LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2449, 22 March 1888, Page 2

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM.

[By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.] London, Miirch 19. The Riglit Hon. T. C. Richie, President of the Lou.il Government Board, in movin'g the second reading of a Bill to provide for the extension of the principle of local government in England, said the Bill proposed to constitute County Councils. The larger towns would have separate councils, irrespective of whatever councils might, under a population basis, he established in the county in which such larger towns are situated. Three-fourths of the members of the councils would he elected by the ratepayers, the remainder being nominated. The duties of the Liccning Court would devolve upon the council, who, inter alia, would have power to compel the closing of the publichouses on Sundays, and the adjustment of compensation claims where licenses were refuse:!. It was proposed under the Bill, however, that the cost of licenses should be increased 20 per cent. The councils should be permitted to assist emigrants, and with the Courts of Quarter Sessions would jointly control the police, Local grauts would be increased by three millions. London, March 20. The judicial powers of justices' will not be touched by Mr Ritchie's Local Government Bill Mr Gladstone, in referring to it, admitted that it was a large and bold measure. The motion for first reading was carried amidst hearty cheers from both sides of the House. The press speaks in favourable terms of the Bill.