COUNTIES’ CONFERENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1923, Page 2

COUNTIES’ CONFERENCE

SOUTH ISLAND OBJECTIONS. [llv TELEGRAPH —PER I'IIESS ASSOCIATION.] ■CHRISTCHURCH. June 20. The South Island Counties’ Conference met to-day. The Conference carried the following remits:— That the provisions of the Highways Act are not acceptable to the County Councils. (1) .With regard to the constitution of tine Board and its powers. (2) —With regard to finance. (3) —-That its application generally is calculated to have the effect of disintegrating our system of local body govern men t by increasing their responsibilities on the one hand, and detracting from their powers regarding administration and control on tho other. That the financial provisions of the Act press too heavily on local bodies, and require revision before the Board could properly function. That steps he taken fo restrict the power of the Alain Highways Board, and that greater .power be given to District (’miiicil That this C’onfrenee urge that there 1 be two Boards, one for 'each Island. That all loan moneys bo distributed r.s required to the respective boards, each undertaking to provide its own proportion of interest, sinking fund, and charges. That each board shall receive an allocation of tho moneys received by the Crown under Section 1-1, apportioned to each by reference to the number of motor vehicles registered and in use in i each island. The Conference affirmed the principle that everv consideration should be given to roads leading to trains or ports.