THE Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1879.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 67, 18 April 1879, Page 2

THE Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 1879.

The remaiks made by Mi Ward at the sitting of the Assessment Court on "Wednesday last, are well worthy of perusal by all who take part in the administration of local government. They were characterised by sound judgment, and a desire to promote the welfare of the district. This year both the Foxton Local Board and the Manawatu highways Board were in difficulties regarding the valuation list. The irst list prepared by the former was thrown out on a purely technical ground ; whilst the valuers for the latter body were compelled to obtain an extension of time, owing to the Board's appointment not having been made sufficiently early to enable them to complete their work in the period allowed by law. In each case, this eiror might by ordinary care on the part of the body interested have been prevented. This care, however, seems to be a rare quality in corporate bodies. The usual plan would appear to be toappointan officer, and throw the whole onus upon him, leaving him pretty much to his own devices, with the expectation that somehow or other things will turn out rightly. Such a course frequently results in confusion. Mr Ward holds" that the law recognises the body, and nob the officer as responsible for the proper completion of the valuation list, and there** fore he considers it the duty of the former to watch carefully that every step the law requires is properly taken by the officer under its control. This would undoubtedly entail on the members of the local governing bodies a small amount of work, in reading up the Acts referring to the question, but men who aspire to the honor of administering laws they are too idle to become conversant with, should retire, and give place to those who appreciate the obligations which go hand in hand with position. The Government evidently take precisely the same view as Mr "Ward, having issued a circular a month or two ago to the effect that only in special cases would they grant an extension of time for the preparation of the valuation lists. This fact should be borne in mind regarding future valuations, as, if a local body is behind in the preparation of its rate list, and no extension is granted, the whole amount of rates tor the year would be lost, and also the subsidy of £ for £ upon rates collected. Thus the whole machinery of the body would be for a year brought to a stand still for want of funds. We think Mr Ward's pithy remarks upon the whole question are well worthy of consideration.