hni C 'orrespondent.) Wellington, This Day. The Premier told a deputation representing the County Councils Conference regarding the Local Government Bill that local Government had run riot. Regarding representation he had no hesitation in saying that the present system must be altered. Some alteration in counties was necessary, but it was not intended to make them so large and unwieldiy. The present system of charitable aid simply led to breeding paupers, and was pauperising the country. He believed the localities were better able to look after its own poor than under the present system ; people miles away could do nothing. He did not expect to carry so important a measure this session, but wished to obtain the opinion of the House on it, and they might follow the same course as adopted in the abolition of the provinces. Mr McMillan, the Vice-chairman of the conference, said the conference unanimously agreed that the present system of representation was fairer than the proposed Bill, and in removing injustice now existing this Bill would bo creating a greater one. The Premier replied disagreeing with the conference's views, and remarking that plurality of voting was objectionable. The Premier told the deputation representing the Municipal Conference that ho was of opinion that the local authorities should have special powers to pass bye-laws dealing with Chinese quarters and that they should have power to insist upon isolation of contagious diseases which should be reported by medical men to the Board of Health. It was impossible to drop the Local Government Bill (which he hoped to see perfected this session and then sent to the people). It favored the Municipal Corporations Bill. The Government determined that the existing system of representation in boroughs should be altered. They wanted to see the amalgamation of the smaller municipalities.