Conference of County Councils.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5143, 11 July 1885, Page 2

Conference of County Councils.

[Pbe Pbess Association.)

Wellington, Yesterday. The County Council Conference met again yesterday, when the following resolutions were carried :—" That European ratepayers are suffering considerable injustice under the administration of the Crown and Native Lands Eating Acts, and this Conference is of opinion that there are large districts in which land owned by natives should be liable to the same responsibilities as those imposed upon land owned by Europeans." " That the construction of all roads to open up Crown lands be handed over to County Councils, who shall have authority to settle grades and the location of roads." •'lf a royal commission is appointed to enquire into local government, the question of location and construction of roads to open up Crown lands beaUo within the province of the commission, and that all money for the construction of all roads to open up particular blocks of Crown lands be banded over to CcuDty Councils, who should have authority to settle grades and location of roads, subject to the approval of Government, as to renewal, time, and termination." Another meeting was held to-day, when the following resolutions were carried:—" That the Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill appears to deal with the matter in a way that may be satis* factory, and may be amended so as to make it a useful measure; that the amendments which are essential are— ' that interposition of the district board should cease in the area of a local institution when constituted,' and ' that any local authority contributing to the expenses of any hospital or charitable institution should be represented on the»governing body in proportion to its contribution.' 1 That it would be desirable that power be given to counties to alter their boundaries in cases where the necessities of communication made such an alteration desirable, and also to remove one or more properties from one .road district to another on appli cation of the owners with the consent of the boards interested.' 'That the Conference will consider the question of compensation for lands taken under the Public Works Act.' " Subsequently a deputation waited upon the Colonial Treasurer, bring ing under his notice the'resolutions passed by the Conference. The Treasurer, in reply, promised to discuss them with his colleagues.