The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1909-12-14
Buy your Christmas gifts at Boyce's.
The County Clerk

Harry L. Knight, the new Clerk OF
Burlington county, took possession of his
Office yesterday morning. He gave a
bond in the sum of $4,000, which was
signed by Henry P. Thorn, Frank Reilly,
Charles P. Kirkbride, Samuel Garwood,
Henry j. Trick and John B. Mingin.
The salaries, which have been the fruit
full subject of discussion for the past few
weeks, and about which there have been
more fairy" tales than any other topic,
have been settled to the satisfaction of the
Clerk, who seems to be the proper person
to consult. although that did not appear
to be idea of at least one man. The prices
to be paid are as follows: Two men in the
downstairs room, 81, 400. This sum, 1t
is reported, will be divided between John
W. Harris and Lawrence G. Mingin. the
former getting $1,000 as search clerk.
There will not be any deputy clerk.
In order that the new clerk may become
acquainted with the duties of his office
Judge Horner has appointed Charles NJ
Atkinson, deputy under Mr.. Sooy, to give
assistance and instruction. He will be
retained for six weeks, possibly longer if
necessary, at salary of $3.50 per month.
All of the actions of Judge Horner in con-
nection with the salaries seem to have
been on liberal basis. at least that is the
way it will appear to the general public.
The transcribing clerks will be paid
salaries ranging from $50 to $S5 per
month, according to efficiency and useful
ness. A stenographer will be allowed
who will get $45 per month. The force
will be as follows: John w. Harris, search
clerk; William Mingin, assistant; Miss
Madge Huff, stenographer; Mrs. Dayies,
Misses Blanche Travis and Charlotte
Oliphant, transcribing clerks. All of the
assistants are residents of Mount Holly,
with the exception of Mr.. Mingin.
The Office now begins on the new sys-
tenn of salary instead of fees and 1t re-
mains to be seen whether the county will
be gamer thereby. During the dis
cussion of the salary problem 1t was
remarked that a good search clerk could
bring into the county treasury net sum
equal to his salary. On that proposition
1t was suggested that the search clerk
be allowed fifty per cent. of the fees he
collects, thus inspiring him to hunt for
business, not only for his own benefit, but
for that of the county. This suggestion
was open to objection and it was thought
best to try the salary basis for at least
year. AS Mr.. Knight has undoubtedly
secured search clerk who has the ability
to fill the position, and one who has had
considerable experience in that line and
one who takes great pleasure In such
work, it is very likely that there will be
handsome showing In this particular
branch before the end of the official year.
The old clerk has stepped down and
out. A new system has been inaugurated,
and the incoming clerk has before him all
the knowledge that is necessary for him
to start in with the determination that the
County Clerks Office shall be so conducted
as to leave no room for criticism in any
way. Mr.. Knight has the ability to make
model officer He is the County Clerk
and he is the man who will feel the re-
sponsibility and to whom the people will
look for the administration of the office.
There is no fear of the result so far as he
is concerned.