MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3010, 13 March 1926, Page 3

MUNICIPAL CONFERENCE.

EXECUTIVE INTERVIEWS MINISTER, Wellington, Yesterday. Some remits passed at the last Municipal Conference held in Dunedin were brought before the Hon. R. F. Bollard, Minister Internal Affairs, by members of the executive of the Association. Mr. F. J. Nathan, Mayor of Pal-, merston North, was spokesman. Mr. Nathan said that one of the uru.u « UlTlt to SG*

Mr. F. J. Nathan, Mayor of Pal-, merston North, was spokesman. Mr. Nathan said that one of the remits was a proposal that to secure a continuity of policy, a provision should be made for the election of mayor and council every lliree years, instead of two years. Hon. Bollard. I can see no valid objection to that. Mr Nathan: These elections cost a lot of money. That is a consideration in small electorates.

A temporary transfer of loan money was mentioned. Mr. Nathan said the following resolutions had been passed: That local bodies be empowered to transfer temporarily to District fund accounts, for the purpose of covering bank overdrafts, such sums so transferred to be repaid into Loan account as at March 31 every year. Mi'. Nathan said that while permission to do this had been refused Palmerston North, others had had no difficulty in obtaining it, “Give us the power, we will take our chance with the banks,” be said.

Hon. Bollard: It might be alright with some local bodies, but to others I would not give the power. Some of the local bodies would get into serious trouble and come to the Government to get them out of it.

One of the most important matters was the direct appointment of local bodies represenatives to hospital boards. The Minister of Public Health Avould deal with that question. Re an increase in authorised expenditure, which it was represented was badly needed. “I will look into it,” said Mr. Bollard. “I think we can do it.”

Regarding powers to local bodies to define residential and business areas, the Minister said: “We will give you something before the session is over.”

Hon. Bollard: “I think the remits very mild and may be able to do something for you. I think you will be fairly well treated.”