COUNTY COUNCILS CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, August 12.

Otago Witness, Issue 2320, 18 August 1898, Page 2

COUNTY COUNCILS CONFERENCE. WELLINGTON, August 12.

The County Council Conference began its sittings this morning. The president's address stated that there had been no necessity, to hold a meeting last year, and there was some doubt Avhether it Avas desirable this year, but he thought it was better to keep themselves in touch with the progress of legislation The funds in hand amounted to £105, aiid there Avere no liabilities, so that no subscription Avas required this year. Mr Majondie Avas re-elected president ;' Messrs Lang and Fraser vice-presidents ; committee — Messrs Vonredcn. Bird, Hunter, Richards, Sutherland. Westenra, and Bislop ; treasurer. Mr Field ; auditor, Mr Bolton.

A deputation from the conference inter-* viewed the I'iemier with the object of finding out the position in regard to the Local Government Bill and, if possible, to procure copies of the measure. On the conference resinning in the afternoon the chairman reported that the deputation had seen the Premier concerning the Local Government Bill, and he had replied that he could not supply copies. The measure would be practically the same as before with the excerption of abolishing plurality of voting. The Premier said he would do his best to put the raeasuie through, this session, but would look for help irom the conference. If the conference advocated and induced the House to call a special session of Parliament in February next to deal with the bill there was no doubt if, would go through. Mr O'Regan said the suggestion of the Premier was altogether impracticable. The present session promised to be the longest on record and gave promise of continuing until Christmas. Othei delegates said the whole thing depended on Mr Seddon. If he wanted the bill to go through it would go through. Further discussion on the bill was postponed. It was decided to amend clause 20 of the Local Government Voting "Reiorm Bill by striking out the words "each ratepayer haying one vote and no more," and inserting in place thereof the following words :— " Voting powers of ratepayers to remain as at present." It Avas resolved that it Avas desirable that County Councils should have poAAer granted to them to levy any small rate, such as a special works rate or a hru 7,e insurance rate, without taking a poll of the ratepayers, such rate not to exceed vjcl in the £„ It was decided that local authorities should be empowered to pay interest on loans out of ordinary revenue in. cases Avhere each road receives a fixed poiv tion of the entire revenue. Mr Perry (Pa-* hiatua) moved — " That ' The Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886" bei amended by reducing the interest thereon to> 4 per cent. After considerable discussion this was carried unanimously*

"1