Counties’ Delegates.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 164, 23 July 1901, Page 3

Counties’ Delegates.

INTERVIEW WITH PREMIER, By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, last night

A deputation, comprising several members of the Counties’ Conference, interviewed the Premier and presented him with a copy of resolutions arrived at by the Conference. It was explained that the chief recommendations of the Conference were in regard to the franchise and finance of road districts and town districts and the question of rating native lands. A hope was expressed that due weight would be given 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 Road Boards would not be wiped out where they were working amicably with County Councils.

I The Premier thanked the members of the Conference for the consideration they had given the measure. There had, ho recognised, been a disposition to overcome difficulties, and the recommendations would receive the fairest consideration at the hands of the Government. He did not think the franchise proposals of the Bill were too far in advance of public opinion. Regarding Road Boards, he was not in favor of removing the machinery where it was working well. Turning to finances, he promised that Parliament, where it could bo safely done, would prefer that local bodies should carry out minor works. He also thought there should be some classification of natives’ land for rating purposes.

The Counties Conference had adopted notices—(l) That the Government be asked to amend the Bating Act in the direction that special loans be raised on unimproved values; (2) that the time has arrived when Natives should be liable for full rates, and not only half as at present ; (8) that the rating on all Native lands

where the title lias been ascertained should be tho same as on that owned and occupied by other persons in the colony, and that the person whoso name first appears on the list of owners shall be the person to sue for all rates due; also Native lands should bo included in a special rating district where it is shown that such lands are benefited by the expenditure of special rates; (4) that power be given to local bodies to pay interest on special loans in special districts out of tho ordinary revenue of such special districts ; (5) that a clause be

inserted to make land included in special districts, and afterwards passing into the hands of Natives, liable for a special rate. The Conference recorded the opinion that Crown lands in special districts should bo made liable for rates.