THE KAIKOURA STAR KAIKOURA, OCT. 8, 1897

Kaikoura Star, 8 October 1897, Page 3

THE KAIKOURA STAR KAIKOURA, OCT. 8, 1897

Attempt was made by the Chairman of the Dairy Company to exclude our reporter from the meeting of its Directors at the commencement, last Saturday. That he was unsuccessful redounds to the credit of the majority who decided not to view matters through his jaundiced spectacle’s—pity it is that he is not possessed of the wisdom and intelligence of his paternal ancestor. The publication of certain letters in the Star appear to have disturbed his mind, otherwise he might not have acted so foolishly. The sooner he understands that the shareholders want our reporter to attend the meetings of Directors the sooner will he discontinue his unwise efforts to shut him out. The Chairman will do the Company more good by being frank with the shareholders; by making free use of the Star to convey to the shareholders information about the affairs of the Company ; and by withholding no information that the shareholders are entitled to learn. He may be surprised when we state that he has not been frank with the shareholders in the past; that, to go no further, the last Balance Sheet is faulty in its construction, and its composition will not bear strict analysis. This will come as a great surprise to him, and will probably meet with denial, but what we state is founded on fact.

The Wellington Guardian— edited by an able actuary, who has done much toexpose various financial shams, including the J. G. Ward Company’s affairs—tn noting the correspondence recently published in the Star on Dairy Company matters, and in com-

menting on our footnote to one letter, wherein we quoted the Article of Association governing the payment of net profits to milk suppling shareholders, says : ‘ On the face of this (the ‘Article) it would certainly appear ‘singular that the Chairman and ‘ Secretary should contemplate an act ‘ which there seems little doult would ‘be ultra vires of their articles.’ The Guardian asks for copies of the Company’s Articlesand Balance Sheets —we purpose supplying them.

It is as well that the affairs of the Kaikoura Dairy Factory should be regarded as a district asset to be carefully dealt with : one that requires proper treatment; an institution about which no secrecy should obtain; no hole and corner work be allowed to creep in. In short, a venture that ever courts the fullest investigation as to its proceedings.

Angmentation of the staff at the disposal of the District Surveyor appears to be the only official way in which the work of cutring up the remainder of the local Crown Lands can be expeditiously performed. It is not the only way, however. The work could be faciliated by letting portions of it by contract to private surveyors. Either one method or the other—,i.e.: increase of the staff or contract work—should be insisted upon by the meeting of settlers to be held tomorrow. It is unfair to those who want land to be kept out of it when the Crown has some for disposal; it is impolitic for the Crown to stand in the way of putting men in such a position as will enable them to render the Public Estate more profitable and to advance their own interests. It is wrong, in every way, to delay land settlement when delay can be prevented by the adoption of such means as will commend themselves to everyone who desires the welfare of the people furthered.

Additional population invariably means increased judicial work. The settlement of Cheviot has only fairly consolidated ere it is found that the sitting of a Stipendiary Magistrate is required at intervals. The Govt have agreed to the holding of a Court there, which will involve extra work on an already overworked Magistrate, if Mr Bishop’s field is to be extended. It would be a good thing were the Council’s of the Counties of Amuri, Cheviot and Kaikoura to confer and, agreeing, urge the Government to appoint a Stipendiary Magistrate for the three Counties, and part of that of South Marlborough. Were they successful in obtaining the establishment of such a judicial charge, and in having Mr A. W. Ingles appointed the Stipendiary Magistrate for the district they would accomplish something of which they might jointly plume themselves. In Mr Ingles the country would have an excellent Magistrate. We would like to see action taken in the direction suggested.