New Council

Soon For

Norfolk

A new ordinance which was to be promulgated in Norfolk Island at the end of April will give the island c new form of government —the Ad ministrat or-in-Council.

THE new system replaces the Nor folk Island Local Governmen Council, which was established ii 1960, and whose full powers anc responsibilities councillors refused tc take over because they claimed the; were not wide enough for Norfolk’ needs.

The Norfolk Island Act wa amended by the Commonwealtl Parliament at the end of last yea to make way for the new system which was agreed to after close dis cussions with councillors.

New elections are expected to b held on July 1.

The new council will consist o the Administrator as chairman, plu eight members to hold office for tw< years. The president of the counci will be known as President of Com mittees and he will continue to b paid £l5O a year as at present.

Under the new arrangements dral ordinances and regulations are to b submitted to council for commen The council can put its views on Ikp the budget should be allocated, an can originate ideas. The interm affairs of the Administration will sti be controlled by the Administrate] who does not have to consult th council, but the Administrator wi be required to give his reasons t the Minister if he disagrees wit council decisions.

The Minister, Mr. C. E. Barne has made clear to the council thj the Government will not disclose be forehand any planned changes i Customs duties.

He said apart from ordinances an regulations, draft estimates an referendum proposals, practice woul determine what classes of matters th council would expect the Admini: trator to refer to council beforeham Under a special referendum o: dinance, the Minister can ask for referendum on matters affecting th peace, order and good governmei of Norfolk; the Administrator ma direct a referendum, if advised t council, on matters affecting the coi stitution, the raising of a loan c liquor; and electors can ask for referendum if one-third of them a] plies.