TOWN DISTRICTS DILL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13278, 10 September 1906, Page 5

TOWN DISTRICTS DILL.

CONTROL OF MAIN ROADS.

[IIY TELEGRAPH. I'RESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington*, Saturday

A deputation, representing the executive of the Counties' Association of New Zealand, waited upon the Colonial Secretary, with a number .of objections to the Town Districts Bill, at present before the Legislative Council.

Mr. dull (president of the association) said the deputation had no desire to retard the growth of town districts, but what they practically objected to was the proposal to give town districts the right to control certain portions of main roads. This provision would bo a. distinct hardship to some town districts whose finances were insufficient to enable them to satisfactorily undertake, such responsibilities. He suggested that it would be well to allow the ■Bill to stand over this session in anticipation of the introduction next year of a comprehensive measure dealing with the question of local government. Trouble was also likely to be created through the granting of power to town boards for the control of the main roads within their jurisdiction. Messrs. A. Dillon and W. H. Field, M.H.R.'s, and Mr. Atkinson (secretary of the association) were present. Mr. Field made it clear that he was in sympathy with the town districts. " Mr. Pitt stated that it was desirable to have a comprehensive measure relating to local government passed into law, but the Government did not look forward to the task as a very easy one. The law relating to town districts was in an unsatisfactory state at present. He emphasised that the Bill was a very harmless one. It only proposed to give town districts, constituted under the Act. authority over such portions of main roads as -wore within their limits. Parliament was clearly in favour of town districts. At the same time he promised to give consideration to the views of the deputation.