MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1852, 29 January 1880, Page 3

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

The first meeting of the conference of delegates from different municipalities took place on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers. There were present—The Mayors of Ashburton (Friedlander), Lyttelton (Allwright), Kaiapoi (Blackwell) and Or. Allen, Crs. Charters and White (Sydenham). Cr. Bullock (of Ashburton), and Goldsmith (Waimate). Mr Charters was appointed secretary. Mr Friedlander (Mayor of Ashburton) was elected chairman. The Chairman thanked the meeting for appointing him to fill the chair, which, on such an occasion, was a post of no little honor. He then explained how the conference had been brought about and the object of their meeting, namely, to advance the interests of municipal government generally. He regretted the action taken by the Christchurch City Council, as the co-operation of members of that body would have been useful in their deliberations. With regard to the suggestion that they should have a general conference of all the Councils of the colony, it would, ho submitted, have hindered the business and caused too much expense. He believed they would only be able to commence the work they intended to bring forward at this time, as the present was a busy season. Mr Charters apologised for the absence of Mr Brown, Mayor of Sydenham, and the chairman said ho had been instructed to apologise for Cr, Williams (Akaroa), who was unable to be present. Mr Bullock (being called upon by the Chairman) moved the following resolution : “ That this conference is of opinion that a municipal association should be formed, to be called the New Zealand Municipal Association ; its object being to facilitate the enactment of suitable laws in all matters having exclusive reference to municipal government.” He thought the adoption ot such a movement would be of great assistance to young boroughs in particular. Associations of the kind had been in existence for years, and if it was found to be of advantage at Home, it would surely prove useful in a new country like New Zealand. Mr Allwright seconded the resolution, and expressed the opinion that their representations would have considerable w ight with the Government. He also regretted the absence of a representative from the Christchurch City Council. Mr Ellen thought the conference was too limited in character ; it would have exercised greater weight if made more general and the sitting held, say in Wellington. He should, however, be happy to lend bis assistance to any association which had for its object tbe advancement of municipal interests. At the same time he would sooner see the whole of New Zealand included.

Mr Bullock pointed out that it was proposed by the motion that it should be a Now Zealand Association. Mr Blackwell took exception to the word «« exclusive ” in the resolution, as the Association might find it advisable to consider subjects outside of the strict meaning of the resolution thus worded. He approved of the formation of an association, which might have the effect of originating improvements in certain directions—(he mentioned the Charitable Aid) —where amendment was necessary. Mr Bullock preferred to retain the word considered by the last speaker objectionable, as it would have the effect of preventing their becoming a sort of debating society for discussing political matters generally. Mr Charters remarked that the wants of the South Island were, in many instances, different from those of the north. He also mentioned, as a good effect likely to accrue from co-operation, that loans would be more easily obtained if two or three boroughs were to join together. The resolution (of Mr Bullock) was put to thfl meeting and carried. Mr Allen moved—“ That the whole of the boroughs in New Zealand be asked to join the association.” He saw nothing in the world to render this undesirable, and much to commend it to the minds of the conference. Certainly there wore matters of difference in detail between the north and south, but that did not affect the question. Mr Charters seconded the motion.

Mr Bullock again referred to the question of expense, especially as they had nothing immediately before them at the present time. Ho suggested they should first content themselves with confining the movement to the south for the present, and when the movement had tipened, they might communicate with the north and hold a general conference. Mr Charters would be favorable to striking out the words “ New Zealand ” and substituting “ Middle Island." Mr Blackwell thought the resolution promature. He approved of Mr Charters* last suggestion, , Mr Allen said the wants of one borough were not necessarily identical with another, and each would express its own desires. In older to meet the wishes of the meeting, how-

ever, he would have no objection to amend the resolution by confining us application to the South Island. , The resolution was then amended to the effect that all municipalities in the South Island bo asked to join the association, and in this form it was unanimously carried. A letter was read from the town clerk of Timaru, regretting the inability of the Mayor and councillors to attend, and asking to be supplied with a report of the proceedings. The secretary was requested to communicate with the other Municipal Councils in the South Island. Votes of thanks were then passed to the Mayor and the City Council of Christchurch for the use of the Chambers, and to the chairman of the conference. The meeting then dispersed.