The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1888. The responsibilities of Treasurers.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 3017, 1 October 1888, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1888. The responsibilities of Treasurers.

In it case recently heard by the Cbristchurch Resident Magistrate, it was decided that the Stewards of & certain meeting were not liable for stakes lint that the Treasurer of the Club was the responsible party. This judgment is based upon racing rules as well as upon law, and will probably suggest to tho numerous family of honorary treasurers throughout the Colony a feeling of anxiety from which they have not hitherto been Rufferers. It is indeed, not only in racing, but we fear in many other local enterprises that of late financial difficulties have been encountered; Our experiences, in New Zealand teach ih that all sorts and conditions of clubs and societies have been drifting into difficulties, and have been unable to meet their engagements in the manner in which they ought to be met. It is not too much to say that a considerable number of local ■ institutions which are endorsed by the names of the best settlers in the Colony are, with respect to their finances, very much demoralised. It is, of course not admitted by those interested in such institutions that they are ir. a bad way. In private conversation members are wont to deplore the straits into which they, are reduced, but in their reports and at their meetings their affairs are presented as if they were exceedingly flourishing, It is not considered expedient to face difficulties which undoubtedly exist, hut this suppression of any unpleasant or unpalatable truths is attended with certain advantages. Some of the best and more valuable patrons of such institutions display a marked inclination to sever their connection with them and in this* way they become weaker than if they owned up as to their positions, and took the necessary steps to right themselves, We are glad than an authoritative decision has been given in a. Magistrates Court as to the liability of Treasurers, All over New Zealand people have got into a lax way of dealing with public money, Between careless Secretaries, careless Treasurers, and careless Auditors, numberless public bodies have worked into a condition in which no; particular 'individual officer feels himself to be the' responsible person when a deficiency bns to be provided for, We have known Treasurers treat their responsibilities so lightly as to sign as many blank cheques as their Secretaries' might desiro filled in, and we have known Secretaries require blank cheques signed foi their own personal accomodation. Is it any wonder with ell rouqii laxity emphasised oi&KOBally

by ; incapacity, public liodiosgotinto a tnngle, and their Managers have to report to all sorts of ebiftH mid expedionta to cover tho extent of their impequuiosity. It is time to address a word , of warning to thoso. who undertake publio. dutioa in order that they may realize the fact that in undertaking .certain positions of honor they also asMiihe certain responsibilities which cannot be lightly disregarded, ■ Wo hope there will be no more washing of dirty linen in R.M. Courts 08 liaaheen the case at-Ohrist-church, and that tho word of warning given, them by tho ■ B,M. will bo sufficient to mitlte Treasurers sensible of their obligations, We must realize that we cannot .altogether afford ,to manage our affairs in the future in tho "happy go lucky" stylo which has characteiised the; past, Tieasavera iro now being made to toe the line, and though bringing -snob officials into place may be attended with a certain amount of inconvenience to the bodies for which : they act,"the outcome will be a sounder and more wholesome administration of sporting and other 'enterprises'..;' ' •