THE PROVINCIAL AUDITOR.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 92, 16 September 1874, Page 3

THE PROVINCIAL AUDITOR.

To the Editor of the Globe. Slß,—Can you inform me whether there is a deputy-auditor in Christchurch to act for Mr Ollivier, whilst he is absent on his patrol service (which, by-the-bye, is very often the case)? If not, and the Superintendent has the power of making the appointment, it is high time it was done, so that the Auditor's department in the Government buildings might be filled by either the auditor or his deputy. The serious inconvenience which the public have to suffer nowadays in getting an account checked and passed, in consequence of numerous obstacles, and the absence of the auditor, is getting intolerable. It is an every day occurrence on calling for the settlement of an account, to be told " You must call again, we have not had time to check it." The next time it is, " Oh, I have just made a commencement," followed by the rejoinder "But it's no use, when it's done, you can't get your money, as the Au litor won't be back for three or four weeks." Rather satisfactory, this style of doing business. And thus 'it has been for years past, and, I suppose, will continue, unless a stir is made in the matter. Surely no stronger reason could be adduced for the abolition of provincial institutions than when the public are being constantly humbugged by these would-be " knights of the red tape," whose sole aim appears to be to do everything which gives the greatest amount of trouble and expense to those who afe keeping them in their position. Yours, &c, Refoem. [There has always been a deputy-auditor (Mr. H. E. Alport), but why he is not called upon to act during Mr Ollivier's absence, we are at a loss to know. The Superintendent has no power in the matter ; the appointment is a General Government one, but we agree with you, it is high time some change was made, as frequent complaints reach us of the apathy displayed by Bome of the members of the provincial staff.—Ed. GLOBE.]