THE TOWN DISTRICTS BILL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81844, 10 September 1906, Page 2

THE TOWN DISTRICTS BILL

Per Press Association. Wellington, September 9. A deputation of representatives of the executive of the Counties' Association of New Zealand waited upon the Colonial Secretary with strong objections to the Town Districts Bill at present before the Legislative Council. Mr Pull, president of the Association, said the deputation had no desire to retard the growth of town districts, but what they parti cularly objected to was the proposal (o give town districts the right to con trol certain portions of main roads. llus provision would be a distinct nardsliip to some town districts whose finances were insufficient to cnab.e them to satisfactorily undertake such responsibilities. He suggested thjit it would be well to allow the Bill To stand over this session, in anticipation of the introduction next yeai of a comprehensive measure dealing with the question of local government. Trouble was also likely to be created through the granting of power to town boards for the control of main roads within their jurisdiction. Messrs A. Dillon and W H. Field, M.ll.K.'s, and Mr Atkinson, secretary to the Association, were present. Mr Field made it dear that he was in sympathy with tho town districts. In reply, Mr Pitt stated that it was desirable to have a comprehensive measure relating to local government passed into law, but the Government did not look forward to tho task as a very easy one. The law relating to town districts was in an unsatisfactory state at present. H e emphasised that yie Bill was a very harmless one; it only proposed to give town districts, constituted under the Act, authority over such portions of main roads as were within their limits. Parliament was clearly in favour of town districts, but at the same tinn lie promised to give consideration to the views of the deputation.