POLITICAL NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8062, 14 July 1904, Page 3

POLITICAL NOTES.

4 • [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, July IS. ELECTIVE HARBOUR BOARDS. lii the course of a discussion on the constitution of the Harbour Boards of the colony Mr Massey expressed the opinion that some amendment of the Harbour Boards Act was necessary. He hoped that the Bill brought before the House last year by the Hon W. Hall-Jones would be reintroduced. The Harbour Boards as a whole, and in Otago and Auckland particularly, -were not representative of the public. The Auckland Harbour Board served nearly the whole of the provincial district, but the country districts were entirely unrepresented. The Premier said he was quite prepared to dieal with the matter. He asked if Mr Massey would support the Government ii ifa brought down a Bill to make Harbour Boards elective on the basis of the electoral roll of the district in which the harbour is situated and which ie served by it. If the loader .of the Opposition would accept the challenge the Premier would undertake to bring down a Bill which would give the widiest range of election, and .would make the Boards absolutely representative. Mr T. Mackenzie :" I'll accept that on behalf of Otago. ■ The Premier : If the leader of the Opposition will say that he will support me, I will .do away with nominated members and special representation, leaving it to the people, and I am agreeable to the Land Boards being elective. (Cheers.) Mr T. Mackenzie: And the Hospital Boards? « The Premier: -All Boards. I am delighted that at last we are coming to our senses, and are prepared' to ' trust the people. Mr T. Mackenzie : The Premier is becoming a genuine Liberal. The Premier : When the Bill comes down I doubt whether the House will be as unanimous as it is now. MISCELLANEOUS. Under the Stock Act two torses, 2617 cattle and eleven 'swine were condemned and slaughtered', in respect of which a sum ci 55339 was paid as compensation. Ths disposal of the carcases realised £881.