The Local Government Board Auditor, Mr Courtenay Croker, has raised serious concerns about the Limerick Corporation’s accounts for the year ending March 31, 1900. Among the various issues highlighted in the report, the Waterworks Department is called out for its lack of organization and oversight, particularly in the handling of water rents and rates. The report mentions an increasing list of arrears due to errors, duplicate charges, and unrecoverable items, which have accumulated over the years, exposing deficiencies in their record-keeping process. The absence of a standardized system and the practice of allowing a subordinate official to fix charges on a building without any oversight makes it difficult for the auditor to verify these charges.
Moreover, the report also notes a disturbing practice within the Night Watch. Sick pay allowances, which should be temporary, appear to be granted for indefinite periods and are evidently being used to replace superannuation allowances which the Corporation is not empowered to give in such cases. Mr Courtenay Croker warns that these inappropriate allowances could lead to surcharges in the future.
The auditor’s report on the Limerick Corporation’s accounts serves as a wake-up call for the organization to address these long-standing problems and enact necessary reforms to streamline their operations, ensure transparency, and improve financial management. By doing so, they can prevent future disputes, recover lost revenue, and regain the trust of their constituents.
Northants Evening Telegraph – Friday 21 June 1901
