THE OFFICIAL ASSIGNEE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 88, 25 March 1902, Page 2

THE OFFICIAL ASSIGNEE.

The visit, of Mr. Lwton, the official assignee for Auckland, in whose district the aorthern portion of Taranak is included, calk attention to the need of a rearrangement of the bankruptcy districts of the colony. At present there are a stated number of official assignees who receive a fixed salary, [and so far the system works satisfactorily. In addition, however, there are a large number of sub-districts, of which New Plymouth is one and Hawera another. In these subdisfcricta a deputy official assignee is appointed, who has to earn a precarious living out of fees and commission It is unnecessary to enlarge on the unsatisfactory result of this state of things. One result is that a capable, busy man will not take the po?itioo, i because generally the estates which giye the mest trouble give the least return. We are indnc.?d to make these remarks because we understand the gentleman holding the position of D.O.A. at New Plymouth has resigned through pressure of business, and there is some difficulty in getting anyone to take the position. It appears to us ! that the time is opportune for approaching the Minister for Justice, who is expected to pass through New Plymouth in a few days, and ask him to bring the matter before his colleagues. What is really wanted is a rearrangement of the districts, and an increase in the number of paid official assignees. The circumstances of the colony have

altered considerably since the number of official assignees was fixed. Population ha 3 largely increased, and the settled area widely extended. At the j prebent moment a paid officer has had to be sent from Wellington to fill the ■ position, and it certainly would be in jt be interests of all parties if Taranaki j we s created a district, and an official (assignee permanently appoiuted. If. the Glrtmbjr of Commerce and tht j legal fraternity svero to take tin. (matter up heartily we have little | doubt bur. that the appointment we • suggest would be made.