COUNTY ACCOUNTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 188, 16 August 1901, Page 3

COUNTY ACCOUNTS.

AN IMPORTANT DEPUTATION

(By Telegraph—Press Association.] Wellington, last night.

A deputation waited on Sir Joseph Ward to-night, and presented him with a ! petition from certain ratepayers of Kiwitea County praying for a special audit of the County accounts under Section 187, of the Counties Act, 1886. It was pointed out that though the investigation asked for concerned accounts of ono County only, the principles involved were of vital importance to all Counties, and the deputation was anxious to havo the audit held as soon as possible, so that much valuable information might be laid before Parliament as to the working of the present Act before the new Counties Rill came up for consideration. As a further illustration of the position, it was pointed out that the Hutt County Council, in passing its last balance-sheet, carried the following addendum : “ Settled as audited, but this Council is of opinion that the method insisted on by the Audi-tor-General of this statement of accounts is open to objection, inasmuch as the statement does not show the true financial position of each riding.” Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, said that he understood what was required, and lie would give it his immediate attention. If ho found that he had a proper statutory power to do so, ho would have great pleasure in acceding to the request of the deputation.