The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, MAY 23, 1903.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 899, 23 May 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, MAY 23, 1903.

RESPON.SI BLE POS IT] ON S . A remark dropped by Mr Sievwriglit at the last meeting o£ the Harbor Board, lias called for some comment. “ I will wash my hands of Hie whole affair by voting against, the motion',” said that gentleman in regard to the proposal to appoint, ail oveiseer, and not, to appoint an

engineer at present. No doubt Mr Sievwright should have gone a little more into explanation, for it is probable that lie merely meant that lie absolvei: himself from the responsibility of such an appointment. If he meumi that lie “ washed his hands ” oi Uie .work altogether, then sueli a statement is open to strong criticism. There is no freeing himself from such responsibility while he is a member of the Board. That fact cannot he too strongly impressed on mihlic. representatives. Whether a policy adopted by the majority is to their liking or not, the responsibility of each individual member for tlm successful working out of that line of policy rests on him as a representative of the ratepayers. To us it seems that, the Board has idone wisely in looking round for a working overseer who will he able to give his whole attention to the carrying out of the works, who will sec that men who do fair work will not be unjustly blamed because some individual workman may be observed by members of the public who have to lind the money lo he taking things in a leisurely style. But whatever system is adopted, the members of the Board must take the responsibility of its being given effect to, and the statement made by Mr Sievwnghl requires some explanation to pievent a misunderstanding on the part oi the public.