CIVIC GOVERNMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15061, 2 August 1912, Page 5

CIVIC GOVERNMENT.

MUNICIPALITIES' WANTS. REFORM IN VOTING. DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. (.HY TSI.EGBAPH. — COr.RESPO.VPEN'T/J Wellington, Thursday. A large deputation from the Municipal Association's conference waited on the Priino Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey) this morning, ami placed before lain some of tho principal result.? of their deliberations.

Mr. D. McLaren (Mayor of Wellington) said that the conference was representative of virtually all tho borough councils and many of tho town boards of the Dominion. Ho felt sure that Mr. Massey's and tho Cabinet's interest in the municipal affairs of the Dominion would ensure the careful consideration by the Government of the decisions of tho conference. With reference to tils' matter of voting at municipal elections, Mr. McLaren said that the conference had been decidedly of the opinion that the previsions of the Legislature Act ought to bo applied, so that marking with a cross would be done away with, and scoring out the line adopted. An amendment was sought in the Mining Act to prevent what might be called the misuse of good agricultural land. Powers were sought under the Motors Regulation Act for enhancing tho powers of the municipalities in the matter of registration and speed regulation. The conference had felt that mayors' honoraria should not ha taxed, as tho money was not really income. There was a strong recommendation from tho conference 'to legislate to prevent sections being sold in such unsuitable portions that insufficiently largo air spaces would bo provided. Regulations for the proper conduct of picture shows were sought.

The Mayors of Christchureh (Mr. H. Holland) and Dunedin (Mr. J. s Wilson) also spoke. Both pointed out. that in the past many recommendations had been made, by the conference, but few had ever been given effect to by the Government.

Mr. Massey said that he appreciated to the full the- importance of the Municipal Conference, and he looked upon the recommendations as of the utmost value to the Government. Regarding the proposal as to municipal voting, tho Prime Minister said that he supported the proposal when he was a private member, and so would have no difficulty in doing so as a Minister. Tho present system led to confusion. Regarding another point raised, ho said that the Government had no right to interfere with sinking funds. As to the preservation of agricultural land in mining districts, he had seen the destruction which was going on, and. would say that if tho land would not pay for replacing tho topsoil it should not be interfered with. Tho Government had not ,yet considered whether it would bring down a Municipal Corporations Amendment Bill, this session, but the suggestion? of the conference would receive every consideration.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MR, MASSEY. [BY TELEGRAm—SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT. ] Wellington*, Thursday. The Primo Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey) had the congratulations of the citizens of Christ-church conveyed to him by the Mayor of tho southern city (Mr. 11. Holland) yesterday morning. When the deputation froni the Municipal Association's Conference waited upon Mr. Massey, Mr. Holland said that he wished to take the opportunity of congratulating the Premier on attaining the position which he now occupied. " I wish you a very successful term of office," added Mr. Holland. ■ Mr. Wilson, Mayor of Dunedin, also congratulated Mr. Massey on his attainment of tho Premiership. '"'When you come to Dunedin," he said, "you will get a hearty reception there." Congratulations from Auckland were conveyed to Mr. Massey by a deputation from the Auckland City Council this morning.