Local Government Bill.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2051, 31 July 1875, Page 2

Local Government Bill.

[BT TJGLEGHtAPH.]

WELLINGTON

Friday, 8 p.m. The bill provides the date upon which it shall come into operation, and treats of the different descriptions of districts under heads, viz.: - (A.) Road or highway districts already constituted under former Acts of the General Assembly or Provincial Ordinances called "original districts." (B.) Original districts converted into districts under the provisions of the bill by a proclamation called the "proclaimed districts," (C.) Districts' created under the bill out of parts of the colony not previously comprised within the original districts, called "new districts." Part 1 relates to the constitution of road districts. Original districts are brought under the operation of the Act by proclamation on petition to the Governor of inhabitants possessing rateable property to at least half the value of the rateable property in the district. The petition is to set forth the boundaries accurately, and the Act, &c, under which the district is already constituted. The petition may be refused on a counterpetition being presented by an equal or a greater number of the inhabitants. Members of road boards, trustees, boards of wardens of commissioners, &c, (throughout the bill) spoken of as " the governing body," remain in office and compose the road board for the new district. Such persons go out of office .on the first Thursday in June happening after the constitution of the district under the Act, the members for the ensuing year are elected under the provisions of the Act, until the completion of the voters' roll under the Act. Persons on the ratepayers' roll to be entitled to vote for an election of members of the board. The rates levied under the old Act are to remain in force. The rights, liabilities, etc., of boards incurred are preserved, and the property of the old board yefted in the new. Any questions arising under the foregoing provisions are to be referred to the Governor. "New districts" comprise an area of not less than 15 square miles, and must also be incorporated under a similar petition to the Governor, which may be refused on counter-petition. Districts, may be united and boundaries altered, also on petition; and after the consideration of a petition for this purpose and the counterpetition (if any), due notice of which are to be advertised, the Governor, by order in Council, is te*&,malgamate the districts. In such order in Council the Governor is to adjust the property, rights, etc. The Governor is to decide all questions. Each district board under the Act is to. consist of six members, the qualification being rateable property to the value of £25 at least, and enrolment either on the ratepayers' or electors' rolls. Members of boards retire annually, in rotation, The " qualification of voters" is the possession of rateable property, and the number of votes proportionate to the value of the property, not exceeding in any case six. Elections of members of the boards are to be conducted by ballot. The chairman is to be elected by the members of the board. The chairman continues a [member of the board for a year after election, and the Governor is empowered, to appoint him a Justice of the Peace for the colony, having jurisdiction within the district. The salaries of officers of the boarcs are to be paid out of the district fund. The revenue of the board con- , sists of rates, grants from the Govern-, ment, donations, &c. All property within the district is rateable pro- . perty, except unoccupied Government lands, lands used by the Government "rfor, public purposes, hospital, school, church, and other lands which are exempted from rates. - Government lands leased or occupied under license are not exempt. The Board is to make an. annual valuation, and to levy ; rates for the construction of works. Where special works are required a separate rate must be levied, after notice. Roads, ferries, bridges, &c, are under the control of the Board. —Part 2 relates to the construction of voters' rolls, and the manner of conducting elections. Elections are to be conducted by ballot. —Part 3 relates to the proceedings of the Board. The Board appoints its own time and place of meeting. All powers vested in the Board, may be exercised by three members. The accounts are to be annually balanced and audited. Ratepayers may be present at annual meeting.— Part 4 provides for the constitution of shires. Ttvo or more or adjoining road districts may petition the Governor to be amalgamated and formed into one, and upon the petition being granted the road districts become " ridings " of such shire; The district thus constituted a shire is to have a Shire Council, composed of members elected from each riding, and presided over by a chairman elected by the Council. The powers and duties of the various Road Boards thus amalgamated into the shire thereupon cease, and become vested in the Shire Council. The Shire Council will have power to take land for permanent works, such as roads, bridges,'&c.,. and . for public institutions, hospitals, asylums, libraries, &c, and may borrow money for such works on tho security of special rates, the Council to have control over all roads, tolls, bridges, ferries, and public works within the shire.—Part .5 contains miscellaneous provisions relating to the recovery of penalties, making regulations, settling disputes, notifications in Gazette, &c.