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Dunstan Times, Issue 763, 1 December 1876, Page 2

The very important error in the qualification clause of the “ Counties Act,” by which all holders of property outside of boroughs, resident within boron qhs, but who have not included such properties in their qualifications on the electoral roll are debarred from

either voting at or taking any . part in the management of tho county in which such property is situate, wo think, should bo’ brought under tho notice of tho resident Government agent for the provincial district of Otago, tho Hon. George M'Lean, and his opinion'sought as to whether tho Act in this particular wiH bo carried oat literally. We never can believe that it was the intention of either tho House of Representatives or of the Legislative Council to confine to residents only tho management and control of tho county. Such an assumption is too monstrous, even for a moment to bo entertained, and we opine that the very great injustice it would inflict in many quarters merely requires to be pointed out to warrant a moro liberal interpretation than it bears at first glance. That there are plenty, and to spare, of men resident outside of boroughs fully competent to undertake tho administration of the Counties Act in its every particular we do .not assume to doubt, but wo{ think there are a few who, by a too liberal reading are excluded from sitting at the County Board, would 'bo on acquisition rather than otherwise. The business of managing the affairs of a municipality or borough is in many respects similar to that of a county, and the presence at a county council of some Who have served an apprenticeship df ten or eleven years to municipal workings, and thereby become versed in tho orb of local self-government, could not be other than advantageous. A stronger reason to urge, perhaps, would be the very great injustice that will be inflicted on those possessing property being shut out from tho County Board at its inauguration ; it would be well, however, to bear in mind it .will only bo then, as the first roll made under tho County authority their names will be inserted by virtue of their holdings. At the starting of the County business the more practical experience that can be broubiitobear will be well and tbejmorelikely that it will continue without a bitch. We have no idea that Mr M’Lean will be enabled to meet "the difficulty, tho trouble, however, to one ormore of the municipalities of writing letters would be but trifling, wo therefore advise that it should bo done, and and that if possible before tho instructions to elect the County Councils are issued.