The Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) Suivant la verite. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1883. COMMITTING TO WRITING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 21, 22 December 1883, Page 2

Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) Suivant la verite. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1883. COMMITTING TO WRITING.

A P'ttA.CTiCE is gradually getting into vogue among certain of pur local Tjodies for tho<e making propositions to submit their resolutions verbally, instead of m writing, as should invariably be the case. The resolution itself .should always be prf served among the official records for future reference, and the practice of not committing; them to writing is liable to be attended with serious complications afc some future time. The Bruce Herald points out, and We hold the same opinion, that it would greatly facilitate the transaction of business at the meetings of local bodies if all motions were carefully worded, written out, and placed m the Chairman's hands by the mover before discussson takes pluce, or action is taken upon them. We have known instances where, for want of this simple process, members have scarcely recognised their own bantlings when seeing them full-pledged m the minutes and others m which they have been compelled to dissent from the' manner m which they have

been reported by the Clerk. The D uned m Morning Herald is of opinon thac reform m this matter is imperative, and considers that it is clearly the duty of the Chief Commissioner fcojremedy this state- of things. But many members of local bodies are almost totally ignorant of the rules under which business is transacted at meetings of administrative or legislative ,bodie3. It would bs an advantage if Tiie Government would cause a small pamphlet of rules of procedure to be prepared for distribution among all local bodies. It would be better still if such rules could be embodied m a short Act .rendering, it imperative upon all such bodies to' strictly adhere to them m die conduct of all their meetings.