COUNCIL'S DECISION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 190, 24 July 1940, Page 5

COUNCIL'S DECISION

+ ENGINEER ESSENTIAL IN PRESENT POSITION SEQUEL TO OFFER OF ARMY COMMISSION o At the County Council meeting yesterday a Finance Committee recommendation adopted was that having regard to the Council's ligations to its residents and ratepayers under the Wliakatane Emergency Precautions Scheme and the fact that the Engineer occupies a key position, the Council should indicate to the military authorities that it is unable to release Mr Breb ner at present. This recommendation followed the receipt of a letter from Mr C. H. Brebner, County Engineer, in which he stated that he was advised jfoy Major Henry that the Army Department was strengthening the Territorial Army, Major Henry conveying the request of the authorities that Mr Brebner should accept an appointment as a first lieutenant in a mounted machine gun squadron on the strength of his 1914-18 war .service and his engineering knowledge. If he accepted the commission, wrote Mr Brebner, he would be required to go into camp in A'ugust for a period of two piontljis and for a further period from January next. Mr Brebner said that his decision was delayed solely on account of leave and financial con- ' siderations. He asked the Council to state whether it would grant the I required leave, or, alternatively, in- ( dicate if he would be required to i forego all his salary and allowances < while serving with the forces. i Cr McCracken, Chairman of the j Finance Committee, explained thai ] that committee w r as of the opinion that the Engineer's services at thjs < present time were of more value to ] the County and these views were : confirmed by the County Chairman and Cr McGougan, who said that it was a wise decision.