THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1908. TOWNSHIP LEGISLATION.
JUDGING from the statement by the Native Minister appearing in another column of this issue, the Government seems to be on the point of adding still another blunder to the lengthy list of mistakes in their treatment of Native townships. The remedial legislation promised by the Premier and outlined by the Native Minister apparently consists of bringing all Native townships under the "Native Townships Local Government Act, 1905."* On the surface this may appear to meet all requirements, as according to the Act the township councils are invested with all such powers, duties, and liabilities as arc conferred and imposed on Borough Councils by any act for the time being governing Municipal Corporations, in respect of ordinary public works, including the borrowing of money for such works. Possibly the Government is not to blame for considering that the extension of the powers of a Borough to the Native townships . should provide the required remedy, and apparently the Native Minister is under the impression that all the townships interested are already working under the Native Townships Act. The question of finance has been given prominence in
connection with the township agitation, and the inability to borrow for public work:; has been naturally made much of in connection with the matter. Still. admitting that the extension of borrowing' powers will do much to alleviate the position, there are other important phases of the question worthy of consideration. The matter of tenure is an important, feature, and the fact that considerable areas of Crown and freehold land will shortly form portions of the townships should not be lost sight of. At Te Kuiti we have the example of freehold land adjoining the boundaries of the Native township, and already forming what is practically a populous portion thereof. With the expansion which undoubtedly will take place in the near future, we shall have a town comprising lands held under
three distiztct tenures, and which it will be impossible to govern under any act which provide;', solely tor one form c.i tenure. For ibis very reus"?) Te Kuiti residents have refrained tro:n establishing a iocal body, preparing io work as far a? p; ssibb' under the beuiby Council. Toe weak:' \>s of the ls:-/'"e Townships Act is that it proivdos only for the governing of townships Ivdd under the Native tenure. ;'ioreoy ( r. when framing the Act no 'p.rovisior! was apparently outdo for ■ xpaususu and. the fact that a township won hi grow beyond its original boundarb s. was evidently untheuybt k.\. The fact of bringing the {ownskivs r.ndct- the Act of Ibeo -would undoubtedly relieve the present position with regard to borrowing, but councils would require to be established for the purpose of providing the necessary borrowing channel, and tke's is a step which does not commend itself to the majority of the residents. Such relief would be merely temporary and further trouble would assuredly arise in a very short time. A comprehensive measure dealing with all the different phases of the question is badly required, and it is to be hoped the deputation from the centres interested will urge the full consideration of the recommendations made by the conference held at Otorohanga. In this connection it is also to be hoped the deputaion will lose no time in proceeding to Wellingon. The end of the session is approaching and in order to accomplish the desired object special energy is required.
A ROADING POLICY. THE news that the stone crusher is to arrive in the distrct within a few days will be welcomed by all, and with the promise of a fairly dry season there is reason to hope that an early start will be made with metalling the main road. The district is handicapped severely by the state of our highways, and Bathing but a policy of enei%j#and in the matter of metalling can afford the necessary facilities to our settlers to carry out their avocations to advantage. Hitherto it has been a case with the settler outback of preparing in summer to stand the seige of winter, and enterprise has been hampered in every inspect. In addition it wa3 felt that so long as the main thoroughfare was impassable, the efforts of the settlers themselves towards improving the bye roads were futile. We have consistently advocated a metalling policy for our roads, and sincerely hope that now the policy has been inaugurtaed, we are within measurable distance of seeing good and permanent roads traversing the whole district. The dairying industry, to which the King Country will undoubtedly turn directly conditions are favourable, depends greatly upon transit facilities, and by providing the necessary roads, we are hastening the time of sound prosperity, and assisting the small farmer to make the most of his opportunities. Much will require to be done by the settlers, and a progressive policy adopted by the local authorities, all of which means large and well considered expenditure. It is safe to assert that the settler will accept the responsibility cheerfully directly he recognises that the Government is fulfilling its functions to advantage. The first and most important step has been taken. It is to be hoped the amount on the Estimates for metalling will be commensurate with the importance of the work.
RAILWAY FACILITIES. THAT our settlers are becoming alive to the necessity of applying for the best possible facilities to aid them in the conduct of their business, is evidenced by the agitation which has now arisen for the running of a late train between Ohaupo and the King Country on sale days. Such an eminently reasonable and necessary demand must have the support of settlers throughout the district, and no time should be lost in urging the institution of the extra train. Possibly the opening of the Main Trunk' line will make an alteration in the present timetable, hut it is safe to assume the ah* ration will not be for the benefit anil convenience of the settlers. unha-a they make their wisnos known with no uncertain sound. Our requirements are legion, and in order to obtain satisfaction for our most elementary needs. We must persue the Governmental doctrine, and agitate. The hv-ads of the various departments are being con-iantly assailed with demands from all quarters, and it is not to be wondered at that :hose who are in the least degree reticent have little hope of being heard. The Otorohanga branch of the kanaers' Union has set. an excellent, example, and one which we trust will be widely followed throughout the distinct.
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King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 98, 11 September 1908, Page 2
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1,096THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1908. TOWNSHIP LEGISLATION. King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 98, 11 September 1908, Page 2
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