THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE AT WELLINGTON.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 974, 9 August 1877, Page 2

THE MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE AT WELLINGTON.

[BY TELEGRAPH.] Wellington, August 8. To-dyy Messrs Hobbs, Ellen, Standish, Rowe, Reeves, Hamilton and Munro Availed upon the Premier to lay before him the several resolutions passed by the Conference. Mr Hobbs stated the reasons which led the Conference to recommend the various amendments in the Municipal Corporations Act, and the Rating Act. Major Atkinson promised that I lie Government would give every consideration to the proposals of the Conference. There was no doubt that the deductions from subsidies had been unfair to many boroughs in consequence of County Councils and Road Boards not bavin " rated themselves, but this would bo amended. With reference to the request that deductions already made should bo readjusted, he could give no definite promise. It was found when the accounts wore made up that in every case the stoppages exceeded (ho amounts actually required, •and, of course, a surcharge would be made to the contributing bodies. If a mere contribution of present endowments were contemplated, it would be comparatively easy, but not so when new endowments were asked for. No doubt it was desirable that every borough should bi endowed, but the Government must look to the already large encroachments upon tho-iand revenue, ’ For himself ho was inclined

to agree that it would be advisable to appoint a Parliamentary committee to inquire into the matter, but bo could not give a definite promise to that effect. With regard to the assistance asked for towards maintaining Fire Brigades, he could hold out no hopes. The deputation must remember that the Government already directly contributed to local bodies by subsidies, and indirectly by giving up to them license fees, which in other countries went to swell the Imperial revenue. As to minor amendments proposed, he had no doubt they would be accepted by the Government, and brought into force. He concluded by reminding them that the will of the Government was bounded by their power, and many things which might be most desirable could not be carried into effect because of financial considerations. The deputation then warmly thanked Major Atkinson for the courtesy and ready assistance which he had extended to them and withdrew.