LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL.

Mataura Ensign, 15 May 1912, Page 4

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL.

* ! oi'i'vJs'Ti'ox ix 'iiik xoirm. PEU UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION j WHAXUAREI. Mav A conference hold at Whan-arei of' local bodies' delegates to choose a representative to attend the luteal Government Bill Conference in Wellington outvoted by largo majorities every proposal in the Bill seriatim. There way unanimous opposition to the provincial i councils scheme. j "In the opinion of the Government. i the time has arrived and is opportune ' to deal with the question of the sim- I plification of the local government of New Zealand." It was with this state-! ment that Hon. G. \\\ Russell (Minis,. I ltr for Internal Atfairs) opened' his! communication to the meeting of del.-- I gates of local bodies held at Duncliu ! y.'stordav. The Minister added: "At j present time there are no less than 12! countries, 11;} boroughs, GO town districts, 149 road districts, 11 river' districts, harbor boards, lli educa- j lion districts, 42 land drainage districts, and 37 hospital districts in exist-' ence, making a total of G2'2 local irov-' eminent districts. In the schen;: j which is now before the countrv the! Government proposes to materially re- ! disco the number of local iv. i nir: ■ 1 bodies by increasing the areas and ( clarginn liie functions of the local ho.lc. si proposed to be set up." ' j