WELLINGTON.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2958, 8 August 1878, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

Wednesday.

The County Council Conference met to-day (Mr Bastings in the chair). The Chairman said he had waited upon the Treasurer re charitable aid and hospital management, and the Hon. Mr Ballance had informed him that the Government would give £ for £ on the money raised, without deducting any contributions from subsidies to Counties and municipalities, and would introduce a bill enabling County and Municipal Councils to undertake the management, of subsidised charitable institutions.

Mr Saunders moved—"That, in the J opinion of this Conference, it is not desirable that the County Councils of New Zealand should undertake either to provide or t6 distribute the funds for charitable aid and hospitals." Mr McWhisker seconded. The Hon. Mr Campbell moved that the offer of the Government be accepted, but the'debate was adjourned. ' This day.

A smart shock of earthquake was felt here at a quarter to eight this morning. Two smart shocks were alao felt at Grey« town at twelve minutes to nine this morning. The Municipal Conference. At the Municipal Conference the following motions were carried after considerable discussions :—That Boroughs or districts desiring to join a Borough shall not be liable for any special loan or rate expended other than for gas or water supply. That a committee consisting of Messrs Moorhouse, Brett, Sutton, and Standish confer with the County Council delegates with a view to joint action being taken to obtain the payment of all subsidies granted to them by Parliament, as endowments since the biginning of the year. That provision should be made out of the consolidated revenue for the maintenance of hospitals and charitable institutions, as being a fair distribution which would avoid manifold unfairness in adjusting the amounts between Counties and Boroughs from local funds. That the management and control of hospitals and charitable institutions should rest with the Government, assisted by committees appointed by them and aided by benevolent societies selected in such manner and regulated by such instructions as the Government may deem expedient. Committees to be assisted by a necessary salaried officer. It is expected the conference will finish their business to-morrow.