LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chronicle (Levin), 5 September 1947, Page 4

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wm.

SEDDON.

LOCAL BODY GOVERNMENT Sir, — I believe that I would be exDressi'ng the sentiments of all interjsted citizens in extending our sinjere thanks to His Worship the Mayor ahd Borough Council memoers/together with all members of the stati, for their services during bheir term of office. It is gratifyrug to find that there .are sufficient candidates offering, and willing to take " office in administering our Local affairs. After an extended term of office, due to recent legislation, we are- now approaching another local body election. May we again be fortunate in having many candidates, true and sincere, and unfettered in any way from sectional interests. May this pre± , . cedent always be retained heijLA. amongst us. Levin can shpw the rest of the country what unity irl citzenship really means. Candidates with conviction are definitely progressive and approachable, and should be encouraged in lieu of those from other s'ources. Councillors elected by impartial electors, based upon the true spirit of citizenship, is true democracy. T-he popularity of Levin is well-known. Its potentialities are great, as a town destined • for a great future. The setting aside of all available recreatim reserves, as far as possible, in anticipation by the present council of its future expansion, is commendable. _ Local finance must expect wise criticism as a check on rash expenditure, ■ or as a hinderance to undue borrowing. When a local body has some discretion as to objects of imposition, the estimates need more care'ful inspection. It is only through discussion of the estimates as a whole, that the body of ratepayers can be brought to consider the financial position of the local govern- | ment in which they are interested. ! There remains, however, the great | difficulty of dealing with discretion- ! ary outlay. So far as the tasks of : local government are assigned, the I administrators may be regarded as j "harnessed,". to employ our own i conception for the public work. It | is when the element of choice | comes in that the problem becomes serious.

If local government is to be a :eality, there must be opportunity 2;i'ven for mistakes, and these mistakes will injuriously effect the ratepayers concerned. If a town authority takes up sewerage, ex -* tended waterworks, gas works, street lighting, extra reserves, and cther services for its district, the frnancial results may not always be satisfactory. It then becomes a practical question to determine whether those who actively dissented from the policy in question should be sufferers in consequence of its failure. Mere rules as to audit are quite ineffective in such a case. The only adequate safeguard is a peremptory limitation of the sphere of local activity, coupled with such regulations as will provide against the more- extreme forms of mismanagement. The fact that the losg incurred in such a case as that suggested, would fall on a few, is in a sense an aggravation of the evil, since it is "concentrated." There is accordingly a need for a special form of control which might per-, haps be called "sectional," as it is to be used at its discretion by the central power, which would, after inquiry, readjust the burdens incurred. Finally, for local as for central finance, it is essential to dwell on the need for intelligence and vigilant activity on the part of those concerned. The ratepayers must watch the proceedings of those who direct their affairs and if they are wanting in this respect, they must blame themselves — in part at least —for any unfortunate results. It is only by pressure diligently used by the better citizens, that the finances of a town can be kept up to a high standard. — I am etc.,

Levin, September 1. '