COUNTY COUNCILS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume C, Issue 11657, 13 August 1898, Page 3

COUNTY COUNCILS.

THE CONFERENCE AT WELLINGTON. [Per Press Association.! WELLINGTON, August 12. ' The County Councils Conference began this morning. The President’s address stated that there was no necessity to hold a.meeting last year, and there had been some doubt as to whether one was desirable this year, but it was thought better that they should keep themselves in touch with the progress of legislation. The funds in hand amounted to £lO5, and there were no liabilities, so that no subscription would be" 1 required this year. The following officers were appointed:—President. Mr Majendie; vice-presidents, Messrs Lang and Fraser; committee, Messrs Von Eeden, Bird, Hunter, Richards, Sutherland, Westenra and Hislop; treasurer, Mr Field; auditor, Mr Bolton. A deputation from the Conference interviewed the. Premier 1 with the object of finding out tha’ipositibn in regard I tb the Local Government Bill, and, if possible, procuring copies of the measure. On the Conference resuming in the afternoon, the Chairman reported that a deputation had seen the Premier concerning the Local Government Bill, and he had rephed that he could not supply copies. The measure would be practically the same as before with the exception of abolishing plurality of voting. He would do his best to put tie measure through this session, but would look for help from the Conference. If the Conference advocated and induced the House to call a special session of Parliament in February next to deal with the Bill there was no doubt it would go through. Mr O’Eegan said that the suggestion of the Premier was altogether impracticable. The present session promised to be the longest on record, and gave promise of continuing until Christmas. 0 th r delegates said that the whole thing depended on Mr Seddon. If he wanted the Bill lo go through it would go through. , Further discussion on the Bill was postponed. '. It was decided to recommend the amend-

ment of clause 20 of the Local Government Voting Reform Bill by* striking but the words “each ratepayer having one vote and no more,” and the- insertion in place thereof of the following K “ Vcting, powers of ratepayers to remain as at present.” It was resolved that it was desirable that County Councils should have power granted to them to levy any small rate; such as a Special works, rate or bridge insurance rate, without taking a poll of ratepayers, such rate not to exceed one farthing in tlm £, It was decided that local authorities should he empowered to pap interest on loans out of ordinary revenue in cases where each road received a fixed portion of the entire revenue. ; Mr Perry (Pahiatua). mo veil—-“ That the Government Loans to Local Bodies Acfe 1886, be amended by reducing the interest thereon to 4 per cent.” After considerable discussion, .this - was\ carried unanimously. \ < i2 . 1 At 5.30 p.m. the Conference adjourned till 11,30 a.m. to-morrow. ,