THE DIFFICULTIES OF COUNTY COUNCILS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XX, Issue 3914, 24 May 1877, Page 3

THE DIFFICULTIES OF COUNTY COUNCILS.

The Otago Times says : — ** The report of the meeting of the Tuapeka County Council, shows some of the difficulties to which County- Councils, both there and elsewhere, are liable. It is evident that the members met togethei* fully determined to give' to the new Constitution the fullest iind most satisfactory trial. Their proposals were, as far as Aye can judge, governed by strong good sense, and evinced a determination to undertake praotical work — an example which Aye trust Avill be followed hi the Councils of their neighbours. AVhen the motion for striking a rate came on, Mr Brown proposed that a rate of one sliilling in the pound should be struck. This 'was opposed by Mr Morrison, on the double ground, as it appears, that they AA'ould have enough money, without striking so high a rate, to carry out all the Avorks which, were absolutely necessary, and on the ground that they would be imposing a double rate on some parts of the County. . We gather this latter ground of objection from his proposal, that the rate should only fall on those parts of the County outside the Road Boards. Mr Poynter assured the Council, and Aye believe quite correctly, that the County could not exempt any part from a rate, but that it must fall on all Avithin the bounds. He Vsaid this on the assurance of Mr Reid, but we think it will be eA-ident to all concerned, that any other rule Avoulcl pave the way for extremely unfair and improper action- It appears then, that wherever the Counties have determined to accept their Constitution in full, the settlers Avithin Road Board bounds Avill be compeUed to pay double dues. Surely this is a hardship for Avliich they Avere not prepared.