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known that this had inadequacies but not how serious they were deemed
to be. Again the phraseology of the question was deliberately chosen
to be simple rather than technically adequate. This sufficed for the
majority of treasurers who completed - and returned - the questionnaire
quickly - but caused some confusion among those who gave it deeper
thought. Several added comments which we shall consider in paragraph
2.5.1.13, but their particular concern seemed to be the omission of
the word 'financial', leading them to wonder what sought. Possibly
greater distinction could have been made between C6 - financial control
- and C7 - general control - if the phraseology had been more precise,
but it would also have been longer and risked deterring those who were
happy with brief, quickly answered, questions.
2.5.1.11 - D1 and D2 -
Methods of raising parochial finance
These two questions were largely factual, included to provide
information in areas wherein little was known.
The methods to be used by parishes to raise money is one of
several themes on which opinions differ widely and which consequently
are difficult to handle analytically. In order to obtain an answer
susceptible to analysis and yet not compress latent feeling too much
the Yes/No boxes were supplemented by a space for optional comment -
a facility of which several treasurers availed themselves.
2.5.1.12 - D3 -
Investment advice
This was the sole survivor from a group of questions originally
motivated by feeling that some parishes had at least complex, and
occasionally substantial, bequests to handle. The area however is hazy
and precise questions difficult to phrase. Eventually only the one was
posed but it yielded useful results.
