MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 9321, 16 June 1891, Page 2

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

FIRST DA y. The Municipal Contend oß hold their first meeting in the Council tfbombers yesterday* The following delegate were present Auckland, Mr J. H. tfpton (Mayoi), Mr P. A. Phillips (Town Ckrk ; Ashburton, Mr H. Priodlaoder (Mayor) ; Blenheim, Mr G. Houldsworlh (Mayer); Coversham, Mr W. Dawson, M.H.R.; Christchurch, Mr C, MGray (Mayor), Mr W. Prudhos ; Dunedin, Mr J. Carroll (Mayor) and Mr H. S. Fish, M.H.R.; Fielding, Mr W, G. Haybittle ; Gore, Hon G, F. Richardson, M.H.R. ; Grey mouth, Mr A, S'ntheaon (Mayor); Groytown, Mr Wakelln (Mayor) ; Invercargill, Mr J, Mackintosh, M.H.R.; Kaiapoi, Mr Donbledoy ; Lower Hutt, Mr W, A. Fitzberhert (Mayor); Lyttelton, Mr J. B. Wilson (Mayor): Masterton, Mr O* A. Pownall (Mayor) ; Melrose, Councillor G. H. Baylias ; Mosgiol, Mr W. Carncross, M.H.R. ; Napier, Mr G. H. Swan, M.H.R. (Mayor); Nelson, Mr F. Trask (Mayor); Newmarket, Mr F. Lawry, M.H.R. ; Newton, Mr S. C. Brown (Mayor); New Plymouth, Mr J. Bellringer (Mayor); Oamaru, Mr D. Dana (Mayor); Onslow, Mr W. Littlejohn (Mayor), Mr J. Thompson (Town Clerk) ; Palmerston North, Mr G. M. Snelson (Mayor) ; Parnell, Mr P. A. Phillips ; Picton, Mr C. Y. Fell (Mayor); Petono, Mr R. C. Kirk (Mayor) ; Queenstown, Mr J, O’Meara ; St, Albans, Mr W. J. Naate (Mayor) ; South Dunedin, Mr E. W. Earnshaw, M.H.R, ; Sydenham, Mr R. M. Taylor, M.H.R. ; Titnaru, Mr D. M. Ross (Mayor); Wanganui, Mr G. Carson ; Wellington, Mr A. W. Brown (Mayor) and Councillor Harris; Westport, Mr J. Marshall (Mayor). The delegates were received by the Mayor (Mr A. W. Brown) as noon in his own room, and were cordially welcomed. His Worship expressed a hope that the Con • ference would be a success, and he proposed a toast to that effect, which was drunk in bumpers of champagne. The delegates then adjourned to the Council Chamber, and the hardness of the Conference was then proceeded with.

On the motion of Mr Upton (Mayor of Auckland), seconded by Mr Carroll (Mayor of Dunedin), Mr A. W. Brown (Mayor of Wellington) was elected Chairman. Mr Brown acknowledged the compliment in duo terms. He expressed a hope that the Conference would bo a success, and that it would result in municipal government being placed on a thoroughly satisfactory basis, and also that Parliament would give effect to any recommendations the Conference might make. His Worship went on to say that if municipal bodies were entrusted with more powers than at present, the work of Parliament would be very much lessened. Seeing that an extension of powers and privileges would probablv induce the best men to oomo forward for municipal honours, he thought it was only reasonable that Parliament should be asked to grant them addi. tional powers. As to a Municipal Asao. elation, he hoped that such an association wontd be formed at the present Confer, enoe. Mr Brown pointed out that at the end of the Ccnterence he presumed they would interview the Government, and lay before them the result of their labours. Ha believed the time was not far distant when the necessities of the four chief cities for more privileges than other boroughs would have to be forced upon Parliament. Mr J. B. Pago was elected secretary, and it was decided to allow the press reporters to be present. On the motion of Mr Fish, seconded by Mr Taylor, it was decided that the Conference should sit from 10 till 1 p.m., and from 2 p.m. till 5 p.m. The Chairman intimated that it was necessary to have the Fire Brigade Bill prioted, bnt how to got it dono was a question for the Conference to decide. On tho motion of Mr Baylis (Melrose) it was decided to ask the Government to gat the Bill printed. Mr L. L. Harris (Wellington) said the measure was a most important one, and be considered it would be advisable to form a committee for the purpose of considering the Bill. He then moved that the following members bo a committee to consider the measure and bring down a report;—The Mayors of Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin, and Wellington, and the mover. Car. ried.

The Conference then adjourned till 2 p.m. On resuming, the Chairman said the first business for oonrideration was a suggestion from the Wellington Council in reference to the Assessment Court, and be formally moved—“ That this Conference is in favour of appointing two assessors to sit with tbs Judge of Assessment Courts.” This was seconded by Mr Friodlander (Ashburton). The Mayor of Christchurch moved an amendment, “That on the application of any Council the Government shall have power to appoint two assessors, the expenses of such assessors to be borne by the Council applying.” ' This was seconded by the Mayor of Greymonth. After discussion the amendment was carried by 17 to 14. . Mr Phillips (Auckland) moved, “ That in the opinion of this Conference the various Provincial Auctioneers' Acts should be consolidated, and that Government be asked to introduce a Bill to the effect that license fees should be payable to the borough in which the principal business premises of the licensees are situated.” . Mr Fiah (Dunedin) seconded the motion. The Mayor of St Albans moved, os an amendment, “That all fees be paid in each borough in which the auctioneer resides. This was seconded by MrSnelson (Palmerston North). . , Ou being pat, the motion was earned on the voices. . Mr Phillips (Auckland) moved that all accounts from the Audit Department should be sent in not later than 30 days.

Carried on the voices. " t t Mr Soehon (Palmerston North) moved “ That power be given to stop erection of buildings when same are being put up contrary to the by-law.” This was seconded by Mr Harris (Wellington).

Tho motion was carried on division by 18 to The Mayor of Wellington moved "That power to recover coals of medical oertincato and law expenses when ruinous building* are being polled down by order of the Council, and also power to stop erection of buildings whoa tho by-laws are not The motion was seconded by tbe Mayor of Auckland, and carried unanimous!*. Mr Harris (Wellington) moved, “That all householders in occupation six months prior to making up tho burgess roll to be placed thereon." Seconded by Mr Phillip?. Lost on the voices.

Mr Phillips (Auckland) moved, u That extension of time for compilation of valuation and burgess lists and rolls bo agreed to.” This was seconded by Mr Snclson (Palmorstoo North), and carried on tho voices. Mr Grey (Christchurch) moved to alter the eighth line in section 64 of the Municipal Corporations Act by striking out tho following words, “but only in respect of property tho rates of which have not been paid.” Seconded by Mr Fish (Dunedin) and carried on the voices.

The Mayor of Wellington moved “That permission be given to condensing tbe compilation of tho burgess roll to save expense in printing. Mr Phillips (Auckland) seconded the mo. tlon, which wan carried. On the motion of Mr Fis'i, M.H. R.« the consideration of the subject of charitable aid was postponed. Mr Grey (Christchurch) moved to strike out the fallowing words in section 88, sab section 6 of the Act, ‘‘ unless he has obtained pardon or served bis sentence," Mr Prudhoo (Chriatoburcb) seconded tho motion.

After discussion, the motion was withdrawn.

Mr Trask (Nelson) moved several small resolutions of a technical nature as amendments in tho Municipal Corporation Act, which were agreed to, Mr Harris (Wellington) moved that tho Act be altered to provide that f< all councillors retire every six years," Mr Beyliss (Melrose) seconded this. Mr Carncross (Moegicl) moved and Mr Ilaykittle (fTeildlop) seconded the following amendment—“ That a general election of councillors take place every three years." Both the amendment and motion were lost on the voices.

Mr Phillips (Auckland) moved, “That tbe Corporation officials bringing cases into Court should not be mulcted in coats," Seconded by tho Mayor of Auckland and earned.

Mr Phillips (Auckland) moved, "That a provision should bo made in the Municipal Corporation Act for defraying expenses of delegates.” After discussion, the matter was referred to the Mayors of the four chief cities. The Conference, atsp.ru,, adjourned till 10 a.m. next day.