THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1920. EDITORIAL NOTES.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 10 November 1920, Page 2

THE OTAKI MAIL. Published on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1920. EDITORIAL NOTES.

County I'inance. We have pleasure in congratulating the Horotvhenua County Council on the satisfactory condition of its finances. A few years back the financial affairs of this county were in a serious condition. The overdraft hail mounted up to a huge figure, which meant that hundreds —nay, thousands —of pounds were being sunk annually in the payment of interest, and the straightened condition of the ex chequer caused delay in the execution of necessitous works, which, through neglect at the proper time, meant an added ezeenditure later on. However, the overdraft is a thing of the, past, having been completely wiped off, and while there are many important works that might well be undertaken, the conduct of county affairs is being, satisfactorily carried out, and ratepayers, oi. the whole, appear to have comparaI tively little to grumble at. What is the I reason for this great change in a revshort yearn 1 Allowing for other contributing factors, we thing we may safely answer this question in one brief sentence: Efficient office control and able chairmanship. The eulogies ’ passed on the County Clerk and Treasurer (Mr P. W. Goldsmith) were fully deserved. When he assumed office only a few- years ago he found the countyfund in a straightened condition, and the business affairs of the Council in a state of general muddle. By 'steady work, combined with foresight, business ability and tact. Mr Goldsmith soon got a grip of affairs, and has worked wonders for the County Council. He richly deserves all the thanks that have been extended to him by the councillors and ratepayers. At the same time, the ratepayers owe a deeo debt of gratitude to their able chairman (Cx. G. Alex. Monkj, who. during his lengthy term of office, ha.jeaistained a masterly grasp } >£ fpanty affair- ***** fc - &SSB- e -' e bn every fcßji* ness transaction, and thoroughly conversant with every phase,of county work.." With all' due ry spent to the good work done by pre- j Vious county ..hpirmen. Cr. Monk has j proved an outstanding mat for .the ! position, and ratepayers owe much of j the smooth running of county affairs. | and the efficient and economical" —anagsmeut oi its business to. their ] present chairman.

The County Roads.

It. has long been, recognised that the old methods of road-making are a_ thing of the past. The innovation of motor traffic has completely altered the road requirements, and wkat.jvasat one time considered a first-class, good-wearing thoroughfare now fails in the test, and goes to pieces in a very short time. Now methods must be adopted to meet the new conditions. In a county like Horowhenua, which has some fifty-five miles of main arterial road to maintain, this mattei of road construction and maintenance is a particularly important one, and must be faced in the near future. In his report to the County Council a,t last meeting the chairman (Cr. H. Alex. Monk) referred at length to this matter. Mr Monk advocates, in view of the shortage of money, that the matter of laying down permanent roads be delayed for a time, suggesting that it is better to go on. for tlic time being, with rollers, scarifiers and crushers. The public would, we believe. readily vote for a loan for permanent road construction, but there C much to lie said in favour of the County Chairman’s advice. The Prime Minister strongly urges on all local bodies the necessity for prudence, in view of the unsettled condition of the money market, and advocates that none but urgent corks be put in hand for the time being. Another reason for delay is the fact that expert differ as to the best methods of road construction, and a little later on Horowhenua could take advantage of the experiments that are being carried on iu various parts of Mew Zealand. Certainly this matter cannot lie delayed much longer, but, for the reasons so ably expounded by Cr. Monk, we thigh the delay suggested —for a short time only—is wise counsel.