CRITICISING INSPECTORS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 20 February 1909, Page 2

CRITICISING INSPECTORS.

It is a very easy matter for a member of a local governing body who is glib of tongue to “ say things” about inspectors or other Government departmental officials without first of all being sure of his facts. The press circulate such extravagant statements, which are responsible for much fuss and enquiry by the heads of departments. Some time ago a member of the Plorowhenua County Council, at ameeting, made certain remarks reflecting on a noxious weeds inspector. The most vvas made of the matter in the press. Then the department made enquiries, and it was ascertained that the glib councillor had been, so he alleged, imposed upon by an impersonator. He had not even met the real inspector. He excused himself by saying that all inspectors should wear badges and talked other twaddle which did not reflect on his intelligence as a pubhc man. 1

We may mention that there is only one noxious weeds and rabbit inspector for the vast district extending from Waikanae in the south to the Rangitikei river, and Ashhurst in the north. This inspector is in the saddle lor hours at a stretch and carries out his duties conscientiously as results prove. He is not a flying machine, but simply an ordinary mortal. The talk about ragwort growing in the middle of Revin, is so much bunkum, and Californian thistle in a certain crop of grain was a distorted statement. If settlers, and particularly members of local bodies, would co-operate with the inspector instead of making rash statements at public meetings, much more good would result. If twenty inspectors were appointed it would then be a physical impossibility to fossick out every patch of noxious weeds in this vast district unless settlers supplied them with information. We have evidence in support of the fact that the present inspector has carried out his duties in a very commendable manner.