THE TOWN CLERK.

Manawatu Herald, 12 April 1898, Page 2

THE TOWN CLERK.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MANAWATD HBBALD.

Sir, — In your issue of the 7th inst. you invite suggestions from ratepayers as to the best method to be adopted in the appointment o£ a Town Clerk, and I therefore take this opportunity of expressing my opinions on the subject. In the first place the Town Clerk should be a good accountant and a man of sufficient education to enable him to satisfactorily carry out the various duties that his position involves. Ot course it is the duty of the Council to give this every attention when considering the applications.

Briefly speaking I would divide the various offices into three groups — say firstly town clerk, at a salary of £60 per annum, whose duties would be town clerk, treasurer, valuer, and returning officer for local elections; secondly, I would combine the offices of librarian and inspector of nuisances at a salary of £20 per annum, with free house, firing and lighting ; thirdly, I would appoint a working overseer, whose duties would be to take charge of all roads, make up estimates for road work, keep the men's time, look after and take over contracts, and report to monthly meetings of council, the pay to be six shillings per day with an extra £15 a year. I would point out that if my suggestions as regards overseer were adopted it would save councillors a great deal of unnecessary running about. Of course the overseer of works would take his orders from the mayor. It will be seen that according to my distribution of offices the various salaries would amount to £95 per annum, and the work would be given to men best qualified to carry it out. I am, &c, George Nye, Senr. Foxton, April nth, iBgB.