MUNICIPAL REFORM

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 55, 29 November 1923, Page 3

MUNICIPAL REFORM

NEED FOR MORE DEFINITE POLICY » CIVIC LEAGUE ADVOCACY Municipal reform was the subject of some pointed reference in the report presented to the annual meeting of the Civic Iveague by tho secretary (Mr. D. McLaren) ou Tuesday night. “Without wishing to cast reflections on any one,” said Mr. McLaren, “it has been borne in upon members of the league that there is considerable need for reform in the city’s administrative affairs, and, also, the determination of more definite lines of policy for future action. The league sought the appointment of an investigation committee by the City Council, and such committee was appointed. A first report has come from that committee dealing with tho purchase of stores and supplies, and in adopting that report we consider the council has made a step forward. At the same time we believe that a great deal more requires to be done. The hope may he expressed that desires for change in the direction of improvements shall not he treated in any partisan spirit or as disparaging past services, but that betterment of system, methods and application shall be pursued on the merits of the actual needs existing. “The city’s financial position, showing an increase of nearly two million pounds in loan indebtedness, whiJcn debt will amount to nearly five millions when the loans authorised are raised, calls for careful thought. Our annual charges are rapidly increasing, with the result of increases in rates, which seem likely’ to continue. Hus position, we think, cannot he met by indulgence in a mood of pessimism or the cutting out of essential services. What seems to be required is the service of the most expert financial advice the city can secure, and the institution of economies in expenditure wherever waste and loss are indicated. The league, in comtnxm with mitny citizens not attached to it, is not satisfied that the city is receiving the best results from the very heavy annual expenditure shown from the general fund of the city, and therefore urges the need for continued reform in city administration.”