THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. MONDAY, DEC. 21, 1908. NATIVE TOWN COUNCILS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 117, 21 December 1908, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. MONDAY, DEC. 21, 1908. NATIVE TOWN COUNCILS.

The announcement that the President of the Maori Land Board is compiling a roll for the purpose of electing Native Town Councils for Te Kuiti and Otorohanga will hardly be welcomed at the present juncture by Te Kuiti residents. Considerable doubt exists in the minds of many as to the status of a Native Town Council, and the experience of Taurnarunui has not tended to re-assure the inhabitants of other Native townships. I» addition, the fact that a loan of i'2ooo has just been obtained by the Waitomo County Council for street works at Te Kuiti. renders it inadvisable to have a local council

foisted on the people until the projected works are carried out. The position is unprecedented in the history of the Dominion, and whatever impulse may be stirring the Native Department to action it is, to say the least, a strange proceeding to force a local body on to people who have signified no desire to adopt the form of government prescribed by the Native Townships Act. On the other hand, the Native Minister was told plainly by the members of the Townships Deputation that a Native Town Council would never suffice for the government of Te Kuiti. However, in response to representations made by the deputation, provision was made whereby the Native Council could be superseded by a European Town Board or Borough Council. This is satisfactory to the extent that in the event of the Native Town Council not being suitable, the residents can initiate a form of government which has stood the test of time in other European localities. However, the chief feature at present is the fact that important works are being undertaken by the townspeople through the County Council, and it is of vital interest that no delay or hitch should occur in the carrying out of these works. The formation of a Town Council at the present time would presumably mean, the taking over by such Council of all works and responsibilities at present borne by the County Council. Delay would naturally ensue, and instead of the urgent street works being completed before winter, we should probably have the experience of being landed in the mud. By using every endeavour, and allowing for no hitch, there is every reason to hope the works will be practically completed during the summer, and residents will naturally offer strenuous opposition to any movement likely to affect the consummation of their cherished project. The fact that it is intended to saddle the community with a form of local government, without reference to the wishes of the people, need not be referred to. The Native Minister has proclaimed his desire to assist the townships, and we would point out in ithe strongest possible manner jthat Te Kuiti township can best be assisted at present by deferring the setting up of a Town Council until the urgent works, now being undertaken, are completed. By acceding to such a request the Minister would be emphasising his good will, and at the same time earning the appreciaion of the people who are chiefly affected, and who have most claim to consideration in the matter.