THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1341, 11 August 1877, Page 9

THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

[By Telegraph.]

DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER.

August Bth.

To-day Messrs Hobbs, Ellen, Standish, Rowe, Reevea, Hamilton, and Munro, waited upon the Premier to lay before him the several resolutions passed by the Conference. Mr Hobbs stated the reasons which led the Conference to recommend the various amendments in Muuicipal Corporations Act and Rating Act. The Hon. Major Atkinson promised Govern ment would give every consideration to the proposals of the Conference. There was no doubt that deductions from subsidies had been unfair to many boroughs in consequence of County Councils and Road Boards not being rated themselves, but this wouli be amended. With reference to the request Uiat deductions already made should bo readjusted, he could give no definite promise. It was found when the accounts were made up, that in every case the stoppages exceeded the amounts actually required, and of course the surcharge would be returned to the contributing bodies. If a mere re-di3tributiun of present endowments were contemplated, it would be comparatively easy, but not so when new endowments were asked for. No doubt it was desirable that every borough should bt» endowed, but the Government must look to the already large encroachments upon the land revenue. For nimself, be was inclined to agree that it would be desirable to appoint a Parliamentary Committee to inquire into the matter, but he could not give a definite promise to that effect. With regard to the assistance asked for towards maintaining Fire Brigades, he could hold out no hopes. The deputation mu3t remember that the Government already directly contributed to local bodies by subsidies, and indirectly by giving up to them license fee 3, which in other countries went to swell the Imperial revenue. As to the minor amendments proposed, he had no doubt they would be accepted by the Government and brought iuto 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 considers tions. The deputation warmly thanked Major AtkiEson for the courtesy and ready assistance he had extended to them.