The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 1924. CIVIC MANAGEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1924, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 1924. CIVIC MANAGEMENT.

A HATJIKIi interesting suggestion was thrown out at the meeting of the Borough Council last week to the effect that the newly appointed overseer might take up an official position akin to a manager of a town. In various boroughs in Xew Zealand the experiment hits been tried of appointing a straight out manager whose duly is to supervise all outside work reunited, and have it attended to its it presents itself. The speeial value of this is that

it is obligatory l for the ollieer to visit all parts of the town at. frequent intervals and note the requirements. In the ease of steady wear and tear the oHi cor has the power to attend to repairs at once. Where, works are of a larger undertaking such its defective culverts or drains, or new works re-

quired. proposals with estimates are prepared, and submitted to the Council at the earliest opportunity. In this way there is a degree of supervision earned out, which is not possible under

ordinary conditions. Councillors do not make frequent or even regular visits to various parts of the town. The more regularly used thoroughfares, of course, come under observation, but the baekblneks so to speak, must suffer a certain degree of negeh t because they

are out of the beaten path. The Conned has its lommittees to attend to special departments of civic work, but here again there is not that continuous inspection possible, as in the ease of a manager. The suggestion therefore

(o place on the principal outdoor officers, a degree of authority of an executive order, lias its value, (liven an officer of activity and enthusiasm, the results

can hardly be* otherwise than beneficial. It can lie understood very readily that were an alert officer going about with his eyes open, 1 e must see many small matters for immediate attention. The sum of those added together would mean a good deal in the comfort and convenience of the ratepayers using the thoroughfares. It would lie well therefore if the suggestion were to have a

fair trial—the overseer to he given a free hand in his attention to works as they present themselves. This enlarged authority will not of course relieve councillors of their authority or duty in regard to civic affairs. The obligation is upon them always to attend to and watch the interests of the ratepayers and the town. But it can be realised very easily that under well directed leadership a considerable improvement can lie brought alsiiit in town management. At this juncture it is well to emphasise also that the time is ripe for more permanent works such as tar-sealing and concreting. Many footpaths require attention in this matter, and the decision to attend

to some of the principal thoroughfares is certainly a long time in being brought to pass. Permanent work of the character referred to will lx? very effective in adding to the improvement of the town, and as the Council is of one mind on tile subject, the task should not he delayed any longer. There is room for a good deal of improvement in civic management, and the present opportunity is the chance to give more progressive ideas a trial. For that, reason it is to he hoped there will l>e a forward movement, and the endeavour to olieet a reform which will l>e all to the future value of the town.