COUNTY CLERKS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 277, 23 November 1936, Page 3

COUNTY CLERKS

THE WELLINGTON BRANCH NEW LEGISLATION EFFECT OF RURAL DISTRICTS The annual conference of the Wellington district branch of the New Zealand Institute of county clerks was held on Thursday at the offices of the Kairanga County Council, Palmerston North. The president, Mr. F. H. Hudson, presided, and the following members were present: H. H. Richardson (Rangitikei), A. K. Drew (Manawatu), D. L: Crooks (Dannevirke), V/. L. Hesseltine (Kiwitea), E. W. Eunson (Akitio), J. C. D. Mackley (Masterton), M. W. Graham (Woodville), J. Freethy (Weber), N. W. Richardson (Eketahuna), J. Hutton (Pahiatua), A. E. Orgias (Pohangina), N. 1. Nielson (Kairanga). Associate members present were: S. L. Orr (Manawatu), S. L. Kent (Manawatu). K. E. Power (Masterton), F. L. Nicol (Rangitikei), R. E. Barnes (Masterton). J. McAlister (Horowhenua), and R. O’Callaghan. (Masterton). Members from other branches also attended, these being H. F. Robinson (Cook), J. W. Harding (Hawera), G. Darby shire (Wanganui), and F. Bolt (Waipawa). The government audit inspector, Mr. E. G. Fuller, was also present. Apologies for absence were received from: H. R. Robinson (Hutt), C. Campbell (Stratford), G. J. Broker (Patea), H. Hardinge (Featherston), E. T. Beaven ( Wairarapa South), O. Grant (Featherston), T. A. Jones (Wairarapa South), H. Hobday (Waimat e West). A. R. Tiplady (Egmont), A. R. Carley (Taranaki). R. Brown (Rangitikei), C. McKenzie (Rangitikei). Tribute was paid by Messrs H. H. Richardson (the newly elected president) and A. K. Drew to the splendid services rendered by (he retiring president, Mr. F. 11. Hudson during his term of office of eight years since the inception of the society. Mr. Hudson stated that he regretted having to retire from the position but felt that in handing over to Mr. Richardson the institute had a very able leader. In his opening remarks the president. Mr. F. H. Hudson, expressed his pleasure at being able to welcome members to the eighth annual meeting of (he branch, and said that since the last meeting new and interesting developments had found their way into the realm of county administration and were now in the process of being tested in Ihe light of actual experience. “I refer to statutory provisions,” said Mr. Hudson, “which have a direct or indirect bearing upon the welfare of county councils and maybe briefly touched upon as follows: Primary Products Marketing Act, 1936: This enactment is designed to protect as far as possible the producers of primary products from the effect of fluctuation in the market price. The principal of the Act has, as all members will be aware, only been extended to dairy-produce up to the present and provides that as soon as any dairy produce is placed on board any ship for export from New Zealand the same becomes the property of the Crown. The prices to be paid by the Crown shall from lime Io time be fixed by the GovernorGeneral by Order in Council. As to the merits or otherwise of this Act it is not within our province 1o discuss, but it is of importance to recognise the bearing that the same should have upon the actual rateable income of counties particularly concerned. I think it has been evident to those directly associated with county administration that the uncertainty of rateable revenue during the past few years and the complications consequent upon the operations of stay-orders and other hurdles have militated against a comprehensive and confident long range of planning of rural development. Mortgagors and Lessees Rehabilitation Act 1936: The general purpose of this Act in relation to farmer ap plicants is to retain them in the use and occupation of lheir farms as efficient producers and to make such adjustments of lheir liabilities as will ensure that the liabilities secured on any property do not exceed the value of that property, that the rent of any leasehold property does not exceed the rental value of that property and that the total amount and terms of payment: of all their liabilities (whether secured or unsecured) are such that, after allowing for all normal current expenditure and providing for the maintenance of themselves and their families in a reasonable standard of comfort the applications may reasonably be expected to meet their liabilities as they become due. either out of their own monies or by borrowing on reasonable terms. Applications for adjustment of liabilities must be filed before January 31, 1937. There appears to be an element of doubt as to the operation of section 55 (5) of the Act in relation to rates and this point will require elucidation in the near future. Main Highways Amendment Act 1936: 'Phis particular Act has unquestionably an important bearing upon the future administration of rural areas and will be more clearly evidenced as main highways are from time to time classified as state high-

ways by the Main Highways Board with the approval of the Minister. The Act appears to have received the general approval of the community and future developments will be awaited with interest. There however remains the counties that retain loan charges a feeling of unfairness which I believe is justified when credit is given for progressiveness and a sense of public spirit and pride. The Minister of Public Works I understand, acknowledges this viewpoint and proposes as soon as circumstances will permit to give consideration Io the taking over of the whole of the liability attaching to State highways. Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Amendment Act 1936: I imagine that the provisions covered by this legislation have provoked more thought and consideration than any other as far passed by the present. Government as far as the administrative of Council Councils is concerned.

It will take time to affect awards I which will be really suitable to rural [conditions and at the same time the exercise of a large measure of patience and goodwill will be necessary on the part of employers and employees alike if unity and concord are to be achieved and maintained. I somehow feel that ultimately lhe overhaul of working conditions will be found beneficial to both employers and employees but in seeking for a precise working formula in each instance it is well to remember that the link that binds and sustains the element of mutual faith is forged in that indefinable condition where there is a ready I appreciation of the often lauded but 'rarely balanced practice of “give and take.” Statutes Amendment Act 1936: A very useful provision which the counties have desired for some considerable time appears Io have been made ■ in this Act whereby authority is given | for the setting aside of any moneys to form a fund or funds for the repair. renewal, replacement, or improvement of any property, plant, fixture or appliances of the council or for lhe purpose of additional I properly, plant, fixtures or appliances of the class for which the fund or funds is or are so established and for I the investment of such funds. i Concerning himself to matters relating to the institute Mr. Hudson said that he was pleased to record the very cordial reception which was accorded representatives of the Wellington branch when visiting the Taranaki branch in August last and to express his personal appreciation of the efforts which the members of that branch made when arranging their meeting. Owing to the importance of other legislation it has not so far been possible Io make any further advance in connection with the local Govern ment Officers’ Bill but the position is under review from time to time and further action will be taken as I apportunity occurs. Election of Officers. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, Mr. H. H. Richardson; vicepresident, A. K. Drew; secretary and treasurer. Mr. J. C. D. Mack ley; auditor, Mr. J. Hutton; executive. Messrs. F. H. Hudson, N. I. Nielson, and J. Hutton; representative on the New Zealand Institute, Mr. H. H. Richardson. During the conference a discussion took place on the recent industrial legislation and in the afternoon a visit was paid to the Massey Agricultural College.