OUR LOCAL INSTITUTIONS.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3140, 12 March 1879, Page 2

OUR LOCAL INSTITUTIONS.

GEITIGISED. (To the Editor of the Evening Star.)

Sib, —The position of the local govern* ing bodies on the Thames, accepting the information gleaned from their several meetings, is far from being satisfactory. What we are as individuals is exemplified in our action as conmunities. Before offering any solution of the difficnlty, it may not be amiss io enquire into the cause of why is this thus. Local selfgovernment was a wachword, and one of the boons bequeathed by a late Govern* ment; and I appreheUd the position, and that of many other bodies in different parts of the Colony s an evident proof that what under wise administration may be a blessing, may also, under, inexperienced and recklets management, become a very questionable advantage; and I am afraid none of our institutions are free from the latter eril. The Borough is the oldest institution, and after learning a somewhat severe leuson, it seems to be in a more favorable position than any of its younger brethren. Were it not for its eagerness and inclination to help some of the >. more : impecmious brethren it would stand upon vantage ground. Like many good-natured'individuals it will be well if it does not regret "its magnanimity. The Thames Water Supply Corporation was never a healthy child; its constitution was tainted, and, from having too many cooks, the dish is spoiled, 'and appears to be past resuscitation. The disease is too far gone to be benefited by infusion of blood; the building will require to be razed to the ground, and tried, and more experienced workmen employed in its re-erection. The County Council— the pet child of its fathers—haa followed the course of all spoiled children, having • indulged in an expenditure not only tar beyond its means,'but beyond the limit of : its allowance, granted by its indulgent sires, jits action has been to place such a burden on the ratepayers as may bring ruin on the whole district, and will undoubtedly retard improvement for years to come. The Harbour Board if a child of untimely birth, and notwithstanding the help afforded by its brethren', its first nurses were so inexperienced and incompetent" that the, injury will take years to rectify. I This unpleasant and discreditable state of things will require to be met by firmness, and the -monetary difficulties - dealt with cautiously and wisely, avoiding unnecessary and useless expenditure, husbanding their resources, and bringing the expenditure of the whole within the income. Commencing with the Borough, it may be worth the attention of the Counoil to en-

quire if they cannot reduce their official expenditure, and also their permanent staff. I refrain from suggesting where reduction might take place, and leave it to some member of Council to take action thereon. I have already expressed my opinion that the case of the Water Supply Committee is so utterly bad that it will be wisdom to accelerate its death. Now with reference to the County Council the same advice as given to the Borough should be accepted, but much-more comprehensive in its action ; and if they will not see the wisdom of adopting some such rottrM the result will be disastrous to the district, and the Council will require to answer for it. The Harbour Board may profit by the Maorism of " tafhoa."—l am, &c, i A Fbiend.