NEW COUNTIES BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3102, 27 August 1913, Page 13

NEW COUNTIES BILL.

PROPOSED CHANGES. ,Feom Oob Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 22. Tho Bill which the Government is Jt* traducing to amend the Counties Act hat been circulated.

It is proposed to alter tho boundaries of counties, and it is also suggested that a county may consist of a maximum number of 12 ridings instead of nine. Tho county electors roll is to bo xmeparcd on or before July 22 in every year, when a general election of councillors is to be held instead of April 22. Provisions are inserted to permit of objection being taken to tho enrolment of any persons on proper grounds shown ana for the disposing of such objections. The corrected roll will come into force on November 1. It is permitted to a county council to vote to the chairman a lump sum of £2OO (instead of £100) per year la lieu of travelling expenses. Several new provisions relating to drainage works and the levying of rates therefor are in the Bill, and also there aro new provisions to enable counties to borrow? money for the acquisition or construction, hut not tho maintenance, of harbour works. Counties are empowered, under certain re. strictione. to supply electric light and power to the inhabitants of the county.