STATE GRANTS FOR THE BACKBLOCKS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 34, 30 June 1914, Page 8

STATE GRANTS FOR THE BACKBLOCKS.

FORECAST OF GOYEUXMK.vrs PROPOSAL*.

Much interest is taken l,v lnciiilto!of Parliament in the prospective reform of the system of St«tu gi'ant; and *»!>• sidies- in aid of back-blni'k.s' development works, and in the general estimation il is rated as ci equal importance with the land an 1 public service reforms ■which, have already been carried out by tbie Government (says yesterday's Dominion). The text of the Government proposals Has not yet been made public, but it is understood that provi-jon will be made for setting up an independent board to control the allocation of grants and fcubi-idies. and also for a proper das-ilieation of the country districts, with .t view to concentrating assistance in those which have develop nient work to tarry out. Ui»»iti,> .un*«nber.s who have ~|«insn"to <ll the - iihi< -;uii<orntf,y ' approve these pvo-[-O'Jals, 'but .;f. the same time point out that too much must not be expected of the new board at the outset of its career. Th.' problem to be dealt with is a very eomp'cx 'one. and ii will necessarily be some little time before the board can familiarise itself with the details of its important duties. Country members as a rule make a strong point ol' the necessity of securing, full and accurate information regarding the --t;it of development reached by th" different districts, to be assisted, and to that end suggest that it wilil be -.ulvisaWe thn! the board should make a practise < !' conferring wito county .chairmen and engineers or other responsible representatives of the various local bodies.