THE COUNTIES’ CONFERENCE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 23 July 1901, Page 4

THE COUNTIES’ CONFERENCE.

010 (pee press association) Wellington, July 22. A deputation comprising several members of the Counties’ Conference interviewed the Premier, and presented him with a copy of the resolutions arrived at by the conference. It was explained that the chief recommendations of the conference were in regard to the franchise, finance, road districts, town districts, and the question of rating native lands. The hope was expressed that due weight would be given to the recommendations of the conference, which had been thoroughly representative. Some speakers said that the conference was generally satisfied with the bill as introduced, but they hoped that the road boards would not be wiped out where they were working amicably with county councils.

The Premier thanked the members of the conference for the consideration! they had . given the measure. There had, he recognised, been adisposition to overcome the difficulties and their recommendations would receive the fairest consideration at the hands of the Government. He did not tlrnk that the franchise proposals of the Bill were too far in advance of public opinion. Regarding the Eoad Boards; he was not in favour of removing the machinery where it was working web. Turning to finance, he promised that Parliament, where it could be safely done, would prefer that local bodies should carry out minor works. He also thought that there should be some classification of native land for rating purposes.