PEACE MEMORIALS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10275, 9 May 1919, Page 4

PEACE MEMORIALS

LOCAL BODIES’ POWERS

GOVERNMENT (CONTEMPLATES SPECIAL LEGISLATION.

"Regarding Peace celebrations,” said the Hon~GC yesfer^' day, "the question has been raised as to memorials of peace, and the matter has been considered with a view to issuing a circular to-local bodies as to. thcir powers" JiCtJje! Z !■

“It may bo stated that local bodies, especially boroughs, already have wide powers regarding the expenditure pf money on such things as baths, pleasure grounds, libraries, and museums, but there does not appear to be any power under the law for the expenditure of money on statues, fountains, or things of that kind. It seems desirable that the law should -be widened.

“The Government, therefore, proposes to bring down legislation enabling local authorities to- expend moneys for any purpose* 'abtually connected with the celebrations and on war me-' morials, subject to the proviso that any moneys required by law to be used for specific purposes shall be used for those things. “Authority will also be, .given for, local bodies to borrow money for Peace memorials subject to a poll of the ratepayers. "Among the things that are recommended as Ppace, mejnqnfils, are ,town halls, libraries*, swimini.ng, b.aWjs, foun-i tains, avenues -of .trees, band rotundas, recreation grounds, and-statues. The legislation will, wherever .necessary, cover such items of expenditure.”