GOLD FIELD’S MUNICIPALITIES

Dunstan Times, Issue 301, 31 January 1868, Page 3

GOLD FIELD’S MUNICIPALITIES

(To tiif. r.mtor or the dttnstan* times.) ' Sir,—Tho extension of tlio principle of local self Government to tho Townships on the Goldiields by the establishment of Municipal Institutions, is a step in the progress of advancing civilization, an<l tending to the promotion at once of H' crty and order. The eagerness -with which the opportunity was seized for their adoption, evinces a strong desiro prevailed in the community of social organization a:id local improve, incut. The success of these Institutions cannot now be considered a matter of speculation. The experience of their working during the year, the public spirit they have been the means of developing, and tho improvements that have been effecte l by expenditure on Public Works are sufficient evidence of their beneficial operation, and a warrant of their future success. If however we inquire into the character and constitution of tho Country Municipalities established in Otago, we find them extremely limited in their powers, privileges, an 1 resources. The formation and repair of tho public roads and streets, sewerage, water supply,&C. and the power of levying r.xtcs for these purpose*, are the principal obj sets contemplated in the Acts of Incorporation. Beyond tire powers necessary for carrying out the purposes above indicated, the corporations have no territorial jurisdiction. The Provincial Government sells the Building allotments within the Municipality, and appropriates the Rents of Leaseholds, Mineral and Agricultural, and expend only a portion of the revenues so derived in the construction of Roads or Public improvements. In tho Cromwell Municipality, onlv a small part of the Municipal district is laid out for building purposes, tho remainder forming a licit round the bnilding area has not. been oiFered for sale. The Corporation has no power to regulate or conirol its occupation ; portions are being taken tip for resi lences, as on other waste lan ;s of tho Crown. Buildings of a permanent character have been erected and placed, apparently without order or regularity of plan in the position determined by the will of each proprietor. It is evident that these appropriations of the Municipal territority, whether obtained by tho sanction or connivance of the Provincial Authorities, are in direct contravention of the spirit and intention of the Municipal regulations, which require the whole district to be under the control of the Civic authorities. For tho prevention of evils likely to arise from the causes above mentioned, and also for the purpose of extending thepoweraand increasing the resources of the Municipalities, it is desirable that, steps be taken, in accordance with Section 7 of of the " Municipal Corporations' Amendment Ordinance''

to obtain grants in Fee Simple of portions of the building area, with power of leasing for terms of 99 years, and also to secure entire territorial control over tbe unappropriated residue of the Municipal district, or Town Bait, with power of letting or leasing for residence or for purposes of trabe or ag* ricultural, or reserving for objects of public utility or recreation. By judicious orderining the disposition of the public estate, the revenues of the Corporations would be |augmentated, would increase with the progress of settlemeut> and means be furnished for expenditure on Public improvements. I am &c. COLONUS. P.S.—The above was written last year, but occurrences took place at the time, in some of the Municipal bodies, that made it doubtful whether cxten ed powers are privileges were in reality desiderata, and the letter intended to have been forwarded to your office, was thrown aside. Although subsequent events have not tended to dispel the doubts raised, respecting the utility of Municipal Institutions in mall boroughs ; yet I have sent the letter as originally written, as it contains matter for consideration, on subjects that will probably be brought under the notice of the proposed Municipal Convention. Jan. 28th ISGB.