THAT "LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL."

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1240, 23 September 1911, Page 14

THAT "LOCAL GOVERNMENT BILL."

Sir,—For nearly twenty years we havo had the promise of a Local Government Bill. In very many of tho speeches delivered at tho opening of by the successivo Governors, from tho Earl of Glasgow', tho Earl of Ranfurly, Baron Plunket, downi to our present Governor, Lord Islington, special reference has been made to a Local. Government Bill. Outside of wliat may be considered a State document, which should include the fixed intentions of the Cabinet, we have' had personal statements made by Ministers. For instance, when the present Prime Minister delivered his policy speech at Winton prior to last session, special mention was mado of "an important and far-reaching Local Government Bill." From tho Acting-Prime Minister we learn "that it is not ready." From the late Minister, for Education' at tho Counties' Conference that it was drafted. After tho promises mado and reiterated for years, in Governors' speeches and outside, what Telianco can bo placed on Ministerial statements, no matter what the subject, or what the occasion? Such conduct merits tho strongest condemnation from every honourable man in the country; it cannot excused on the ground of its being "a slip of 'the pen," or being in "the wrong tense"; no, it assumes the character of permanent affliction, an incurablo moral twist. But Mr. Massey received yet another promise that it would bo circulated during tho session or during the recess. Yet other statements havo been mado. One in reply to Mr. Hanan's question, "a Local Government Bill is now in course.of preparation," etc.. In reply to Mr. Anderson: "A Local Government Bill will be circulated this session." Does anyone seriously believe these statements after the breaches of faith already on record concerning this necessary legislation? Is it not remarkable that while the important interests of tho bulk of tho people of New Zealand have been systematically and deliberately neglected, tho Primo Minister should rush off to tho Imperial Conference and endeavour to show hojv tho affairs of the, British Em-' <iirc should, bo managed? And what a display of ignorance and \ presumption! Hod the assembled Premiers and the enlightened public been made acquainted with tho fact .that New Zealand's, greatest legislative ■ need had bsen' so utterly disregarded for twenty years'; I think they would have treated his airy notions with colder disdain 'than they actually, received. Tho general opinion would have been, "set your own house, in order, Sir Joseph Ward, before you come hero to assume the lead." In that thev would havo been, fully justified.—l am,'etc., . AGRICOLA.