BACK BROOKS ASSOCIATION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 535, 22 January 1913, Page 3

BACK BROOKS ASSOCIATION.

.REMITS FOR CONFERENCE. The following additional #remits have been reeeiwed by the secretary (Mr P. Mora), from the variola coal bodies, for'consideration at the conference of- the ,Backblocl:s Local Bodies' Association, which opens at Ohura on January 29th. At the initial conference, held at Ta Kuiti, a number of remits were received, chiefly dealing with native lands:— Kaitieke County Council.—Roading, Etc. —That reasonable notice be given to local bodies before those portions of roads constructed by the Public Works Department are handed over to them, as : roads are often in astate of. disrepair when the local body receives notice tßat they are gazetted as being under its jurisdiction; whereas if ' reasonable notice were given of the intention of handing these over, there would be an opportunity for the local 'body to point out any serious defects of whatever kind to which no doubt the Public Works Department would give reasonable consideration. Same.—That the following be a recommendation to the Minister for Public Works: —That view to the saving of time by a local authority and allowing of same to commence work as early as possible, the e'ngineer of the local authority be empowered to pass plans of certain works, viz.: Road construction and bridges up to a certain size or cost so that on the approval by the said engineer the local authority could be granted the requisite authority from the Public Works Departent to proceed with the work. Such engineer to undergo an examination which, although not too severe, would qualify him to submit and approve of plans of work as above suggested and let; the same without the delay which is ofiten caused in sending plans on for the approval of a Government engineer before the authority can be obtained to proceed with the work. * Such a course would facilitate the early commencement of road constructing, etc., and the pushing on of same in fins weather. Same. That Parliament be approached \ with 1 the idea of urging legislation to introduce some scheme of guaranteed finance to local bodies such scheme to take into consideration the amount and cost of urgent works required in each district to enable local bodies, more especially newly formed counties where most of the roads are unmade, to be assured of funds for above works in proportion to their requisite requirements. Same. —Rates: That Parliament be asked to provide better faciilties for the collection of rates from native [ands, as in several new districts the local body has to wait for a considerable time for the major portion of such rates with the result that an unfair burden is thrown on the European population. Same, —That Parliament be urged to alter the law with regard to the subsidy payable on general rates in new counties, especially with view to the fact that the initial expenses and cost of maihentance are necessarily very heavy (e.g., the Kaitieke County Council received the sum of £lO9 on, an amount of £9OO rates collected to the end of June, 1912. Such amount o£ subsidy being received on the first general rate struck at a timewhen revenue was unavoidably small). Same. —That Parliament be urged* to alter the Bush and Swamp Lands Act in regard to which are exempt from rent to the Government •so that same may be liable for rates to the local body within whose boundaries they are situated, as the exemption from rates on such sections compels the locai body to levy heavier rates on land which is ratable, having an unfair effect, especially in new counties, etc., where the amount of ratable land is limited. This request being in no way intended as prejudicial to the granting of exemption of rent where requisite. Taumarunui Borough Council. —■ That the Government be asked to connect the main arterial road between Auckland and Wellington, by bridging the Wanganui river at Taumarunui. (Note. The present connection is by the railvyay bridge and the same may be closed at any time by the Railway Department.)

Same. That information be obtained as to the amojnt of unexpended royalties from Crown lands and bush in the King Country that is available, and that the Government be asked to expend such money in the immediate vicinity if required, where the royalties are obtained. Same. —Native Land: That in the interest of the native owners and the leasees in native townships where the land is not individualised, that the Government (the natives being willing to sell) shall acquire the freehold thereof with a jview to the municipal isation of such .and. Same. —That in order to facilitate the settlement of large tracts of unoccupied native lands, it be a recommendation to the Government to have all such lands individualised, .and all roads surveyed and formed by the Government; all expenses entailed thereby to be a tax on the land; the Government to advise their administrators not to approve of a transfer until the foregoing is carried into effect. Same.—General: That all Settlers' Associations within the area covered by the Backblucks Local Bodies Association shall have direct representation at conferences. That two delegates shall be allowed from each local body or association.