METHODS AND PROBLEMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 313

has the type of mind which can rapidly grasp facts and judge
their importance, he need not be a mere figurehead. The
permanent official can advise about methods, and warn about
cost; but the making of constructive decisions rests with the
elected politician. The law of the land provides maxima and
minima of Council activity; it is the Councillors themselves
who can determine policy between these limits- Only if they
are devoid of ideas, or lack the energy to study reports and
agenda will the locality be ruled' by the officials. A Council
which has a clear policy in view will not be hampered for lack
of willing and competent officials, provided its conditions of
service are such as to attract ability.

Since a Council has so many jobs to give, from that of Town
Clerk to that of labourer, there is opportunity for corruption.
Responsible posts can be given to the friends and relatives of
Councillors, and work on roads and the like, to supporters of the
majority party. A similar opportunity arises when contracts for
public works are being granted; and a dishonest Councillor
might, in return for a bribe, reveal the future intentions of the
Council concerning purchase of property, to persons who stand
to gain from such advance knowledge. The accusation that
municipal Government is corrupt is not infrequently made, but
it should be said that the amount of evidence produced is small.
A large proportion of this gossip must be ascribed to the malice
of disappointed contractors and defeated candidates for. the
Council, or to persons who lack interest in the public services
and dislike paying rates. It is always open to those possessed of
definite evidence to lay it before the Minister of Health, who
would certainly take action. From time to time, however, cases
arise which show that the level of honesty is not so high in local
as in Central Government. The apathy of electors makes it
easier for self-seeking people to become Councillors; the lack of
a uniform system of staff recruitment permits the occasional
entry into local Government service of officials who disgrace an
honourable profession. The wiser Councils handle the problem