BOARD OF WARDENS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 128, 21 July 1870, Page 5

BOARD OF WARDENS.

(To tlie Editor of the Tuapeka Times.)

Sir, — I was glad to see in your issue of 23rd June your leading article in reference to the Board of Wardens, and was fully expecting to see the matter taken up by some of our cattleowners or by the Wardens themselves. I quite agree with you — the Board for all purposes, except playing into the hand of the Government, has been a farce, and, unless some power is delegated to it, it matters little whether we have a Board or not, for it appears to me, as at present constituted, its whole duty consists in meeting four or five times a year to act the spy against neighbours, and in behalf of the Government.

Now, sir, I think to make the Board of Wardens really a benefit to the district, the present regulations should be abolished, and something liberal and enlightened substituted. I would suggest the following : — 1. I would divide the district into two, making the Waitahuna

River the boimdary between the two districts, each district to have a Board of its own of five members. 2. The Boards should have power to frame a code of bye-laws suitable to and in accordance with the wishes of those interested, taking into consideration the different qualifications with a view to limitation. 3. The Boards 'should also have the power to readjust tho assessment fees on the sliding scale principle, and in accordance with the value of cattle at the beginning of each term of office, the management not to exceed 2£ per cent, of the annual value of a herd, averaging them, say at two years old, the mininum never to fall below 1^ per cent. One. third of the gross amount of each district to be left at the disposal of the Board for district road purposes. At present we are paying 12 per pent, on the annual value of our herds, and goodness knows we get little enough for it, and that little is yearly getting less. I would do away with the Inspector, and allow the two Boards to elect a Ranger, and in case of a tie of votes, th© Superintendent to have the casting vote ; in all cases the Ranger to be subject to his approval. I think by such a course a considerable saving would be effected. I have thrown out these hints, hoping that, as we are on the eve of an election, to bring about a discussion of the subject, and with a view to return men pledged to have complete control over the pastoral interest of this district, or at once wash their hands of the whole affair. I am afraid, sir, T am asking too much space, but my desire to improve our present depressed condition must be my excuse ; and although it may be a little egotistical on my part, I do think if something is drawn up in tho spirit of the foregoing, it will materially assist us. — I am &c, Z Lawrence, July 9th, 1870