THE COUNTIES CONFERENCE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVI, Issue 12559, 22 July 1901, Page 6

THE COUNTIES CONFERENCE.

• [Peb Press Association.] WELLINGTON, July 20. The' Counties Conference adopted this morning the following motions:—(l) That the Government should be asked to amend the Rating, Act, in the'direction of special loans to be raised on unimproved value; (2) that the time 'has arrived when the Natives should be liable for full rates, and not only half, as at present; (3) that rating on all Natives lands, where a title has been ascertained, should be the same as on that owned and occupied by othar persons in the colony, and that the person whose name first appears on the list of owners shall be the person to sue for all rates due; and 'also that Native lands should be included in the special rating district, where it is shown that such, lands are benefited by expenditure of special rates; (4) that power should be given to local bodies to pay interest on special loans, to special districts, out vof the ordinary revenue of such special district; (5) that a clause«hould be inserted to make lands included in a special district, and afterwards passing into the hands of Natives, liable for a special' rate. The Conference recorded its opinion that Crown lands in special districts should' be made liable for rates.

A resolution was carried protesting against the practice pursued by the Audit Department in dealing with statutory bal-ance-sheets of treating separate accounts. It was resolved that there should be a Board of Review relating to land tax valuations, such boards to consist of a Stipendiary Magistrate and two qualified men of local experience. Another resolution declared that the Valuation of Land Act in its operation has proved very unsatisfactory, and it is essential either that the Act should be repealed or. thoroughly competent valuers should be appointed, a fair •definition of improvements inserted in the Act and the present excessive charges to local 'bodies amended. Another resolution expressed the opinion that the Government should make some concessions on the matter of the travelling expenses of members attending future conferences!