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South Canterbury Times, Issue 2597, 18 July 1881, Page 2

Sir George Grey’s Local Government Bill has been brought before Parliament. As people never expected a workable measure on the subject from the member for the Thames, they will not be disappointed in this instance. We can hardly think that the House will seriously discuss the Bill. It provides for nothing more nor less than the resuscitation of the provincial system, with this difference, that there would probably be twenty to thirty provinces instead of the original nine. We will give a brief synopsis of Sir George Grey’s proposals. After the passing of the Act the Governor is by proclamation to define the limits of the new districts, and each district shall contain a number of counties. The minimum number is left blank in the Bill, leaving Parliament to fix it. The next step would be the election of a President for the district. The powers conferred by the Bill would place the President in a position similar to that of the Superintendents of the Provinces. Within the districts, the Governor shall constitute a number of “ electoral districts.” In determining the number of members for the latter regard must be bad to the number of electors within the same. In fact, representation is to be on a population basis. It is somewhat misleading to call Sir Grey’s measure a Local Government Bill. What people understand in these colonies by local Government is that the ratepayers of a district should be formed into a corporation mainly to construct and maintain roads and bridges within the district. There are a few Acts which it is found convenient that the local corporations should administer. But the paramount object is, that such works should be carried out as will lead to the material progress and development of the district. Sir George Grey’s Bill goes a great deal further than this. It would render New Zealand a confederation of petty provinces, with a weak General Government. “ Home Rule ” would be a more appropriate name for Sir George’s idea than “ Local Government.” It is a hard matter indeed to discuss his proposals. It is like beating the wind. With regard to the qualification of electors. Manhood suffrage, with a residential qualification, is to be the

basis. It is not very clear from the Bill that rates are to be levied upon property, but if so, it would be manifestly unfair that those who do not pay rates should have a voice in their distribution. Manhood suffrage with a , residential qualification is a proper and just qualification for those who are to vote for members of the Supreme Legislature, for every man is a taxpayer in this country. But the case is different as regards local rates. With regard to judicial matters, the Supreme Court is still to remain under the control of theGeueral Government, but all minor Courts are to be vested in the President and Council of a District, who may make appointments and fix the salaries of the judicial officers. This, of course, would include District Court Judges and Kesident Magistrates. The judicial department is costly at present, but under the proposed system we venture to say that the expenses would be threefold. The President of the District is to have full power to veto or assent to any measure passed by the Council. As to ways and means, after all revenue arising from taxes, duties, rates, imports, and land shall have been appropriated to the purposes of the General Government, the surplus is to be distributed to the new districts in proportion to their population. The Governor shall also grant to each of the said districts waste lands of the Crown as endowments, such endowments to be of such area as may yield sufficient funds to “ provide for each district all requisites for the trade and commerce thereof, and for securing the welfare and the comfort, health, and advancement in knowledge of the people ; such endowments to be from time to time applied as far as possible in lieu of, and to avoid, the imposition of rates and taxes.”

And we are to live happy ever afterwards.