LICENSING ELECTION EXPENSES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10414, 12 April 1897, Page 3

LICENSING ELECTION EXPENSES.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Referring to your remarks on the "little bill" for election expenses, for the Licensing Committee, I observed that one councillor remarked that the local bodies did not oppose the Alcoholic Sales Act. But, as you very, pertinently write, what is the use of opposing any Government Bill! besides which, as a rule, no time or opportunity is given for any expression of public opinion. If it were made compulsory that copies of all Bills should be distributed to the local bodies, as was asked for by the Muiiicipal Conference, and promised by the Government, there would be an opportunity of getting public opinion, but this is evidently what the present Government do not want. They want no opinion or referendum, und our members appear to be content. Gradually the local bodies are being stripped of their powers, and year by year, to please supporters, the increase of exemptions from rates goes on, thus making popularity out of the local bodies' revenues. After this year the valuation of all properties passes from the local bodies to the Government control, and all the appointees are to be replaced by Government nominees. Bit by bit the Government are building up a gigantic political engine, aud the little election bill sent to the City Council is a sample of how it is done and maintained, and the local bodies have to submit, and such is the order of the day.—l am, etc., Vutok.