The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-04
SEES STRONG FIGHT
 .ON HOME RULE
Utilities Issue Will Cause Heated Controversy, Jef- ferSon Representative elect Tells Fellow
 RotarianS

"The bill to return control of pub lie utilities to municipalities will, in my opinion, precipitate the strongest fight on the floor of the next legis- lature," declared Henry R. Howze, representative-elect of Jefferson county, at the luncheon of the Rotary club Wednesday.
 MT Howze did not commit himself on the so-called home rule bill, but said that he knew it would be the subject of heated controversy. The bill will be presented, he added, with the indorsement of large number of mayors and other city officials throughout Alabama.
 The measure of most importance to the state as whole was said by MT. Howze to be the adoption of a new code of laws to supersede the one that has been in effect since March 1, 1908, when it was approved by Gov. B. B. Conner. MT. Howze said that Judge Mayfield had been working on the present code for more than two years, and that rec concentrations would be ready for the legislature to act upon.
 Abolition of county tax adjusters by the next legislature, MT. Howze declared was, in his opinion, prob able. He said he thought the state tax commission would be unamended. doubtedly be some changes in the Icompensat act. There are two ele- mentss contending for. changes. he said, one of wh5ch asks for radical revisions and another that -si. seek $ moderate amendments to the present act. Without saying how he stood, he said he thought the latter would prevail with the legislators.
 If the prohibition question comes up before the legislature at all MT. Howze said, it will probably do so in the form of a bill to permit sale of "bevo." He said he understood that the new legislature was strongly prohibitionist."
 County Issues to Come Up
 Other issues that will affect more directly Jefferson county were touched upon by MT. Howze, and in- cluded bill for creation of a court of domestic relations. bill to enable Birmingham to enact building zon- ing ordinance. bill to extend the scope of the present tonnage tax act, and a number of educational, health and social measures being fostered by the women. The only is- sue that Mir. Howze committed him self on was the zoning enabling bill, which he said he heartily favored.
 Robert Whitten of Cleveland, O., city planning expert, made a short talk on zoning. He characterized it mot as an experiment but an orderly arrangement for the city's develop ment, fashioned after good common sense housekeeping" He was intro duced by Hill Ferguson.
 The following nominating commit tee was elected by ballot: E. H. An drews, F. V. Underwood, Angus Tay- Tor. Donald Conner. r. G. Shook, Thornton Estes, Dr. F. H. WoodaI, This committee will report to the club at the meeting January IT, with nominations for president, vice pres ident, secretary, treasurer, sergeant at-arms, and nine directors. Three of the directors must be from the present board. Election of officers will be held at the first meeting in February, and installation the third meeting that month.
 Approximately 150 Rotarians were present. the largest membership at tendance in many months.