COUNTY LEGISLATION.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 922, 23 July 1901, Page 2

COUNTY LEGISLATION.

The Conference adopted tbe followinß motions on Saturday :- (1) That the Government be asked to amend the Rating Act in the direction that special loans be raised on the unimproved value; (2) that the time has arrived when natives should be liable for full Lk! S J,k ( V.i l ratin « on all native lands where the title has been ascertained should bo the same as on that owned and occupied &£? f BO " 8 ' ancl that tho P 8 " 0 " *hose Eft,. » app ? re 0n the lißt of ° wnere BhaU belthe person to sue for all rates due; also thit native lands be i nc i uded in R ' w rating d.str.ot where it is shown thatsuch lft " d » »" benefited by expenditure of special rates; (4) hat power be given to locaffies to pay interest on special loans in snecial districts out of ordinary revenu ofTch spcc.a district; (g, that a clause be mscrted to make the land included in a special of natives, taxable for a special rate. The Conference recorded the opinion that Crown ando in special districts should be made taxablo for rates. The Conference carried a resolution protesting against the practice pursued by the Aud,t Department, in dealing with statutory balance-sheets of treating separate account I was resolved that there should be a board o renew in relation to land tax valuations; such board to consist of a stipendiary tratc and two qualified men of local cxperience Another resolution declared tha tho Valuat.on of the Land Act in its operation has proved very unsatisfactory, and it is essential either that the Act be repealed or that thoroughly competent valuers bo anpointedl; a fair definition of improvements inserted in the Act; and the present exj siye charges to local bodies amended. Another resolution expressed the opinion that the Government should make somcconcess.ons in the matter of travelling exponßeß of members attending future conferences