FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1881. THE TOWN DISTRICTS BILL.

Manawatu Herald, 19 August 1881, Page 2

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1881. THE TOWN DISTRICTS BILL.

The House of Eepresentatives is at present in such a disorganised state, that it will be almost useless to expect any real work to be executed this session. It is even doubtful if the Eepresentafcion Bill will he passed. Such being the case, it is hardly likely that the legislation of the session will be of a practical character. Amongst the Bills now before Parliament which deal with domestic legislation of an important character, may be mentioned that at the head of this article. It will be remembered it was brought before the House last session, but in the annual slaughter of the innocents was sacrificed. It has returned to life, and although there is but little probability of it becoming law this session, a precis of its provisions will be of interest. The object of the Bill is to provide a geueral scheme of self- government for towns like Poxten, which are not sufficiently large to be made into Boroughs. The Bill

is prepared on the linos of tho Wellington Local Boards Act, and the leading provisions are the same as those of that measure. Ifc is provided that a town district uuder the Act shall not exceed two square miles in area, while there must be not less than 50 householders iv auy town which petitious to be made into a local district, of which 50 householders two-thirds must concur in the petition. These town districts are to remiin pait of the county in which they are situated, bub not part of the highways district. There is to be in each town district a Board of Commissioners, who constitute the governing body. The Board may con sist of not less than five nor more than seven members, according as fche Governor may appoint. Eveiy ratepayer is entitled to vote at an election, bufc only those who are rated afc an Annual value of £10 or ovor can be elected Commissioners. Plurality of votes is given, and in this instance is an improvement upon the existing state of things. The Commissioners and the Chairman are to hold office foi the term of fcwo years. Power is givon to levy separate rates whero the work proposed to be executed is of ppecial benefit fco a particular part of fche district. The Bill provides that existing Local Boards in the Wellington Provincial district shall hold oflice until the expiry of the term lor which they wero elected, and that then a new Board shall bo elected uuder the provisions of the Town Districts Bill. The above is an outline of this measure, which, if passed, will certainly be a greafc improvement upon the existing law. The districts proposed to be established under the Act are as follows : — Bulls, Carlyle, Carterton, Featherston, Foxfcon, Halcombe, Ing'ewood, Johnsonville, Kaiwarra, Lower Hutt, Waifcara, and Waverley.