THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 399, 9 August 1877, Page 2

THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

(By Telegraph.) Wellington, August 8. To-day Messrs. Hobbs, Ellon, Standisb, Rowe, Reeves, Hamilton, and Munro waited upon the Premier to lay before him the several resolutions passed by tho Conference. Mr. Hobbs stated the reasons which led the Conference to recommend the various amendments in the Municipal Corporation Act and Rating Act. Major Atkinson promised that tho Government would give every consideration to the proposals of the Conference. There was no doubt that deductions from subsidies had been so far made to many Boroughs, in consequence of County Councils and Road Boards not having rated themselves, but this would bo amended. With reference to the request that deductions already made should be re-adjusted, he could give no definite promise. It was found, when the accounts were made up that in every case tho stoppages exceeded the amounts actually required, and of course surcharges would be made to the contributing bodies. If the mere con^rmiiu - of present endowments were contemplated, it would bo comparativeby easy ; but not so when new endowments were asked for. No doubt it was desirable that every borough should be endowed, but the Government must look to the already large encroachments upon the land revenue. For himself, he was inclined to agree that it w.>uld bo advisable to appoint a Parliamentary Committee to enquire into the matter, but he could not give a definite promise* to that effect. With regard to assistance asked for towards maintaining firo brigades, he could hold out no hopes. The deputation must remember that tho Gov»rnment already contributed directly to local bodies by subsidies, and indirectly by giving up to them license fees, which in other countries went to swell the Imperial revenue. Aa to minor amendment!* proposed, he had no doubt they would bo accepted by the Government, and brought into force. He concluded by reminding them that the will of the Government was bounded by their power, and many things which might be most desirable could not be carried into effect because of financial considerations. The deputation then warmly thanked Major Atkinson for the courtesy and ready asei°tnnce he had extended to them, and withdrew.