The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1898-06-16

line of breakage Of the entire Stare. In
April, 1896, his breakage is one half
per cent, which is one-Quarter per
cent. less il April 1895, than in April,
1896.
Now, I ask that you give this subject
of breakage your attention and see if
we cannot devise some plan to reduce
these amounts very materially.
\ very serious matter requires our
attention IL The management of the va
rious dispenSaries throughout the State
as regards the duties of the county
boards. Many of them give such little
attention to their duties as to be alb
solutely worthless, and in many in
stances are a hindrance instead of
help in the dispensary management.
Many of them keep no account Of the
stock of goods charged against the dis
penSers 4: consumers prices, and do
not know whether the county dispenser
makes q correct showing or not. In
nearly every instance where we have
found dispensers short to us at our ILL.,
voice prices, the county boards have
been and are unable to find the amount
of the dispensers shortage to the
county. This shows that they keep no
account against the dispensers at con-
sumers' prices, as they should do in or
der to determine the dispensers short
age to the county, and to properly
know at any time just how he stands
in regard to the city and county's
profits.
When the State finds them short
oh 20 %L, -
at our invoice prices, the county boards
having nothing charged against them
at consumers prices; they profit at the
expense of the county and city. This
gives the business entirely to the dis
penser, and not the county; we must
try to find remedy to check this dere.
LECTION of duty. and get the county
boards to keep their dispensers
straight, and thus save the county and
cities their profits.
l suggest that we require our book
keeper to charge each dispenser, in ad-
dition to our invoice price to dispensers,
the dispensers prices to consumers, so
when we send our inspectors to check
consumers price, and he checks the
dispenser aud holds him accountable
for every cent received and disbursed
to county, city and State.
One of the great hindrances to the
successful management OF the dispen-
sary system is the elncompetency OF some
of the county dispensers who are elect
ed by the county boards of control.
While it is true he cannot be confirmed
until this board approves the action OF
the county board, vet We fail to inquire
into his qualification or competency. |
uggest that before dispenser is al
lowed to take charge of dispensary he
be required to report at this Office to be
examined as to his qualification and
competency.
In reporting these matters for con-
sideration l do not mean to be under
stood as having reference to all county
boards and county dispensers, but
there are too many to give them singly,
and while my language may seem
harsh, nv interest IN the welfare and
success of the dispensary demands that
I.speak plainly, and make an effort to
eradicate existing evils that lie in the
path of the successful management of
the dispensary.
In conclusion, permit me to say that
under the splendid business manage.
meEt of Commissioner Vance, assisted
by efficient and willing clerks and sup
erintendents, each and every one know
ing his duty, and doing it. and working
in perfect harmony. the success of the
dispensary is an assured fact.
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